Highlands Trail
~18 days · 92.8 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Highlands Trail is known for
Highlands Trail is a 10-14 (thru)-day backpacking route in New Jersey / New York (Highlands).
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 322 ft to 5,177 ft over 92.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 27.1 mi · 29%
- Downhill 30.1 mi · 32%
- Flat 35.5 mi · 38%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Highlands Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Highlands Trail scores 34/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Highlands Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Highlands Trail in about 18 days (17 nights out) over its 92.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Highlands Trail?
The Highlands Trail climbs roughly 13,648 ft total — about 147 ft per mile, topping out near 1,585 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.