Established in 1993, it comprises 1,153 acres (5 km2) of woodlands and wetlands owned and managed by The Nature Conservancy.
Some of the globally imperiled plants found in the area include Torrey's mountain mint (Pycnanthemum torreyi) and basil-leaved mountain mint (Pycnanthemum clinopodioides), which, along with narrow-leaved vervain (Verbena simplex), are also classified as endangered by the state.
The preserve contains geological points of interest, including a traprock basalt glade and rock shelters which have been determined to be sites of prehistoric human habitation.
High Mountain Park Preserve is open to visitors but prohibits fishing, hunting, trapping, collecting, motor vehicles, aircraft, horses and unleashed pets, camping, fires, firearms, rock climbing, spelunking, and feeding of wild animals.
In the summer of 2013, a northern extension of the Red Trail was blazed along the sidewalk of Reservoir Drive to provide access to the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve.