New Jersey
Nature|Hiking

The Trail In New Jersey That Will Lead You On An Adventure Like No Other

The Giant Stairs hike at Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey offers a challenging 4.3-mile trail with stunning views of the New York City skyline.

Published Jul 28, 2020

Written by 

Kristen

New Jersey is home to a wide range of fantastic hiking trails, ranging from beginner-friendly loops to expert level endeavors. The trail featured today is closer to the latter. While it's not incredibly long, coming in at just 4.3 miles, the Giant Stairs hike at Palisades Interstate Park is quite a challenging adventure. Are you up for it?

Address: State Line Lookout, Alpine, NJ 07624

Palisades Interstate Park is a Jersey gem that runs north from Fort Lee along the Bergen County coast and up to Rockland County, New York.

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Doug Schneider Photography/Moment Open Collection/Getty Images

The park's backdrop is the beautiful Palisades Cliffs and its trails provide hikers with not only natural beauty but incredible views of the New York City skyline. Trails are open 30 minutes before sunrise - 30 minutes after sunset.

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Copyright Chase Schiefer. www.chaseschieferphotography.com/Moment Open Collection/Getty Images

While there are several trails to choose from, suitable for varying skill levels, adventurers will want to explore the Great Stairs.

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aoldman/iStock/Getty Images Plus Collection/Getty Images

The 4.3-mile trail is considered difficult due to the rock outcroppings. You'll need to hike nearly a mile over large boulders. This is the largest rock scramble in New Jersey!

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Moelyn Photos/Moment Collection/Getty Images

You'll find the trail head near the State Line Cafe parking lot. Start by following the Long Path, marked in teal.

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G Aquino/Google Maps

You'll come across a scenic overlook and head down towards the water. You'll pass a waterfall (depending on recent rain) and some rope swings on your journey.

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Daniel McGrotty/Flickr

You can find a detailed description of the hiking trail and necessary directions at NJHiking.com. You can also find park and trail maps at NJPalisades.org. The Giant Stairs Hike is not suitable for young children or pets but it's perfect for experienced hikers looking for a thrill. The scenery is spectacular from the State Line Lookout alone and, when the cafe opens again, it's a perfect spot to get a post-hike snack. To get a sneak peek of what you can expect should you desire to traverse this trail, check out the short (but very sweet!) video below by Unboring Exploring.

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Nature|Hiking

The Iconic Trail in New Jersey Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

Follow this iconic trail in New Jersey to Pinwheel Vista and some of the state's best views.

Published Oct 16, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Hiking in New Jersey, whether on a scenic stroll or a challenging path, offers us the unique opportunity to get outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and reconnect with nature. Among the more than 1,400 trails that meander through our beautiful state, a few stand out as a must-hike at least once in our lives. This iconic trail in New Jersey isn’t for the faint of heart but, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with sensational views.

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With a name like Stairway to Heaven Trail, you know you’re in for some downright awe-inspiring views, but first, you must work for them. The 2.6-mile trail, which scores a moderate to difficult rating depending on to whom you talk, features steep climbs and rocky terrain. While the dog-friendly trail is considered kid-friendly by some, come prepared.

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All Trails/iroquois Pliskin

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes or hiking boots to support your ankles and help with footing as you navigate the rocky terrain. Because the initial part of the trail is an uphill climb, gear up for a workout. Hikers recommend pacing yourself to avoid getting tired quickly. Bring water, and even though it’s a relatively short trail, you may also want to have snacks.

Set your GPS for the parking lot along Vernon-Warwick Road in Vernon Township. Since the lot is right off the road, you won’t be able to miss it. Because it has limited spaces, you might want to head out on the trail earlier in the day to ensure you snag a spot. Look for the trailhead to Appalachian Boardwalk after you park. The trail follows along the Appalachian Trail in the beginning.

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All Trails/Paulina Pinzon

Stairway to Heaven begins as an uphill climb, and you may have to scramble at times, but it’s all worth it once you reach Pinwheel Vista. Once at the vista, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Pochuck Valley. Be prepared to deal with crowds along the trail and at the vista, but meeting other hikers is part of the fun of this popular trail. The route back down can be just as challenging, especially with the rocky terrain and slippery conditions after it rains, so take your time.

Have you hiked this iconic trail in New Jersey? What did you think? Was it moderately challenging or hard? Let us know in the comments! Fuel up for your epic adventure or grab a bite afterward at The Lamp Post Inn, a mom-and-pop restaurant in Vernon Township, New Jersey. If you’ve got a free evening or two, turn that day trip into an overnight or weekend getaway by booking a local Vrbo.

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Nature|Hiking

The Remote Destination In New Jersey Where The Drive Is Worth The Final View

Windbeam Mountain casts an imposing visage, but one scenic hike in New Jersey offers an incredible way to see it without a long and challenging trek.

Published Sep 21, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Depending on where you come from, the parks and mountains of North Jersey can be a mighty drive. We might be a small state, but those interstates are a challenge! Still, some things are more than worth the trek - and one of those things is the best scenic hike in New Jersey. Windbeam Mountain is an impressive sight in the north of the state, not too far from the New York border. It's not an isolated area - there are plenty of charming towns in the area - but it certainly feels like it once you get on that mountain. The best way to see the sights is the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail, a 2.0-mile moderate trail that takes you to some stunning sights along a short but imposing trek. Are you up for the challenge? If you are, you'll be rewarded with one of the best views in the state.

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Michael Sears/AllTrails

Windbeam Mountain is a fantastic hiking destination, and the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail is a great, accessible way to experience it. This 2.0-mile trail has an elevation gain of 718 feet and is rated as moderately challenging.

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Michael Pasoz/AllTrails

That means you should be relatively experienced to attempt it and you might face some steep climbs, but no real challenging terrain. Keep an eye out for some beautiful local flora based on the season.

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This is a fairly unspoiled area of North Jersey, and while it's a popular hiking area, you should still have some space to explore and keep an eye out for local wildlife.

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Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they're on a leash. And this is a view worth sharing with man's best friend, if you're both up to the steep climb!

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Michael Pazos/AllTrails

The view from the Windbeam Mountain Overlook is truly stunning, letting you look out at the unspoiled wilderness for miles around. You might even be able to see into New York on a good day!

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The view is stunning throughout the year, but starting in October hikers will be greeted by a landscape of fall colors taking over the entire region. And if you want to wait for cooler weather to take on this hike, there's no better time than leaf-peeping season!

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Have you taken the Windbeam Mountain Overlook Trail? Let us know about your experience conquering this scenic hike in New Jersey. You can see more pictures of this popular trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and this is the kind of hike AllTrails + was made for - this mobile app will make it easy to stay on track even in remote areas, with downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions. While you're in the area, why not take the time to check out another great park in the area - the historically significant Long Pond Ironworks State Park.

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