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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is not recommended for small children and dogs, or if wet or icy. From parking head south along the cliff and catch the aqua blazed Long Path (LP). Shortly after reaching the LP turn left on the blue/white blazed Forest Trl and descend steep terrain on a series of switchbacks and stairs. At end of trail, turn left on the white blazed Shore Trail. The trail soon reaches a difficult, rocky area known as Giant Stairs. Be careful here as some rocks are not stable. After about a mile of rocks, you reach flat ground and pass Peanut Leap Falls (impressive after a rain, a trickle otherwise) and some ruins. Trail climbs here and reaches the LP again. For a more strenuous, scenic route, turn left on LP, cross bridge, climb steep section and return to parking. For an easier return, continue straight on LP to a distinct, unmarked trail that leaves to left (sign says To Park Office). Take this. At end turn left onto old Rt 9W (closed to vehicles) and return to parking. Trailhead: Palisades Interstate Parkway to State Line Lookout exit. Take access road to parking lot at end. (Lat:40.98907 Lon:-73.90665) Trail Guides for Palisades Giant Stairs Peanut Leap: New Jersey Walk Book by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Palisades Interstate Park Commission - 201 768-1360 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted 50 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by pjl on 3/12/2012 Nice hike - but be careful in spots.
Reviewed by S&K on 10/6/2011 Good interesting hike. Lots of chipmunks. For 2 twenty somethings it took us a little over 2 hours. Definitely a workout, but would definitely make it longer next time.
Reviewed by MK on 9/23/2010 I particularly like this hike because the college I attended is right across the river.
Reviewed by WA on 9/13/2010 Error: Reserved Word Found: -- 
Reviewed by hf on 8/30/2010 This hike combines multiple elements which make hiking enjoyable: varied terrain, breathtaking views, challenging trail, routefinding, physically demanding. The rock scramble requires physical and mental stamina to place each footstep safely. Some sections north of the giant stairs are eroded and require caution. Our group of 6, ages 10 and up took 3:40 hours, including lunch.
Reviewed by Johanna on 8/29/2010 Great day trip from NYC. As advice for day trippers, the Rockland Coach 9A bus can get you right to the trail heads from Port Authority in Manhattan in about 45 minutes. I used this map as a trail guide: http://www.njpalisades.org/2008_map03.pdf HOWEVER, I found that after getting off a the state line at the start of old 9W (where map directions suggest you hike the road to start the trail) and the Columbia Campus site, it made more sense to get right on the Long Trail and then take that either to the Shore trail to the Giant Stairs and the falls, or continue on the Long Trail for the vista views. The map directions don't do a great job of getting you back onto old 9W after finishing the giant stairs from a Northern start. I suggest
Reviewed by Greg on 8/28/2010 Nice hike, rocks are fun, I came 6 inches from stepping on a copperhead...watch for snakes.
Reviewed by Omar on 7/3/2010 This hike was very challenging indeed. Do not try unless you've hiked several times before. This hike has altogether some of the most challenging things about hiking, rugged terrain, rocks, steep ascent, descents, fallen trees, sometimes long unmarked sections. People don't make it clear but half the hike for up to 2 hours (depending on your speed) is basically a rock scramble/climb where you don't want to trip or fall. Don't try unless you have sturdy hiking boots on and can tolerate that sort of challenge for that long. There is a section after the rock scramble/giant stairs (or before, depending on if you start north or south) where trees have fallen and the trail is not clear, blaze marks disappear for a little, and there a Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Jersey Hiking, New Jersey Trails, New Jersey Hikes, Bergen County Hiking, Bergen County Trails, Bergen County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
