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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 37 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bill on 7/9/2008 OK so I must have talked too much - here is the full link http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yk2H9rSpdxg
Reviewed by Bill on 7/9/2008 Living in the area near the GW Bridge for over 20 years I must have driven by the Palisades Interstate Park hundreds of times, never knowing what I was missing. Well in the last 2 years I have hikes all over the park, the Peanut Leap Falls being my favorite. The first time it was a little nerve racking, not knowing anything about the place. A true leap of faith. But I have hiked it probably 30 times now and it will not disapoint you. The rugged trails, cliffs and river views make it very unexpected for a park 10 minutes from NYC. Wildlife abounds. Comming across red fox, deer, black snakes, racoons, hawks, salamanders, frogs, copper heads (rarely) add to the experience. Here is a short video I made on youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v 
Reviewed by MET on 6/23/2008 Great view and lots of nice wooded scenery. It was definitely not too strenuous, and there are great places to sit by the falls toward the end. Nice open area by the river at the very end as well, with a tree swing to enjoy! 
Reviewed by Mike I on 4/11/2008 This hike is not strenuous.The only part that could be considered strenuous is the stair climb.Which will only last 15-20min, with breaks in between.With this said the views at the top are nice and senic, and there are many great place for lunch at the top.I would try to go during the week though.It is an easy hike to the monument where the views are , and the weekends must get packed.
Reviewed by MHH on 12/29/2007 Though not recommended for winter hiking, I chose a pleasent weather day, but would not suggest it for a casual hike. The dampness and scattered snow patches definitely added an additional eliment of challange to an already challenging hike. I LOVE this hike but cannot over-emphasise enough to allow sufficient daylight hours to complete. The descriptiom is spot on. I started late but completed the loop in just under three hours with time out for picture taking.
Reviewed by danielle on 10/13/2007 Just completed this hike today. It started out with a winding descent down to the shore of the Hudson and then continued north on the shoreline. There are some really beautiful views along this path and the vegitation is magnificent. I was a little shocked when we came to the "Giant Steps", as the name is a little misleading. "Giant Boulders" probably would have been more accurate as there is no structure to them and you are not really ascending but rather cutting across them. Regardless, i loved this part of the hike!! Not really "strenuous", but definitely a little dangerous as there are holes that you could slip into and some loose rocks that make it hard to secure your footing. Overall, this was great and would def do it again!
Reviewed by DT on 8/20/2007 This was a great hike. My kids, ages 4 and 6, did the hike with me. I have to admit that they were fine with the hike but it was stressful ensuring their safety at times. Take my advice and try it yourself before you take the kids with you.
Reviewed by OnyxRavine on 8/19/2007 I took a similar hike on 08/18/07. Begin time 4:32, finish time 8:20pm. We used the State Line Lookout for parking. The trip started off very easy. We went south along A-trail to the Women's Federation Monument. We then went north and east down Forest View Trail, turning north to The Giant Stairs. This was VERY strenuous, but equally as enjoyable! We made our way towards Peanut Leap (which at this time of year is simply a trickle). The Park is filled with beautiful flora and other plants(even saw a deer!). We made it up the hill by Peanuts leap and our daylite was running out. Sunset was at 7:49 and The Giant Stairs took a bit longer to complete than originally anticipated. Plan enough day-hours, this is A+ but very strenuous! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||