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 Reporter |
Summary: The AT's Pinwheel Vista is one of the most scenic overlooks in NJ and a great spot for a leisurely lunch on a nice day. This is an easier route to the viewpoint at Pinwheel Vista than the "Stairway to Heaven" hike also listed here. This route to the overlook is longer, but avoids the strenuous climb of the "stairway" . Follow white blazed AT west along fairly level terrain at first, then descend to a stream and cross on wooden bridge. Trail then begins to climb gently, passes a pond on the left and just before reaching the vista there is a trail register in the form of a mailbox. (Optionally, you can take a side journey here of .8 mile to the south to the old route of the AT and the overlook there). Continue on current AT to where it joins a short, blue blazed trail. Turn right (north) onto this trail and the overlook is about 50 yards in front of you. Retrace your steps to return to your vehicle. Trailhead: Route 23 to Route 94 north. Just after crossing NY border make right onto Barrett Road. Go a bit over 1 mile and you will see the white blazes of the Appalachain Trail crossing the road. Trail blazes to west are hard to find, but the westward route is about 50 yards north of the trail on the east side of the road. Park is along the shoulder and there is a pullout witth room for 2 cars. (Lat:41.2155 Lon:-74.41971) Trail Guides for Pinwheel Vista : New Jersey Walk Book by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Wawayanda State Park (973) 853-4462 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted 50 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Rachael on 5/13/2012 The white trail to the vista heads north from the parking area and briefly traverses a field before entering the woods. The trail goes down to the stream with the wooden bridge, then goes up again and down again for about one mile until meeting the blue trail that leads to the vista. Very nice view, bring lunch and snacks. Beware of ticks. Check every once in a while, especially before getting back in your car. It is a moderate hike. Enjoy!
Reviewed by george on 5/16/2011 I have done this trail in new jersey many times. Greg Rickens, a cousin from oklahoma was brave and went on the trail for the first time 
Reviewed by jeremy smith on 5/16/2011 I really enjoyed the hikes. Me and my friend Greg Rickens hiked all through oklahoma where we enjoyed the beautiful scenerey. 
Reviewed by Melanie on 8/22/2010 This was my second hike and I enjoyed it. After I crossed the stream I went up the rock staircase on the left. When I came back down, there was a rattlesnake!! I did not see it on the way up, so it must have migrated there in the hour between trips. It was very close to the trail.
Reviewed by HykyrJoe on 4/19/2010 Start this hyke from Sussex county Rt 517 just to the west of Nj 94... walk the AT boardwalk and cross the 1,000,000 dollar suspension bridge in all it's glory.. continue on the AT North , cross 94, and climb the Stairway to Heaven to Pinwheel vista for lunch. Go to the mailbox for pot if ya want.. but it ain't there..we got there 1st!! :) Return via AT south..about 9.5 miles and 3000' overgain from the Garmin.
Reviewed by Erich on 4/27/2009 Depending on what side of the mountain you arrive from will depend whether Pinwheel Vista is a right, or left turn from "the mail box." Most people come from "the parking lot." In that case, the "mailbox" IS past Pinwheel Vista. In that case, if you are standing at the "mail box" walk down toward the "parking lot (the one that can fit about 8 cars). Pinwheel Vista is about 50-100 yards away fromt the mail box to the right. There is usually a sign that says, "Pinwheel Vista" but who knows, some asshole might have taken it down. I've been to this Vista many times with my friends Chris, Mark and wife Angie.
Reviewed by Deni on 10/13/2008 Our group of four agreed this was a moderate hike, not easy. Lots of rocky hills to climb. We worked up a good sweat and were all tired and a bit sore (including our dogs). It is a nice hike, with a tremendous view. The turn off to the blue trail that leads to the vista is not right after the mailbox as we had understood from the description, it is still a little ways down the trail, at the bottom of a rocky hill and there is a big pile of small rocks that helps to identify the easy to miss turn off to the right. The trail is popular and you should be able to ask someone if you can't find the turn off. 
Reviewed by Steve & Karen on 8/24/2008 It was an easy hike however following the directions of the reviewer we were unable to find the Vista. we will try again in the fall. 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, Sussex County Hiking, Sussex County Trails, Sussex County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
