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 Reporter |
Summary: After the heavy rain stopped today I was able to get a short but tough hike in. The trail starts out as a steep climb up to the top of Wawayanda Mt. Along the way up ,especially at the base there are many large boulders that are great for bouldering on. Once on top of the mountain you get some great views of the Vernon Valley, Pochuck Mt, the Kittatinny's, Catskills and the Black dirt region. The trail then traverses the top of Wawayanda Mt to another lookout. This is when you start your Bushwhack along the old Appalachian trail route. It is more like a bushwhack because you cant find the trail most of the way down the Mt. When going down you pass a waterfall and some nice cascades. Be careful on this section due to the many unstable rocks in the area. Here is the route to take: Appalachian Tr. , Right on blue Livingston tr., Come to large creek make a right and try to follow the old AT down. Right onto unmarked path follow along Mt base to Appalachian tr. Trailhead: From town of Franklin NJ. Take rt. 23 north. Go into town of Hamburg and make a right onto rt. 94 toward Vernon. Go into town of Vernon and make a left, Still rt. 94. Go past chain saw woodcarving stand and make the right into the AT lot. If you go pass heaven Hill Farm you went to far. (Lat:41.21876 Lon:-74.45519) Trail Guides for Stairway to Heaven Loop, NJ: North Jersey Trails map by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ trail conference) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Wawayanda State Park 973-853-4462 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Shawn Viggiano, who has posted 44 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mel on 8/12/2006 Steve - the AT trailhead down is the same as the way up. When you are going up, just remember where you come out at the top before heading off to the left on the blue side trail. The white blazes on the way down are well marked. And yes, the orange trail down the other side is the old AT.
Reviewed by Steve on 6/17/2006 I have hiked this trail twice and both times I failed to find the correct trail out. I took the white trail up, took old A.T (blue) to the second lookout, then after that I was lost. My friends and I wound up taking a double orange-dot that took us to a lake at the otherside of the mountain then we hitch-hiked our way back to the parking lot (I think it was an old appalachian trail--not maintained whatsoever). Can anyone help me? Where is the trail out because I refuse to believe that this is actually a loop hike, everyone we talked to just did the hike out and back. 
Reviewed by shizenquest on 4/21/2006 Just did it today-Barret rd. to the bull fields and back-bout 6 miles or so-2 hours on the dot-stairway:13 minutes to run down to the woods at the base, 23 minutes back to the top-gotta love it-seeyaouthere
Reviewed by Martin D. on 9/12/2005 I've climbed this trail on 9/11/05 for the first time. The parking was on a bend of RT 94 just before the "Heavenly Hill Farm" in Vernon, NJ. There is a lot for about 6 cars there. You can tell where it is by the sign for "A.T. Parking". 95% of the hike is on the white appalachian trail and at the top of the ridge a blue trail ("PINWHEEL" trail if I recall) starts. This trail - short one of only about 200ft leads to the rocky formation from which you can see the vista of the valley. If you continue on the white A.T. past the blue trail you will reach the top of the hill with a mailbox attached to a tree where you can sign your name etc. There is another blue trail which starts at the mailbox called "Olde Vista" and is .8 mi long
Reviewed by Melissa on 9/11/2005 I hiked this trail 6 yrs ago in the spring and have fond memories. The trailhead is easy to get to as it is directly off of Rt 94. What makes this trail interesting is its diversity. You start off walking leisurely through a wildflower field and then are at once in the middle of seemingly deep forest. Although it is rated moderate, I think this trail is somewhat difficult in that it is mostly bouldering (traversing over and around rocks). The natural staircases (particularly towards the top) are steep, so I found myself resting periodically. Read and then sign the notebook at the top for fun. Wear sturdy shoes that will support your ankles, particularly for the walk down. Vistas are breathtaking at the top found via blue side trails.
Reviewed by Gary on 9/8/2005 One of my favorites - and hike it multiple times a year. I just also want to point out that across Route 565 from the parking area, the AT continues to Route 517. From one road to the other, it is a nice leisurely walk through forests (after the cow pasteur) and then on a great boardwalk over some wetlands. It is ideal for a car shuttle and I wouldn't miss it if you are making the trek.
Reviewed by Kim on 7/25/2005 The trek up the staircase is incredible. The view well worth it. There is a guest book in the mailbox at the top before you turn on to the old AT, take a look and sign, pretty cool. We lost the trail on the decent and ended up going down the dried up creek bed. Alot more dangerous than it sounds, unpredictable rocks. Stay off the leafy ground though we found a few cleverly disguised holes, the rocks are the easiest and safest way down. We never saw a trial just blazed our own. We are going back in the fall, this is the hike to take when the foilage changes.
Reviewed by Hope on 4/26/2005 Nice steep hike up to the top of the mountain on a "natural" staircase. The ridge walk along the blue dot trail at the top of the mountain was pleasant, with mossy rocks everywhere. Halfway along the blue dot trail there is a bog and some nice rocks with a view, for a picnic or a phriendly break. The DECENT that my group took was directly down the rocky creek. This proved to be the most challenging part of the hike, as it was extremely steep. Many of the rocks were unstable so if you go this way, be careful. Also, this decent would have been impossible if the creek had more water, as this would have made the rocks very slippery. Be sure to do this hike on a mostly dry day, as the loop is rocky, leafy, and mossy on the way up and down. 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, Passaic County Hiking, Passaic County Trails, Passaic County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||