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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 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by -hh on 4/5/2004 April 2004: Trail is in good shape overall, although the blue (Livingston South) is getting a bit overgrown. Good workout trail for getting the legs, knees and lungs into shape. -hh
Reviewed by Jason on 3/18/2004 By far my favorite hike in NJ. I hike this trail about five times a year and what i love about it is the reward when you get to the top. Going up seems like it never ends but once you stand on the edge of the cliff on top its all worth it. Great views. I have also hiked it in the winter with about 6 inches of snow on th ground. Its a challenge but its fun. Great workout and well worth it!!
Reviewed by LP on 2/29/2004 I hope someone enjoyed the Powerbar
Reviewed by AMS on 11/7/2003 Very nice hike. Somewhat steep and would consider stretches moderate to stenuous. Hiked 11/7/2003 and many leaves on trail left path somewhat treacherous at time. Time of hike - 3 hours. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||