Giant Stairs
​Palisades Interstate Park

Duration: 5 Hours
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: Up to 10.3 Miles
Elevation: 1,100 Feet

VIEW AVAILABILITY & BOOK ONLINE

This hike is less than an hour North of NYC in New Jersey's Palisades Interstate Park and features panoramic views, a waterfall, and challenging rock scrambles.

All visitors get to enjoy fantastic views right from the start. Just past the parking lot is the cliffs edge, over 500 feet above the Hudson River. Looking East, you'll have sweeping unobstructed views of the Hudson Valley.

Don't be fooled by the paved walkways and nice views at the start. The Long Path quickly turns to stone steps of the Shore Trail, sharply descending several hundred feet down to the Peanut Leap Cascade, a waterfall that pours into the Hudson River. Past the waterfall, the trail follows the Hudson River continuing South to the famous Giant Stairs Section. The Giant Stairs is a very challenging stretch of trail. Stones that have fell from the cliffs above created a large boulder field that is not easy to pass. It is a long rock scramble that involves climbing up and over boulders, hopping over voids and carefully navigating through a mile-long rock scramble. 

After the Giant Stairs, it's mostly smooth sailing along the river bank before ascending North, back up the Long Path to round out this challenging loop hike.

Optional Variations:
If the Giant Stairs are more of a challenge than you bargained for, there is an option to return back up via an alternate trail that shortens the loop to 3.7 miles. Despite this loop being shorter, it is still a steep and challenging hike, not recommended for the faint of heart. 

Meeting Location: State Line Lookout, Alpine, NJ
GPS: 40.988870, -73.906710

Guided Day Hikes Include:

• Licensed guide and certified wilderness first responder
• Group gear (Water filter, first aid kit, maps, compass)
• Snacks & water bottles
• Trekking pole rental

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, sturdy footwear (Trail runners or hiking boots)
• Rain jacket, poncho or umbrella
• Lunch (optional - snacks and water provided)

*Portions of this trail may be muddy and slick due to the proximity to rivers and streams. Sturdy footwear required.*

There may be limited cell phone service at this location.

*Return times are best estimates, and can vary based on the speed and fitness level of the group.*