With our oldest home from college and a day off to spare, I was eager to finally tackle The Giant Stairs, a hike that had been on my bucket list for quite some time. The allure of scrambling over massive boulders and the promise of a breathtaking view of the New York City skyline were too tempting to resist. So, we answered the call and embarked on this epic New Jersey adventure.
Palisades Interstate Park Location
The Giant Stairs are located within Palisades Interstate Park, in Alpine, New Jersey. The park itself stretches along the west bank of the Hudson River, encompassing approximately 2,500 acres of protected land. It offers stunning views of the river and the Manhattan skyline, as well as diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
To reach the Giant Stairs trailhead, take Interstate 95 (I-95) north to Exit 178. Follow Palisades Parkway West to State Line Lookout, where you’ll find the parking lot. The trailhead is located in the far left corner of the parking lot.
The Giant Stairs
We arrived at the Palisades Interstate Park around 10 AM on a weekday, so the park was relatively quiet, and we found parking easily. Starting at the Women’s Federation Monument, we followed the trail until we reached the beginning of the descent stairs. The 520-foot switchback staircase, with no railings, can be challenging, especially for young children. We strongly recommend keeping kids close to the inside and holding their hands.
Once we reached the bottom, we followed a flat, quarter-mile trail along the waterline to the start of The Giant Stairs. The trail was slightly muddy in some areas, so wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty is advisable. As we approached the stairs, the kids were surprised to learn that the 520-foot descent they had just completed was not the main attraction. The real star of the hike was the massive boulder section.
Estimated to take around two hours, the one-mile boulder section took us about three hours with our young children. It was a delightful experience watching the kids challenge themselves to conquer each boulder and overcome their fear of heights. Towards the end of the boulder section, we found a perfect spot to rest, as the trail opened up to a breathtaking panoramic view of the New York City skyline overlooking the Hudson River.
After the boulder section, the trail led us to a beautiful waterfall, providing another fantastic resting place before tackling the final round of switchbacks that would bring us back to the trailhead.
Overall Impression
The Giant Stairs hike was definitely worth the wait and lived up to all my expectations. This trail offers a fantastic combination of challenges, including a steep switchback descent, rock scrambling, and stunning views. It’s a demanding hike that will test your limits and leave you feeling accomplished. If you’re seeking a rewarding and memorable outdoor adventure in New Jersey, the Giant Stairs should be at the top of your list.
A few tips for hiking the Giant Stairs:
Wear sturdy shoes: The trail is rocky and can be muddy in some areas.
Bring plenty of water: The hike can be strenuous, especially on hot days.
Start early: This will help you avoid crowds and enjoy the hike at your own pace.
Be cautious on the stairs: The descent stairs are steep and can be slippery, so take your time and use caution.
Enjoy the views: Take time to appreciate the breathtaking scenery along the trail.
Ready to see the Giant Stairs hike in action? Check out our YouTube video below!
https://youtu.be/CwmolWVR1GE?si=lCzpQMEVabKUhXua
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