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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is not recommended for small children and dogs, or if wet or icy. From parking head south along the cliff and catch the aqua blazed Long Path (LP). Shortly after reaching the LP turn left on the blue/white blazed Forest Trl and descend steep terrain on a series of switchbacks and stairs. At end of trail, turn left on the white blazed Shore Trail. The trail soon reaches a difficult, rocky area known as Giant Stairs. Be careful here as some rocks are not stable. After about a mile of rocks, you reach flat ground and pass Peanut Leap Falls (impressive after a rain, a trickle otherwise) and some ruins. Trail climbs here and reaches the LP again. For a more strenuous, scenic route, turn left on LP, cross bridge, climb steep section and return to parking. For an easier return, continue straight on LP to a distinct, unmarked trail that leaves to left (sign says To Park Office). Take this. At end turn left onto old Rt 9W (closed to vehicles) and return to parking. Trailhead: Palisades Interstate Parkway to State Line Lookout exit. Take access road to parking lot at end. (Lat:40.98907 Lon:-73.90665) Trail Guides for Palisades Giant Stairs Peanut Leap: New Jersey Walk Book by NY/NJ Trail Conference (NY/NJ Trail Conference) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Palisades Interstate Park Commission - 201 768-1360 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Sniatkowski, who has posted 44 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by joeb on 2/15/2009 Very good hike. The directions on here got me there no problem, and also took me around on a good, challenging hike. The trail is well marked. Some trees had fallen and made a few spots a little tricky on the rocks, but it was fun. Took me only about 2 and a half hours, but i guess i have a pretty fast pace. The waterfall and ruins area was pretty neat. Hung out down there for a bit. Definitely would recommend it to someone who has a bit of hiking experience.
Reviewed by Joyce on 10/12/2008 Great hiking, 1st time in years, took us 4 hours. It was pretty interesting. We hiked all the way to the top of the falls, hiked down to the ruins then went on the white trail over the The Rock scramble which took over an hour, that was the toughest for me then up the giant stairs. My legs were burning but I would definately do it again. After we left there, we jumped on the Palisades Pkwy an exit or two to grab a bite to eat, we were on Route 303 North an came up to a Diner named American Dream Diner...all red white and blue outside...FOOD WAS EXCELLENT... would definately eat there again... All in all, it was a great inexpensive day... Eddie & Joyce 
Reviewed by yc on 9/13/2008 This is a great hike, lotsa fun things to climb, i climbed the waterfall once, proly shoulda used ropes, and i think one of the best times to go is winter, less trees, no bugs, lotsa fun snow to slide on. just don't fall in the water
Reviewed by Mike on 8/19/2008 I loved this hike. The Giant Stair was tougher than expected, probably the toughest hike I've been on, which doesn't say much, I guess! I would have liked to see more ruins. Long pants would definitely have been a good idea as there is poison ivy right on the path in some places, so I had to be careful to avoid it since I went with shorts.
Reviewed by D500 on 8/4/2008 I also forgot to mention that there are several poison plants and plants with thorns lining the trail, so long pants are key.
Reviewed by D500 on 8/4/2008 Good hike, pretty strenuous. It took 4 hours for me (a novice) to negotiate the whole trail, with 3 hours spent on the white-blazed section. Most areas are well marked but there are some gaps along the white-blazed section - just keep looking for that little white rectangle! I recommend a sturdy pair of shoes because you will be stepping on edges of rocks to get through the boulder area. There are at least 5 sets of these boulder areas. I highly recommend starting out southbound from the parking area rather than going north. The descent going southbound seems easier and you will be ascending from there. It was nice to see 6 hawks circling along the cliffs while rock scrambling.
Reviewed by Bill on 7/9/2008 OK so I must have talked too much - here is the full link http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yk2H9rSpdxg
Reviewed by Bill on 7/9/2008 Living in the area near the GW Bridge for over 20 years I must have driven by the Palisades Interstate Park hundreds of times, never knowing what I was missing. Well in the last 2 years I have hikes all over the park, the Peanut Leap Falls being my favorite. The first time it was a little nerve racking, not knowing anything about the place. A true leap of faith. But I have hiked it probably 30 times now and it will not disapoint you. The rugged trails, cliffs and river views make it very unexpected for a park 10 minutes from NYC. Wildlife abounds. Comming across red fox, deer, black snakes, racoons, hawks, salamanders, frogs, copper heads (rarely) add to the experience. Here is a short video I made on youtube: http://youtube.com/watch?v 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, Bergen County Hiking, Bergen County Trails, Bergen County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||