Let's Take A Heavenly Hike

One of the more fun aspects of living in “The Garden State” is that there are some excellent hiking trails. Here at Headlines Over Sidelines, every so often we will spotlight some trails including what goes into the hike. New Jersey has some unique walks that can turn into their own mini adventure. 

A favorite hike of mine personally is the “Stairway to Heaven.” It is in Vernon Township, New Jersey, which is right near the New Jersey / New York state line. There are two options: 

1. One route simply involves hiking from Route 94 up to the top. The other involves beginning from Route 517 and trekking across cow fields, a plank bridge, and more to the Stairway part of the hike. 

The first choice is the 2.6-mile hike round trip to the “Stairway to Heaven.” This goes right up Wawayanda Mountain. Mountain is a term used loosely, but don’t be fooled: this can be a rigorous challenge, especially for beginning hikers. 

Why is that? For one, this smaller hike does have a total elevation change of nearly 1,000 feet (977). That is high for a relatively short sojourn. Now, there are a few areas for more accomplished hikers where one can increase mileage and the pitch of the hike. 

My little side journey involves taking a turn near Annie’s Bluff and cutting through part of the “V.” It adds a little more distance and requires a lot of potentially dangerous scrambling. This is something to do only if you possess excellent hiking shoes.

This part off the beaten path adds several hundred feet of elevation change and works your legs and arms vigorously. A hiker is going to feel it not going up to the top but as one heads back down. The “Stairway to Heaven” will work muscles you never know you had before. 

Now, the views from the top are well worth the pain of this little journey. For those wondering, expect to burn anywhere from 600-1000 calories. Some will go higher and lower depending on one’s metabolism. On a clear day, a hiker can see the Kittatinny Mountains. When the landscape is haze free, the High Point Monument can be seen also.

2. For those who have more time, there is a longer hike of 7.4 miles that starts with a boardwalk trek as a warmup (Pochuck Valley Trail). This spans across the canal, past Route 94, and up to Pinwheel Vista (the top). Passing through a railroad, cow pasture, and boardwalks are just part of the adventure. 

The views are incredible. From the top, just looking outward reveals so much about New Jersey. When I took this high in mid-March, there was still a good bit of snow at High Point (which is almost 2,000 feet up in elevation). The longer trek is quite worth it. Take your time and appreciate the workout along with the heavenly vistas. 

When hiking back, go a little slower and make sure you eat, and hydrate as needed. That cannot be emphasized enough. Enjoy the scenery, appreciate it, and work those muscle groups. Once back to your car, you will have truly experienced a gem that is “The Garden State’s” own. 

Just think, there are so many hikes to explore. That is for another time.

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