Name: A Leisurely Exploratory Hike on the Stairway to Heaven
Start: 2024-11-16T07:30:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-16T16:00:00-05:00

*There's a feeling I get when I look to the West ...*
*And my spirit is crying for a hikeeee on the Stairway to Heaven ...*.😂

***Let’s lace up 'em hiking boots*** and come join us on an **exploratory** hike on the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey that will connect us to the "Stairway to Heaven" trail in the Pochuck Valley.

**PLEASE NOTE I have not done this hike hence exploratory. We will discover and explore it together. Come with an open mind for adventure and flexibility for any hiccups we may encounter throughout the day.**

**About the Hike:** The **Stairway to Heaven** on the Pochuck Valley Trail is a 7-mile jaunt that starts out at the AT crossing on Route 517 and consists of about 2.5 miles on boardwalks, a suspension bridge, and a cow pasture, and takes you over a wildflower-laden wilderness to Pinwheel Vista after crossing a 110-foot, mile-long suspension bridge. See everything from hawks and eagles to turtles as you meander along the AT here. It then crosses Rt. 94 before climbing via a steep set of switchbacks over rocky terrain that wind their way up to the top of Wawayanda Mountain. Once there, take in the Kittatinny Mountains and rolling landscape below.

**GETTING THERE:** **For those without cars,** **NJ Transit bus 197 from The Port Authority Bus Terminal to Warwick Park and Ride**. From there it's a 15-min Uber ride to the trailhead.

**Bus 197 Schedule:**

* **7:30AM - PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL**. Board the Bus 197 toward WARWICK VIA WILLOWBROOK. One-way bus fare is $15.00. Ride is about 1 hour, 46 minutes
* **9:24AM - bus arrives at WARWICK PARK & RIDE.** From here it's a 15-min Uber ride to the trailhead. OR if we have some kindhearted drivers willing to pick us up from the bus station, that works too and of course we will split on carpool expenses.

**Accessibility:** The most accessible portion of the trail is the Vernon Boardwalk via Appalachian Trail **[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/vernon-boardwalk-via-appalachian-trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/vernon-boardwalk-via-appalachian-trail).**

**Trail map**: **[https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/stairway-to-heaven-and-pochuck-valley-via-appalachian-trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-jersey/stairway-to-heaven-and-pochuck-valley-via-appalachian-trail)**

**MILEAGE**: up to 8 miles, maybe more, maybe less, who the heck can tell

**PACE**: Hiking pace will be **LEISURELY**, with lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers, ***AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. WE COME TOGETHER, WE HIKE TOGETHER AND WE FINISH HIKE TOGETHER. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP if you feel the need to channel your inner Speed Demon!***

**THE IMPORTANT STUFF:**

* Dress in non-cotton layers.
* Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
* Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover
* Bring lunch, snacks and at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated

**WHO SHOULD COME:** Happy hikers with a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home. **In addition, SPEED DEMONS PLEASE STAY AWAY. There are plenty of other groups that cater to your need for speed.**

**DURATION**: We will be out for the entire day. If you have to ask what time we'd finish, please just stay home!!

**RETURN BUS** at 4:01PM 6:04PM and 8:04PM from Warwick Park and Ride back to Port Authority Bus terminal.

**WEATHER**: rain, snow, polar vortex cancels

***LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.***

The Group With No Name 😆

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**PLEASE RSVP RESPONSIBLY. Habitual rsvp changes and no shows will booted from the group. No exceptions**

A Leisurely Exploratory Hike on the Stairway to Heaven

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A Leisurely Exploratory Hike on the Stairway to Heaven

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