LONG/TOUGH HIKE - The Giant's Stairs

PARKING FEE!!!
LONG|TOUGH HIKE
13 Miles & 1,300 Feet Elevation

YOU MUST EMAIL/MESSAGE (meetup or [email protected]) if you've not done a hard/difficult hike with me to discuss before I approve.

Located along the New Jersey side of the Hudson river just north of New York City, Palisades Interstate Park offers a challenging workout, spectacular views, and a rock scramble fit for an emperor! This 13 mile hike featuring amazing views of the Hudson River, and on a clear day, New York City in the far distance, from both high and from river level will challenge your stamina and leave you breathless, but in a good way!

The first half of the hike features amazing views of Westchester County NY and the Hudson River from on high, on top of the Palisade rock formations that the river eats through slowly, year after year, over millions of years. Eventually we will wind our way down to river level and about 60% of the way through the hike we will stop at a nice little park, hopefully benches will be available, to rest, eat, and refresh. Then the fun begins!

The second half of the hike features the famous "Giant's Stairs" - a mostly horizontal (but sometimes upward) over massive and tiny boulders/rocks that will test your hand/eye coordination and get your blood pumping. While not as challenging as other rock scrambles we do regularly, it's not for the faint of heart or those who aren't active! Upon reaching the end of the scramble it's almost vertical ascent up easy, but steep, trails back up to the top of the ridge line and a few more spots for amazing pictures of the river and valley below, as we make our way back to our cars.

BASIC INFO

• DAY & DATE: Sunday November 17th
• START TIME: 10:00 AM (AND WE START ON TIME!)
• LOCATION: State Line Lookout, Palisades Interstate Park Commission
• ADDRESS: State Line Lookout, Closter, NJ 07624
• There is a small parking fee per car (payable by app/credit card there)
• LENGTH: 13 Miles
• ELEVATION: 1,300Feet
• END TIME: 4:30-5:00 PM (hike done)

GEAR:

• Hiking boots. I recommend using a pair that balance out foot/ankle protection and lightweight design to make rock scrambles easier
• Water
• Appropriate clothing
• A change of clothes for after (your discretion)
• I also advise people bring hiking bags. You NEED your hands free for rock scrambling.
• Snacks (as you see fit)/lunch for our break

AFTERWARDS

• We will head to a brewery in nearby Westwood for some drinks. They don't serve food, but you can order from any nearby restaurant and have it delivered or pick it up. I'll have suggestions the day of the hike. Everyone's welcome.

CANCELLATIONS

• I do not cancel hikes for inclement weather. It must be dangerous conditions and/or dangerous travel. If I do need to cancel or postpone I do so as early as possible.
• You may cancel at anytime up to and including the start time of the hike. Cancellations without contacting me after the start of an event counts as a no-show. More than 3 no-shows gets you removed from the group.