The Stairway To Heaven Loop hiking trail in New Jersey is by no means the highest trail you will ever climb, but it could well be one of the most difficult foot for foot. It will be well worth the effort though to experience the brilliant panoramic views that open up to you along the way and particularly, when you reach the trailhead. There is a tremendous variety along the trail where you will find some areas extremely strenuous and others akin to a stroll in the park.
The element that really makes this trail more difficult than it first looks is that much of it a bouldering trail with much climbing over rocks required to reach the summit. With this in mind, you might want to think about stopping to rest at intervals to relieve the physical exertion you will experience. There are of course other parts of the trail you can take to avoid the rocks to some extent, but where's the fun in that?
WHY IS IT SO-CALLED?
The trail is aptly named "Stairway To Heaven" because it has a natural staircase that will serve as a means to help you reach the top. Don't let that fool you though. It is a bit more strenuous than climbing a set of regular stairs. Eventually, you will reach your destination, Mount Wawayanda where you can then follow a trail that will open up some truly stunning scenic views.
If you have any older folk in your group who are not up to a physically exerting climb, there are some trails that are flatter and ideal for people who enjoy the hiking life but in a limited way. Just arrange to meet afterward and compare notes and photos of your diverse trails. Oh and please remember to take your camera with you. You will regret it if you don't!
Having reached the highest point on the Stairway To Heaven Trail, you now have the pleasure of making your descent. Easy right? Wrong. Descending the Stairway is again made more difficult thanks to the bouldering terrain you will cover. Exercise care if you choose to take the same route down as you did going up. Alternatively, you could take the less strenuous route to the bottom with what may be a longer but more leisurely walk.
Although you will find trails that are much higher than Stairway To Heaven around the USA, you will still very much enjoy the experience and particularly the stunning, panoramic views it has to offer. The Stairway To Heaven Loop in New Jersey is a trail to add to your list as a regular and enthusiastic hiker. It is certainly one trip you won't regret.
