Stairway to Heaven

This popular hike starts out on the Appalachian Trail (AT, white blazes). You begin on a boardwalk that crosses over a marsh, then you leave the boardwalk and enter a forested area. At around 1.4 miles, follow a bicycle path, Canal Road, then turn right, cross over a bridge, and take a left through a gate.

At 2.2 miles you begin the climb up Wawayanda Mountain – to get there, you will need to cross over a number of stiles, as well as the railroad tracks, as you head to a parking lot across Route 94.

Once you enter a large boulder field, the trail becomes more difficult and pick up elevation. When you see the rock steps, you will have reached the “Stairway to Heaven”!

At 3.6 miles, turn left onto the Blue Spur Trail, marked by a “Lookout 100ft” sign. Continue to the Pinwheel Vista, a rock outcropping, where you can enjoy the views.

This hike can also be shortened by driving up to the parking lot on Route 94, to complete only the Stairway to Heaven Shorter Route (2.5 mile roundtrip).