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Giant Stairs Palisades
4.8 ★★★★★ 364 Google reviews · Running trail in Closter, New Jersey · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Giant Stairs Palisades' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking locale featuring trails with cliff views, lizards, and snakes.
What runners say about Giant Stairs Palisades
“I made sure to give myself plenty of time for several snack and water breaks and just lots of time to take in the beautiful view and stunning fall foliage.”
“The giant stairs are well marked, you will follow the white trail up the boulder path.”
“I was supposed to enjoy the easy hike but I got curious to see the giant stairs to end up with the whole loop while some parts were challenging.”
I was initially a little worried about this hike because of all the reviews but I found it more tedious (at least at the end) than difficult. All of the rocks are big with flat surfaces and were easy to hold on to. Hiking shoes help especially some areas we stepped through mud and puddles.
As a solo female hiker I completed the rock scramble in 2 hours and 50 minutes. I made sure to give myself plenty of time for several snack and water breaks and just lots of time to take in the beautiful view and stunning fall foliage. I would definitely recommend this hike and I can't wait to come back again.
Amazing cliffs worth hiking. Fortunate to pick a dry and mild day, was able to spot some lizards and snakes on the rock scrambles. A few areas do have poison ivy encroaching into the paths, but easy to maneuver around. If you're susceptible to poison ivy, just be mindful of where you're walking and placing your hands.
3/3/24 Hiking at The giant stairs palisades. My first time here and I'm in love after 3 hours we made it through with a minor confusion. Therefore it is very important to not go there the first time by yourself, best go with someone who's done it before.
Trail conditions & character
“I made sure to give myself plenty of time for several snack and water breaks and just lots of time to take in the beautiful view and stunning fall foliage.”
“I was supposed to enjoy the easy hike but I got curious to see the giant stairs to end up with the whole loop while some parts were challenging.”
“The tedious part was after scrambling and doing the last stretch of stairs uphill back to Trail A and the parking lot.”
“You’ll start by descending down which is relatively flat, but has slippery moments.”
“The area provides a great workout, and you can easily surpass a thousand feet in elevation gain throughout the day if you do some of the longer loops.”
“There are numerous rocky sections that require climbing over uneven terrain so a pair of hiking boots is helpful!”
“The giant stairs are well marked, you will follow the white trail up the boulder path.”
Plan your run at Giant Stairs Palisades
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitenjpalisades.org
- Phone(201) 750-0465
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