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Stairway To Heaven
4.8 ★★★★★ 261 Google reviews · Running trail in Vernon Township, New Jersey · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Stairway To Heaven's 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.
Rock-laden trail, featuring steep ascents and scenic views.
What runners say about Stairway To Heaven
“When you get to the top you are gifted with beautiful views and a lovely breeze.”
“If you're able to do 8-10 miles I definitely recommend parking west along one of the north-south roads (clearly marked on Google Maps) and enjoying the nearby boardwalk area.”
Great hike on the Appalachian trail. Go left and you have a super easy boardwalk hike that is 95% flat. Go right and you start climbing the tiny mountain for quickly rewarding views of the Vernon valley area. Or whatever this place is called. I saw lots of old people and dogs doing it.
An amazing hike that has a great payoff in regard to views. There is a reasonable challenge as you will need to scramble over a few parts of a large boulder field, but nothing too difficult beyond that. The degree of the incline is not bad, but do note that the hike is mostly a constant upward turn until the top.
Be prepared. The is not an easy stroll or hike. It is a Climb! Good hiking boots, water, backpack, protein bars & patience. Once at the top the view is breathing taking. I love trail hiking but climbing over heavy big rocks not for me. The white dot trail is mark very well, easy to follow.
This is a moderately difficult hike up the ridge to the viewing point at the top. It's extremely rocky, with some muddy sections, and many very steep inclines up narrow rock paths. There are very few free parking spots, most of the parking is via paid lots nearby which cost $8 via the Park Mobile app.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s called a stairway for a reason, you climb the rock stairs to the view, which we never got to see due to bear.”
“If you're able to do 8-10 miles I definitely recommend parking west along one of the north-south roads (clearly marked on Google Maps) and enjoying the nearby boardwalk area.”
“It’s called a stairway for a reason, you climb the rock stairs to the view, which we never got to see due to bear.”
“Be warned: if you pull into the larger parking lot with the hot dog stand, there's an all-day parking fee of $8.”
“It's extremely rocky, with some muddy sections, and many very steep inclines up narrow rock paths.”
“For restrooms, head across the street to the farm center – it's definitely worth a visit!”
“If you're able to do 8-10 miles I definitely recommend parking west along one of the north-south roads (clearly marked on Google Maps) and enjoying the nearby boardwalk area.”
“If you prefer leisure, then follow the trail away from the hill across the street where the path is flat.”
“On this hike, you will start by following the white Appalachian Trail markers.”
Plan your run at Stairway To Heaven
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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