The area of northwest New Jersey known as the Sussex Skylands offers four seasons of outdoor recreation wrapped in mountain landscapes and natural beauty within easy reach of the Big Apple. The area is known for its hiking, with the famed Appalachian Trail running right along its precipice. Near the eastern edge of the stretch is the exciting Stairway to Heaven with its rock steps winding up Wawayanda Mountain.
Dawn McClennen, creator of njHiking.com says, “New Jersey’s 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail are surprisingly remote and scenic.” She adds, “There are many expansive viewpoints as it runs along the rocky Kittatinny Ridge from the Pennsylvania border to High Point.” Much of those 72 miles - 45 in fact - run through Sussex County.
The portion of the trail in the Sussex Skylands area, running from Pochuck Valley to Pinwheel Vista, offers visitors a moderate hike that includes the Stairway to Heaven section at its eastern end. Ms. McClennen notes, “The trail crosses the Pochuck Valley on an impressive boardwalk and suspension bridge before climbing the steep rock-hewn steps of the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ to a beautiful view of the valley below.” It may be one of the best viewpoints in the state.
From east to west, the roughly 7.3-mile hike begins with an easy and level two-mile segment. It will take you on the Pochuck Boardwalk that meanders through a scenic marsh, crosses several bridges, and eventually leads to the Pochuck Suspension Bridge. The scenic 110-foot structure spanning Pochuck Creek was completed in 1995, and along with the boardwalk, helped provide a handicap-accessible section of the Appalachian Trail in the area.
The Pochunk Quagmire Suspension Bridge.
Continuing on, you will go through deciduous forests, fields of seasonal wildflowers, over railroad tracks, and along pasture land before approaching a boulder field which signifies the beginning of the “Stairway to Heaven.” Overall the hike is easy and well-marked. Once you enter the boulder field, the trail becomes more difficult and picks up elevation. When you see the rock steps, you’ve reached the “Stairway to Heaven”.
The walk up the mountain is a little more than a half-mile but gains about 660′ in elevation. The “Stairway” gets its name from the series of rock slabs serving as steps to make the uphill climb. When you reach a man-made pile of rocks, following the trail to the left will take you to Pinwheel Vista. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Vernon Valley and perhaps actually get to look down on birds in flight. In the distance, you’ll see High Point Mountain, the Kittatinny Mountains to the northwest, and possibly even the Catskills.
If you don’t want to tackle the entire 7.2 miles, you can shorten the trip by parking in the parking lot on Route 94 and only complete the Stairway to Heaven portion. This totals about 2.4-miles round trip with a total rise of about 791-feet.
Hikers mention a few caveats. First, this is a very popular hiking area, so it can be crowded. If you’re comfortable having lots of friendly travelers nearby, this shouldn’t be an issue; however, if you prefer an isolated hike, it may prove bothersome. Another traveler remarked at the constant aircraft traffic overhead which emanated from various metro airports. The biggest issue is traction on the rocks. As one traveler notes, “Overall avoid after rain as it's a steep hill and filled with stone steps. The rocks become super slippery.”
Options for RV camping in the area include:
Tammie Horsfield is president of the Sussex County, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Her organization notes, “The Appalachian Trail runs through two state parks, High Point and Stokes State Forest.” While High Point State Park only offers tent camping, Stokes State Forest has 82 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Another 27 tent sites that can accommodate pop-up trailers are available at the Steam Mill camping area. In season, the park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals along with a number of historical and natural interpretive programs.
Built on a real working farm with special events like hayrides, cow milking, and sheep shearing, Pleasant Acres Farm and RV Resort offers 75 grassy or shaded RV Campsites with full hookups (20/30/50 amp electric). Amenities include a game room with arcade, Olympic-size swimming pool, hot tub, and kiddie pool. There are sports fields, a playground, miniature golf, and a private fishing lake. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the campground.
Kymer’s Camping Resort
200 scenic acres in the Kittatinny Mountains, Kymers Camping Resort offers 225 spaces with electric and water (about 1/3 also have sewer hookup). Amenities include a pool, hot tub, tennis and other sports courts, mini golf, stocked fishing lake and game room.
Panther Lake Camping Resort
Approximately 7 miles south of Newton in Sussex County sits another RV resort for the staying. It is called Panther Lake Camping Resort, and it features a 45-acre lake on 160 scenic acres just 50 miles from New York City. If you are looking for a vacation spot that's not too far from home and offers fun for the whole family, Panther Lake Camping Resort is a great place to explore.
Adventure, Camping, Destinations, Hiking Trails, New Jersey, Open Road