Moderate, 7.7 mi out and back, or nature walk
1,302 ft elevation gain
8/24/25
Named after the song by famed Jersey rockers, the Stairway to Heaven section of the Appalachian Trail begins with an easy boardwalk through marshland, across a wooden suspension bridge, and then up along a stairwell built among a bolder field. A great hike complete, either section could be standalone.
The boardwalk snakes its way out of the trees and into the reeds in the early wetland section of the hike. Still more of a nature path at this point, this area would be great for birding.
A wooden pedestrian suspension bridge, which seemed way over-engineered for the body of water that it crossed, but was still super cool.
The expansive view from the scenic area up top, with a variety of farm and forest land spreading out under partly cloudy skies.
Did you start from the north? I remember a bird reserve marshland before it but I was headed north.
Taken in 2012
I was headed north as well, so yeah hit the boardwalk/marsh first, then the bridge (although that bridge pic is actually on the return) before the stairway and returning.
Bonus comparison pic of your view I believe.