Challenge your older kiddos with this awesome rock hike, the Giant Stairs Palisades!

The Giant Stairs Palisades is yet another wonder located in the Palisades Interstate Park. Unlike the typical wooded hiking trail, the Giant Stairs Palisades were created by a long section of boulders tumbling from the Palisades. The hike overlooks the Hudson River, with a cool view of New York City. We would recommend this hike to families with older kids, who have some experience hiking already since it is composed of some loose rocks in certain stretches of the trail. The trail begins at the State Line Lookout, as do all of the other hiking trails in the Palisades Interstate Park. In total, it is 4.3 miles, though there is a 2.8-mile version that begins on the Giant Stairs and turns into the Peanut Leap Cascade Trail - this avoids the large scramble part and makes the hike much more doable. Continuing on the shore trail is much more challenging, as it is steep and holds the largest rock scramble in all of New Jersey. Be sure to avoid this trail whenever it is icy or wet. Another tip we have is to all wear shoes meant for climbing while exploring this trail. Be sure to head to the State Line Lookout Cafe after your hike. This cute little stop has great scenery of the Palisades paired with snack bar food for a quick refresher. It is also worth checking out the other posts happyly has written on the park, titled Palisades Interstate Park and Ross Dock Playground.