Stairway to Heaven

Come Join Us on 7.2 mile hike; out & back on the Appalachian Trail boardwalk,dirt & roots turning into climbing boulders & seeing panoramic views of Vernon Valley, mountain ranges & a Monument. Dogs; ok on leash. Hiking level is Moderate & bring cash for food afterwards.

If you want to skip the climb on rocks part you can do an out and back on the Boardwalk to the train tracks or the bridge and go back for a shorter 4 ish mile hike. One attendee plans on doing this so you would have company.

Parking: 41.234733, -74.480867 [Rt 517 lot]

Stairway to Heaven, 893 County Rd 517, Vernon, NJ 07418. Rt 287 to Rt. 23. Follow 23 to the exit for 515N. Left onto 644 (Vernon Crossing). Right on 517.

Sign with a hiker symbol is at the trailhead. Parking for roughly 15-20 cars along the shoulder of 517. Obey all posted signage; there are no parking signs at either end of the road. Do not park on surrounding streets. Parking illegally in the area may generate a ticket.

NOTE This trailhead is in a residential area that is experiencing issues with the parking situation. Please be respectful of the residents and their property. As always, Leave No Trace – trash or otherwise.

Weekends/Holidays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. NO PARKING is in effect on Carol Drive, Meadowlark Drive, Ann Place, Cove Court, Vlietstra Drive, Thistle Avenue, Ivy Place and Old Glenwood Circle. Parking on these streets is permit-only for residents. Vernon Police Press Release.