Pinwheel Vista Out-and-Back
Trail
7.4 mile
11.9 kilometer
out and back
Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
981'
299 m
Descent: -981' -299 m
High: 1,224' 373 m
Low: 391' 119 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 5% (3°)
Max Grade: 52% (27°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Unknown
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“Traverse a boardwalk, a suspension bridge, and a cow pasture to climb to the best view in NJ.”
— Lou Poulas
Features
Birding · Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
See the published Parking Restrictions for more information.
Overview
This hike has it all. Start off Route 517 and follow the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk through flowery marshes and cross a river via a one-of-a-kind suspension bridge. Continue toward Wawayanda Mountain through forests and fields of wildflowers before traversing a working farm (stay clear of cows!). Finally, put some work in with an ascent to Pinwheel Vista via the Stairway to Heaven Overlook Spur. This is an out and back, so enjoy the scenery twice as you head back to route 517.
Need to Know
Parking is extremely limited at the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk!
Description
This is really a hike in two parts. The first part is more flat as one heads through some marshland across the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk. This can be stunning at the right time of year with wildflowers and tall grasses along the path.
After the boardwalk, cross some woodlands, a live railroad track, and a cow pasture before reaching Route 94. After crossing this state route, head toward Wawayanda Mountain and climb about 800 ft in less than 30 minutes. Near the top, take the Stairway to Heaven Overlook Spur to reach a phenomenal vista point.
This is an out and back, so when you've had your fill of the view, fuel up and head back down.
After the boardwalk, cross some woodlands, a live railroad track, and a cow pasture before reaching Route 94. After crossing this state route, head toward Wawayanda Mountain and climb about 800 ft in less than 30 minutes. Near the top, take the Stairway to Heaven Overlook Spur to reach a phenomenal vista point.
This is an out and back, so when you've had your fill of the view, fuel up and head back down.
Flora & Fauna
Marshland with tall grass, wildflowers, and Jersey hardwood forests characterize this area. There is also the occasional deer.
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Family Friendly, ADA Accessible, History & Background
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Check-Ins
Jun 1, 2019
Sarah Lyons
Very well kept trail - mountain portion was steep going but lovely view. Way down was pretty easy.
7.4mi
—
4h 00m
Apr 14, 2018
Chief Joe
Keep going past pinwheel Vista and find the mailbox, only about another hundred yards
13mi
—
7h 00m
Nov 24, 2017
Prerak Sanghvi
Amazing boardwalk. Must be awesome during fall colors. Stairway to Heaven (rocky trail) is legit - ~1000 ft climb to a beautiful lookout.
7.6mi
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