Name: Pinwheel Vista Out-and-Back
Rating: 4.7

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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.