In fact, a more accurate name for this hike would be “Giant Stairs, and a Zillion Regular-Sized Stairs, Too.” Those boulders comprise the “Giant Stairs” that give this hike its name, but you’ll also find plenty of regular-sized stairs here as well. Hikers flock here to clamber over the extremely challenging mile-long stretch of boulder-scrambling across an immense talus field, just underneath those towering cliffs. While many visitors might not realize it’s down there, the Giant Stairs hike is not a well-kept secret. I wonder how many people enjoy the gigantic view from the parking lot without ever realizing that one of the most unique, beautiful, and challenging hikes in the Hudson Valley sits right under those cliffs. (For a complete list of bird species and when they’re likely to be in the area, check out the bottom of this informative Palisades Hawk Watch page.) Time to bust out the big lenses! This is a popular spot for bird watching – in particular, bald eagles, with a smattering of peregrine falcons. In fact, a quick stroll to a great view is exactly how most people experience this area. The cliffs of the Palisades rise 500 feet from the Hudson River, and the State Line Overlook parking area gives you the view from atop those cliffs without requiring any work on your part. If you wanted to just pull off the Palisades Parkway and enjoy a quick view over the Hudson River without traveling more than about a hundred yards from the parking lot, you could certainly do that. It even has a little café with a gift shop! (And, perhaps even more importantly, bathrooms!) The Giant Stairs loop hike, which begins at the State Line Lookout on the Palisades Parkway, must surely have the distinction of “Best Hike With its Own Exit off the Highway” in the Hudson Valley.

Devils backbone trail map