Popular Hiking Area Of Palisades Interstate Park May Stay Closed For Months: Official

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — After a "major" rock slide closed a popular hiking area of a Bergen County park last Friday, a park official has some bad news for nature lovers.

On Friday, the Palisades Parks Conservatory posted on social media that the "Giant Stairs" area of Palisades Interstate Park — a popular destination in the park, which stretches from New Jersey to New York — was closed due to a rock slide and rockfall.

On Wednesday, Steve Shallop, the superintendent of the New Jersey side of the park, gave Patch an update, saying the spot may remain closed for several months.

Shallop said that because of the falling rocks, the damage to the area and the stability of the stairs must be assessed.

The Great Stairs may remain closed until spring, he said.

Section Of Boulders

The 4.3-mile Giant Stairs area, located in Alpine, is "a long section of huge boulders that have tumbled from the Palisades," notes a hiking website. The area offers views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily closed the Giant Stairs in order to properly assess both the damage and the stability of the terrain following the slide," Shallop said Wednesday. "It is highly likely that we will consider keeping the Giant Stairs closed until springtime and allow the winter thaw to take place before opening the trail."

He said the trail has grown in popularity in recent years, and that he'll provide an update when the assessment is complete. But he didn't have a more specific timeline.

"The trail attracts hikers from across the region who come to challenge themselves on the four to five mile loop," he noted. "The Giant Stairs are widely regarded as a very popular destination."

A notice on the park website said the stairs are closed and guidance will be updated when there's a change. The park posts alerts on closures and repairs here.

The park stretches for 12 miles along both sides of the Hudson River.