New Jersey’s Stairway to heaven
What comes to mind when you think of the trail name “The Stairway to Heaven”? Bright green grassy fields plated with a golden staircase that leads to the great beyond? Maybe. At least, that’s what I might have thought. Out in Sussex County, New Jersey, lies the quiet mountain town of Vernon. Just when I thought I had discovered it all, an obscure trail on the side of Highway 23 had other plans. Step by step, I found myself climbing higher into heaven and finding the peace within.
A small, dusty path leads you straight to a view of grassy green mountains, offering no hint of what lies ahead. A rugged, graffiti-tagged brown case stands at the trailhead, holding bear warnings, park information, and more. Of course, as a nerd, I had to stop and read all the bear facts. What are the odds of encountering one today? Many hikers bypass the information section and are then shocked to learn that bears — yes, bears — do indeed call New Jersey’s forests home. But today, I wasn’t worried. I was certain I had a dragonfly protecting me.
Meraxes, my loyal hiking companion, and I quickly reached the trailhead. From there, there was only one way to go: up. A steep slope greeted us immediately, setting the tone for the entire hike. Following the Appalachian Trail’s iconic white blazes, we navigated through a labyrinth of boulders, rocks, and more rocks. New Jersey’s diverse terrains unfolded with every turn, revealing tall, skinny trees, open forest spaces, and stunning views.
A Labyrinth of Boulder Shrines
This hike could only be described as a vertical challenge. The steep, rocky slopes were punctuated by what I like to call “boulder shrines” — mighty rock formations that stood tall and proud, like warriors guarding the heavenly forest. Walking this trail felt almost supernatural. Adrenaline coursed from the tips of my callused toes to the ends of my poorly dyed locs as I tethered Meraxes closer to me. Every step required precision; one wrong move, and we’d be on a harrowing slide down the unforgiving mountain face.
Every five to ten minutes, I stopped to soak in my surroundings and catch my breath. Other hikers puffed and panted nearby, but at least there was plenty of oxygen to go around. Trees, with their incredible powers, deserve more credit. They seemed to breathe life into us all. Families with kids and hikers with their dogs filled the trail. Oh, to have four legs or the boundless energy of a spry child! Meanwhile, Meraxes made the climb look like child’s play.
The trail’s white blazes veered from left to right unpredictably, keeping me on my toes. Speaking of toes, I stayed vigilant for snakes. While I don’t mind them, I respect their space and had no desire to step on one. Rattlesnakes and copperheads, among other species, lay hidden beneath the rocks, preferring to avoid the busy trail. Apparently, every day is a high-traffic day here. Several hikers remarked on the popularity of the trail, which made me wonder how I’d never heard of it before. New Jersey truly hides gems — sapphires and rubies — within its forests and mountain ranges.
Finally, the reward at the summit validated the trail’s name. Mountains stretched out before me, their blue and purple-tinted chains layered like a bundle of clothes on a cold winter day. But there was no chill, no wind — just a profound stillness. The Earth, in all her glory, revealed herself to me. How could she be so spectacular? Why am I confined by walls when such beauty exists? I yearned to be as free as the mountains rolling endlessly into the horizon.
In awe, I found two trees and set up my blue-and-grey hammock. I couldn’t pass up the chance to float above the majesty beside me. Other hikers looked on as I made camp for Meraxes and myself. She sprawled out, slurping cool water from her bowl. She deserved it. As for me, I sank into my hammock, a cloud that carried away all my cares. Negativity dissolved. Nothing in this world could replicate the warmth and peace I felt in that moment.
On that day, I learned a valuable lesson. Though I may be a tiny fragment of this vast, complex world, I belong to the Earth. I am part of her, and she is part of me. Some people say you need to go to church to find heaven. They’re wrong. I found the stairway to heaven on a trail hidden on the side of a road in Vernon, New Jersey.
