Peanut Leap Cascade into Giant Stairs

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

A gratifying and hilly run with incredible views and enjoyable rock scrambling.

Bring cash for a quick bite at the State Line Café & bookshop (Open 7 days a week 9:30 AM - 5 PM).

The mile-long rock scramble may be difficult to navigate at certain points. Runners must be aware of their speed and footing.

This is an approximately 4.5-mile run.

Begin this run on Old Route 9W a little north of Point Lookout, where the Long Path: Section 1 (aqua markers) heads into the woods. Stay on the Long Path headed north. In about half a mile, the Long Path turns right (east) near the state line border monument, then left (north) to go through a gate in a fence.

The trail then descends on steep stone steps.

Just beyond “High Gutter Point” (this is the point where you can see sweeping views to the north) are more steep steps. Use caution and take your time on these to the bottom.

At the bottom of the steps, the trail turns left (west). In about 1/8 mile, the trail crosses a stream. After you cross the stream, turn right (east). This is the start of the Shore Trail (White): Peanut Leap Cascade Segment(white markers). Follow the Shore Trail (White): Peanut Leap Cascade Segment to the river and Peanut Leap Cascade. Sections are rocky and the final descent is steep—use caution! Enjoy this picturesque spot for a while. Continue following the path to reach the Shore Trail (White): The Giant Stairs.

Warning: This is CHALLENGING. Includes a difficult rock scramble followed by a steep ascent. THIS SECTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS ONLY! This run is NOT recommended for dogs or very young children or when conditions are wet or icy. ALLOW FOR AMPLE DAYLIGHT TO COMPLETE THE ENTIRE Run.

From Peanut Leap Cascade, continue south on the Shore Trail (White): The Giant Stairs. Following the white markers, you’ll scramble almost a mile across the boulder field called “the Giant Stairs.” About 1/4 mile south of the boulder field, find the steep Forest View Trail (Blue/White) and take it up to its intersection with the Long Path (aqua).

Turn right (north) on the Long Path, cross the stream, and take the aqua trail back to the Lookout.

THIS LOOP CAN ALSO BE HIKED THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.