The Giant Staircase Loops are widely considered the most difficult and popular hike in Palisades Interstate Park involving both steep technical descents and climbs. Sections along the Shore Trail boarder on rock scrambling and need to be approached with extreme cation. Nearly all of the over 900 feet of elevation gain takes place in the last half mile on a series on switchback staircases. The NY-NJ Trail Conference suggests this hike can take up to 4 hours, times well under an hour are very possible.