This loop is a well-marked and scenic route. There are many convenient places to park (both East and West Medicine Lake Parks) but I like starting in French Regional Park. A quick climb out of the park will take you to a swooping downhill to the lake shore. The next section crosses two long wooden boardwalks through prairie fields. Keep your eyes open for red wing black birds, barn swallows, and the occasional bald eagle! After another jaunt along the lake shore, it’s a challenging climb up to Northwest Boulevard and finally back into the regional park.

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.