Hike of the Week 7/14/2006

Description:

This hike explores the northern end of the New Jersey Section of the Palisades Interstate Park, staying on top of the cliffs. For part of the way, it follows paths that have been designated by the park as “ski trails.” Although these trails may be used by cross-country skiers whenever there is sufficient snow, they are also open to hikers all year round. The hike has two steep climbs, totaling about 200 vertical feet, on stone steps, but is otherwise relatively easy.
        The hike begins at the rear of the parking area at the State Line Lookout, at a sign for the “Ski Trails.” Follow the wide path into the woods. You’ll soon reach a junction where Trails A and B diverge from Trails C and D. Turn right, now following Trails C and D.
        After a level stretch, the trail begins to descend. At the base of the descent, it crosses a stone-faced culvert over a stream. Soon, it reaches a Y-intersection, where Trails C and D diverge. Bear left and follow Trail D, which ascends gradually to the top of a rise and then descends steadily. Unlike the wide ski trails you have been following until now, this section of Trail D has narrowed to a footpath.
        At the base of the descent, turn left onto a wide concrete roadway, built in 1926 as a New Jersey state highway (it was subsequently designated U.S. 9W). The road was abandoned in the 1950's when the Palisades Interstate Parkway was constructed, but the concrete road surface remains in remarkably good condition.
        In about 300 feet, at the bottom of a short descent, you will see a sign with a hiker symbol on the right. Turn right, leaving the paved road, go through a gate in a chain-link fence, and follow an unmarked footpath which descends rather steeply to cross a stream on rocks. Just beyond the stream, the trail reaches a junction with the aqua-blazed Long Path.
        Turn right and follow the Long Path downhill, parallel to the stream. Soon, you’ll reach another junction, marked by three white blazes on a tree. Here, the white-blazed Shore Trail heads straight ahead, but you should turn right, continuing to follow the aqua-blazed Long Path, which crosses the stream on two wooden bridges.
        A short distance ahead, the Long Path turns sharply right and begins a steep climb on stone steps. (The blocked-off path ahead, marked with a “Trail Closed” sign, is the former route of the Shore Trail, washed out several years ago by Hurricane Floyd.)  This is the most strenuous part of the hike. At the top of the climb is High Gutter Point, a panoramic viewpoint up and down the river. To the north, you can see the Tappan Zee Bridge and Hook Mountain, the northernmost point on the Palisades along the Hudson. Across the river are the tracks of Metro-North’s Hudson Line (also used by Amtrak). You’ll want to take a break here to rest from the steep climb and enjoy the view, but use caution, as the drop-off is very steep. You should also be careful not to touch the poison ivy which grows in this location.
        The Long Path continues ahead, passing several more viewpoints, then continues to climb on stone steps. After going through a gate in a chain-link fence that marks the boundary between New York and New Jersey, the Long Path briefly parallels the fence. When the trail bears left, away from the fence, continue ahead for about 50 feet to see a stone monument, placed in 1882 to mark the state line.
        Return to the aqua-blazed Long Path, which turns left just beyond the monument, then takes the left fork at the next intersection (along with Ski Trail E).  It follows an old woods road for about half a mile to reach the Old Route 9W (a wide concrete road), then turns left along the road and follows it for a short distance back to the State Line Lookout, where the hike began.

V3 Last updated: August 27, 2006   Copyright © 1996-2006  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.