Palisades Interstate Park -- NJ Section

Two main trails traverse the length of the Jersey Palisades: the Long Path, which runs along the top of the cliffs, and the Shore Trail, which runs along their base.  In addition, five trails link the two paths making loop hikes possible for those willing to ascend/descend 250- to 400-feet.  The highest cliff is at Point Lookout at 532 feet above the Hudson River.  Trail maps are available on the Park's web site [Contact Information below]

• Long Path [13 miles in NJ; aqua blaze]: Extending north from the George Washington Bridge, the Long Path follows the level cliff-top of the Palisades.  For most of the way to the State Line Lookout it runs along a narrow strip of the land between the four-lane Parkway and the cliff edge.  As a result the sounds of traffic can be heard along the trail.  North of State Line Lookout the Parkway curves further inland so hikers along this section can escape the din. On the other hand, fantastic views from the cliff tops and the ruins of old mansions along the way make for a remarkable hike.
  • The Long Path begins at Fort Lee Historic Park.  It extends into New York State through the Catskill Forest Preserve and then well north and west of Albany.
• Shore Trail [12.2 miles; white blaze]: The Shore Trail runs along the Hudson River from Fort Lee to 0.7 mile beyond the New Jersey-New York state line.  For most of its route it follows a nearly-level path that closely hugs the shoreline.  But north of Forest View, about 10.5 miles from the start, its character becomes rugged as it weaves up and down the accumulation of broken rock [some quite large; this section is called Giant Stairs] at the base of the cliffs, and then climbs rather steeply near its end to just over the state line.
• The five cross-country ski trails [marked A through E] at State Line Lookout are open to hikers.
• Cycling is permitted on Henry Hudson Drive [parts of drive may close in winter-check with park] from River Road in Edgewater up to and including Alpine Approach Road.  Bicycles are not permitted on any hiking trails, walking paths, or cross-country ski trails.
• Maps, a description of trails, and a classification of hikes by level of difficulty are available on the park's website [see Contact Information].

For a description of several hikes, click this link and scroll down the "Parks" column to the Palisades Interstate Park, NJ.