Hudson Palisades
The southernmost sections of the Long Path follow the Hudson River and the Hudson Palisades north, staying close to the river and to civilization. Although the trail does have some quiet forests and lakes, the majority of its scenic vistas look out over the Hudson River and the works of civilization. Its most impressive views encompass towns and villages along the way, but the most conspicuous ones are of the cities and villages on the east side of the Hudson River, not the least of which include the Borough of Manhattan and the City of Yonkers. On most days, it is possible to see barges and tugboats plying the river, and occasionally a small freighter passing as it connects points along the navigable portions of the Hudson River, from Albany south to the great port of New York City. These southernmost sections of the Long Path are the main ones easily accessible by public transportation, making them attractive and easily reachable weekend jaunts into nature for those who live in New York City.
Forest View, New Jersey Palisades. 2001 [Michael Warren]
1. New York City to NY-NJ State Line
Section 1: New York City to NY-NJ State Line
Quick Facts
Distance: 14.1 miles
Parks: GWB Northwalk, Palisades Interstate Park
Maps: Interactive Map, Hudson Palisades Trails (maps 108 and 109)
Print-Friendly Version: Link
General Description
After crossing the George Washington Bridge, the Long Path follows the crest of the spectacular Palisades Escarpment on the western bank of the Hudson River near New York City, wandering between the cliff edge and the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The route affords stunning views of the basaltic face of the Palisades, the Hudson River and the City of New York and its suburbs. The trail passes through rich forests, with occasional streams and swamps. Old roads, rock walls and foundations along the route are remnants of past settlement along the Palisades. Several side trails lead down to the Shore Trail along the Hudson River. These allow the hiker to make a number of interesting circuits. The trail is generally wide and nearly level (except for some steep sections near the New York-New Jersey border). Unfortunately, the trail is almost always within sound of the Palisades Interstate Parkway. In 1971, this section of the Long Path was designated a National Recreational Trail by Secretary of the Interior, Roger C. B. Morton.
Access
From New York: Take the A train to the 175th Street station.
From New Jersey: Take any road, including the Palisades Interstate Parkway, I-95, NJ 4 and US 1-9, that leads to the George Washington Bridge (GWB). The trail starts on the New York side of the GWB.
By public transportation: Take any bus to the GWB bus terminal and walk over the bridge.
Parking
1.50 Fort Lee Historic Park, just south of the bridge (metered parking). (40.85181°, -73.96245°)
1.55 Street parking along Hudson Terrace (free on Sundays and holidays; meters on other days). (40.85430°, -73.96322°)
2.95 Allison Park (when open). (40.86978°, -73.95259°)
4.85 Rockefeller Lookout (20-minute limit). (40.89225°, -73.94119°)
8.05 Alpine Lookout (20-minute limit). (40.93013°, -73.92690°)
9.80 Alpine headquarters PIPC. (40.95337°, -73.92067°)
11.85 Parking, 0.2 mile from the Long Path, along Route 9W in Alpine near overpass leading to Women's Federation Monument. (40.97989°, -73.91352°)
12.60 State Line Lookout (metered parking) (40.98888°, -73.90662°)
Parking is also available at Ross Dock and the Englewood and Alpine Boat Basins on the Hudson River (metered parking in season); side trails lead up to the Long Path.
Trail Description
0.00 The Long Path starts in New York City at the 175th Street subway station in Washington Heights (Manhattan). Once at the station, exit to Fort Washington Avenue at either W 175th Street or W 177th Street, and head north (uptown) on Fort Washington Avenue.
0.05 The Long Path would follow the Southwalk across the George Washington Bridge, but the Southwalk is closed for construction as of 2023, so it temporarily follows the Northwalk to cross the Hudson River. Continue past W 178th Street under the GWB roadway and past the GWB Bus Station.
0.15 Turn left onto W 180th Street.
0.25 Cross Cabrini Boulevard and enter the Northwalk. Note that while the Southwalk is under construction, the Northwalk has both pedestrian and bike traffic. Follow the Northwalk across the Hudson River.
1.50 Reach the western end of the George Washington Bridge, climb a flight of stairs (the Northwalk does continue ahead along a long ramp), turn right onto the top of the ramp and then immediately turn right again and climb another short flight of stairs. The Long Path continues on a wide gravel road, bearing left at a fork.
Manhattan and the George Washington Bridge. 2001 [TODD SCHREIBMAN]
2.05 At the last of several signs for "Trail to River," the Carpenter's Trail (blue on top and white on the bottom) heads right, leading to the Shore Trail (white). The Long Path continues to the left on a narrower track near the cliff edge. In 300 feet, a side trail (white on top and blue on the bottom) leads left to a footbridge over the Palisades Interstate Parkway. The Long Path continues on past the former site of an old mounted cannon from the Spanish-American War. The trail then goes by several old stone walls and crosses a stream.
2.70 The trail passes a gas station (water, vending machines, food, phone) on the left and then crosses a stream after a short while.
2.95 The trail passes to the left of the iron fence surrounding Allison Park to reach the entrance to Allison Park. This park was developed by the trustees of the Estate of William O. Allison (1849-1924), who was born and spent his life nearby.* When open, the park offers water, restrooms, phone, and overlooks. The Long Path continues along the paved access road to the park, passes the entrance road to Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, and enters a narrow strip of woods near the Parkway. It briefly follows the Parkway's shoulder before heading back toward the edge of the Palisades' cliffs on what becomes an abandoned asphalt drive.
3.65 The trail descends steps to Palisade Avenue, turns right, turns left at the corner and goes up another set of steps to the right. Nearby, the Dyckman Hill Trail (yellow) starts down the Palisades to the Englewood boat basin, leaving the Long Path, which turns left to follow the cliff edge. Views across the river include the Henry Hudson Bridge over the Harlem River and Manhattan's Inwood Hill Park. The medieval-looking monastery is the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Cloisters.
4.30 As the Long Path turns left, an unmarked trail straight ahead leads to the High Tom promontory with its magnificent views up the river.
4.80 The Long Path reaches Rockefeller Lookout and its tremendous views. Not long after, it crosses a small stream and briefly follows an old gravel road. There are many fine river views. Clinton Point, reached by a short walk toward the right away from the Long Path immediately after it passes an open area, is one of the best viewpoints. Just after the trail crosses another stream, reach the fence for the Greenbrook Sanctuary on the right of the trail.
6.65 The trail crosses the entrance road to the Greenbrook Sanctuary. The Sanctuary, open to interested parties by membership, preserves a splendid example of the forests and other habitats that once ranged along the top of the Palisades. The Long Path continues along the Sanctuary's fence, twice plunging below the grade of the Parkway to cross over streams that run through woodland swamps.
7.50 The Huyler's Landing Trail (red), which connects to the Shore Trail (white) at the Hudson's edge, leads right at a very sharp angle shortly after leaving the Sanctuary fence. The Long Path then returns to the edge of the Palisades.
8.00 Reach Alpine Lookout, with many fine views. The trail runs past the lookout point and enters the woods at the end of the cliff-edge railing. It then passes a series of old stone walls and foundations and travels briefly on an old road as it meanders between the Parkway and the cliff edge. It is never far from either, but there are plenty of river views.
9.40 A tunnel leaves to the left under Palisades Interstate Parkway to US Route 9W. The Closter Dock Trail (orange) joins from the left and continues jointly with the Long Path for the next 0.2 mile.
9.60 The trail uses a tunnel to pass below Alpine Approach Road. Immediately after the tunnel, the Closter Dock Trail (orange blazes) leads right and down the hill to the Alpine Boat Basin. The Long Path shifts left at this point and exits the woods. (For reverse direction, a sign reading "Path to River" shows where the Long Path leaves the paved road and enters the woods.)
Blackledge-Kearny house at Alpine Boat Basin. 2001 [MICHAEL WARREN]
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View from the Palisades. 2001 [TODD SCHREIBMAN]
9.80 The trail passes the headquarters of the New Jersey section of Palisades Interstate Park. There are water, telephone, bathroom facilities, and information about the Park and Greenbrook Sanctuary in the Park Commission headquarters building. The Long Path enters the woods on a wide path at the north end of the headquarters parking lot, past the building. Once in the woods, it goes through a variety of hardwood and hemlock forests that afford river views, some quite fine.
11.55 The trail reaches the end of a dirt road - the abandoned portion of Ruckman Road. To the right is an overlook above the Hudson (with a concrete block wall). The Long Path turns left on Ruckman Road and, in another 50 feet, turns right on a gravel road into well-developed forest. A short distance beyond, another gravel road leads right to run along the cliff edge. This road, not part of the Long Path, ends in about 900 feet at the terminus of a great split off the main face of the Palisades. With its many splendid views, it makes a worthwhile excursion.
11.75 The trail turns right on a narrow gravel road.
11.85 The Long Path reaches a second gravel road. The left branch, marked with blue-and-white rectangles, leads to a footbridge over the Parkway to parking on 9W and to the Bergen Boy Scouts Council's Camp Alpine. To the right, these markers run concurrently with the Long Path.
11.90 Reach a clearing with stone monument shaped like a castle, a reminder of the preservation works of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs. They played an instrumental part in creating Palisades Interstate Park at the beginning of the 20th century. Beyond the clearing, the trail descends on rock steps.
Women's Federation Monument. 2001 [MICHAEL WARREN]
12.10 The blue-and-white trail, now called the Forest View Trail, leaves to the right and descends to the river to connect with the Shore Trail (white). The Long Path continues ahead to cross a stream on a bridge and begin an ascent on steps to reach the concrete access road to State Line Lookout. (This road was originally part of US Route 9W).
12.20 Cross the road, and continue on cross-country Ski Trail A, which is marked with aqua blazes.
12.50 Turn right on Ski Trail F.
12.60 The State Line Lookout snack bar, with restrooms, food, water, phone, and bookstore, is on the right. The concession is open all year. Beyond the snack bar is Point Lookout on top of Indian Head, the highest point in the New Jersey section of Palisades Interstate Park. The trail turns left just before reaching the snack bar, and reaches the old Route 9W in 150 yards. Turn left on the road.
12.80 The Long Path bears right into the woods on Ski Trail E, just past the end of the rock wall along the roadside.
13.30 Continue straight ahead as cross-country Ski Trail E turns left. In another 300 feet, the Long Path turns right, up four steps, and continues on a narrower path. It turns right at a chain-link fence marking the New Jersey-New York state boundary (to the left, there is a stone boundary monument placed in 1882). The trail descends along the fence on stone steps, turns left, and passes through a gate in the fence to enter New York. It continues to descend on steps, often quite steeply, close to the edge of the cliffs.
13.60 The steps end and the Long Path turns left to descend more gradually to a stream crossing.
13.75 The Shore Trail (white) goes right and follows the stream for 0.75 mile to a beautiful cascade and remnants of Lawrence Garden (or Italian Garden, designed after a garden in Amalfi). The Long Path turns left to follow the stream uphill, ascending gently but steadily. Another unmarked trail leaves to the left 0.2 mile farther along the Long Path as the ascent ends.
14.10 The Long Path reaches US Route 9W at the entrance road to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, just north of the New Jersey-New York state line. To continue, turn right on the entrance road, then turn left at the guard house.
Previous Section: None
Next Section: Section 2
* William O. Allison was a native of the small group of small fishing villages that developed at the base of the Palisades during the 19th century. He was born in Undercliff Village in 1849 and became a successful journalist in his early twenties. He started a trade journal (the Oil, Paint, and Drug Reporter) and became very successful at acquiring more trade journals, making him a wealthy man. In his later years, he interviewed old-timers from the Undercliffs, but a large part of his historical collection burned along with his mansion in 1903. The trustees of his estate established Allison Park, and some of the land he owned is now a part of the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in Englewood.
2. NY-NJ State Line to Nyack
Section 2: NY-NJ State Line to Nyack
Quick Facts
Distance: 10.35 miles
Parks: Tallman Mountain State Park, Clausland Mountain County Park, Tackamack Town Park, Blauvelt State Park, Sean Hunter Ryan Memorial Park
Maps: Interactive Map, Hudson Palisades Trails (map 109)
Print-Friendly Version: Link
General Description
After following the Palisades through New Jersey, the Long Path continues into New York along the Palisades Escarpment. This section is a mix of state, county and town parks and some suburban road walking. The trail begins along US Route 9W in the hamlet of Palisades, continues to Tallman Mountain State Park, descends to the Village of Piermont, ascends to Mt. Nebo, Clausland Mountain Park, Tackamack Town Park, Blauvelt State Park, and Sean Hunter Ryan Memorial Park, and finally descends into Central Nyack. This section is rich in history, with the trail passing close to historic places such as Sneden's Landing, the Revolutionary War hamlet of Palisades, Rockland Cemetery (General Frémont's Grave) and the abandoned rifle ranges in Blauvelt State Park.
Access
Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway to Exit 4, just south of the New York-New Jersey state line. Turn north onto Route 9W and continue to the entrance of the Lamont Campus of Columbia University. By public transportation: The Red and Tan Lines buses 9W and 9A along Route 9W give access to many points along the trail.
Parking
0.00 State Line Lookout (40.98888°, -73.90662°), about one mile south of the state line.
1.00 Route 9W at Rockland County bike trail near the south entrance to Tallman Mountain State Park. (41.01546°, -73.91340°)
2.60 Tallman Mountain State Park main parking area off Rockland Road (fee in season). (41.02911°, -73.91651°)
3.45 Street parking in Piermont. (Unlocated)
6.70 Tackamack Park on Clausland Mountain Road. (41.06229°, -73.93952°)
10.35 Street parking in Central Nyack. (Unlocated)
Trail Description
0.00 The Long Path passes the entrance to Columbia University's Lamont Campus. The campus has departments for research on climatology, geochemistry, oceanography, and seismology. In another 300 feet, it turns left. Soon, the trail turns right and then stays close to Route 9W, passing a swamp on the right. The trail crosses a stone wall and ascends over a small knoll.
0.25 Turn right onto a woods road and continue downhill, roughly paralleling Route 9W.
0.45 The Long Path reaches the parking lot of a building, the former Tree Ring Lab of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, but now a daycare facility. Turn left toward Route 9W and then right onto the highway. Hikers should exercise extreme caution along this road. It has frequent high-speed traffic. Keep to the left of the road, well within the white line of the shoulder.
0.55 Reach an intersection with Washington Spring Road and Oak Tree Road in the hamlet of Palisades, New York. This is an area rich with history. To the right is Sneden's Landing. Today, it is a well-known enclave for artists and actors escaping from New York City. Historically, Sneden's Landing was the site of ferry service to Dobbs Ferry. About two miles west on Oak Tree Road are historic sites such as the De Wint House in the hamlet of Tappan, Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters, and the 1776 House, where the British spy Major André was kept prisoner prior to his execution. The Long Path continues north along Route 9W.
1.00 The Long Path turns right, leaving Route 9W, and enters Tallman Mountain State Park, passing a parking area on the left. It heads towards the river on a gravel road, part of the Tallman Bike Path.
1.30 With ruins of a brick-and-concrete building visible to the right, the Long Path turns left and continues along a raised berm. These elevated mounds of dirt were built in the early 20th century to retain seepage from a never-constructed oil storage facility that was to be established in the area. The Long Path crosses a marshy section on plank bridging and passes a pond on the right.
Bridge on the footpath, Tallman Mountain State Park. 2001 [TODD SCHREIBMAN]
1.95 The Long Path curves to the right and crosses the Tallman Bike Path. The Long Path then turns left and follows the Palisades Escarpment parallel to the river. There are views through the trees of Sparkill Marsh, filled with Phragmites communis (common name "giant reed") extending out into the river.
2.45 The Long Path skirts the South Picnic Area of the park, passing a stone comfort station on the left. It descends stone steps and a paved path to cross a wooden bridge over a stream. With the park swimming pool visible below to the right, the Long Path turns sharply left and goes up a paved path with a wooden railing.
2.70 At a traffic circle, the Long Path crosses the park road leading down to the river. On the other side of the road, it ascends railroad-tie steps and continues to climb, steeply at times, to the North Picnic Area. At the top, it turns right and follows the park road that runs close to the edge of the escarpment.
3.00 The Long Path reaches an outstanding viewpoint on the right, looking over the Hudson River. The Tappan Zee Bridge and Hook Mountain are visible to the north. Directly below are the mile-long Piermont Pier (the original terminus of the Erie Railroad) and the extensive Sparkill Marsh. The villages of Irvington and Dobbs Ferry may be seen across the river, with the gothic tower of the Lyndhurst mansion on the skyline to the northeast. Turn right, leave the road, and begin a steep, rocky descent towards Piermont. Interesting restaurants and shops are found in the village.
Winter view of the Sparkill Marsh. 2001 [JAKOB FRANKE]
3.15 At the bottom of the descent, the Long Path turns left on a gravel road, the route of the Tallman Bike Path. In 200 feet, the bike path ends, and the Long Path turns right on Ferdon Avenue. It immediately crosses Sparkill Creek and enters the Village of Piermont. At a traffic light, the trail crosses South Piermont Avenue (left) and Paradise Avenue (right) to continue straight ahead on Piermont Avenue.
3.45 At the old railroad crossing in the center of Piermont, the trail turns left onto Tate Avenue, climbs uphill, then turns right and parallels the river. The trail veers left and climbs up an old concrete staircase, emerging onto Ash Street adjacent to the former railroad station. (The station building, which is over 100 years old, is now unused.) The abandoned Erie Railroad right-of-way that crosses the Long Path here is a rail-trail and an official side trail to the Long Path. It provides an interesting alternative path, with Hudson River views, north to Nyack. The Long Path turns left and continues west along Ash Street to Piermont Place. Turn left on Piermont Place and then right on Crescent Road. At the end of Crescent Road turn left, and follow the path past several houses on the right. Turn right on an old fire road and, in 75 yards, reach US Route 9W. Turn right on Route 9W and follow it for a few yards to Castle Road, a rural road.
3.90 Turn left on Castle Road, which bends north. This part of the road is private. Before reaching the last house, the trail heads to the right into the woods and rejoins the old fire road. Turn right and follow this road into Rockland Cemetery. It has fine views west toward the Ramapos in the distance. About 500 feet after passing the last house, the path meets a paved cemetery road. The trail makes a 180-degree turn and continues uphill on the cemetery road to reach the top of the Palisades and a seasonal view of the Hudson. At the top, the trail passes the obelisk memorializing Henry Honeychurch Gorringe, who transported Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt, as well as the monument to General John Charles Frémont, better known as the "Pathfinder." Also buried at the cemetery, almost within touching distance of the Long Path, is George Zoebelein, a long-time trail supervisor of the Long Path in Rockland County, and a former president of the Trail Conference. George's gravesite is approximately 30 feet from where the trail makes the 180-degree turn.
4.80 The Long Path leaves the cemetery and gradually regains the Palisades ridge, where it heads northwest along the ridge. It continues on a level path through the woods, crossing several stone walls and intermittent streams.
5.50 The Long Path arrives at a three-way trail intersection. An orange-marked trail, built and maintained by Rockland County, goes to the right to Mt. Nebo, once an Air Force Nike missile site and now a recreation area for the Town of Orangetown. This trail rejoins the Long Path in 0.4 mile. The Long Path continues straight ahead and heads downhill, crosses a streambed, makes a left jog, and then goes right. An old woods road goes left and leads to NY Route 303, near the Kings Highway intersection. The trail ascends gradually and then undulates through the woods of Clausland Mountain Park, a Rockland County park.
5.90 The orange-marked trail comes in from the right. The Long Path continues, crossing several streams along the way, the last time on a wooden bridge.
6.70 The trail crosses Clausland Mountain Road and enters Tackamack Town Park in the Town of Orangetown. Tackamack was the Indian name of Jan Claus, a trader who lived in the area.*The trail passes through a metal gate and descends, first on a gravel road and then on a woods road, until it reaches a small water impoundment. Here the Long Path goes right into the woods, following the water impoundment. The trail follows the stream for a while and finally crosses it on a wooden bridge.
7.20 The Long Path crosses a road (Marsico Court) and enters Blauvelt State Park. The trail passes through a stand of evergreens and veers right, after which it joins a woods road. A nearby embankment was the site of the firing line for the pre-World War I National Guard Camp Bluefield's rifle range. They were forced to close the camp because the lead from the bullets kept landing in Grand View, to the east along the river. All the trees in this section were planted after the National Guard abandoned the rifle range. The trail continues on a series of woods roads, then parallels a target wall of the rifle range.
7.75 The Long Path climbs over a small embankment and descends a set of wooden steps to a woods road. This embankment is actually the earth-covered concrete tunnel that provided safe passage from the firing line to the target wall. The entrance to the tunnel is on the right. The trail crosses the woods road, in about 100 yards turns right onto another woods road, and in one-tenth of a mile turns right again, then continues straight on yet another woods road. At the next crossing the Long Path turns left.
8.25 A white trail and a woods road join from the left, just before a stream crossing. The Long Path turns right across the stream and heads uphill into the woods before finally emerging onto Tweed Boulevard (Rockland County Route 5).
8.65 The Long Path crosses the road and climbs a staircase onto the crest of the Palisades ridge.
8.75 There is a 180-degree view here, with the Tappan Zee, Piermont Pier, New York City and the Hackensack River valley visible. This was the site of the famous "Balanced Rock." Because vandals managed to unbalance the rock, park officials were forced to remove it in 1966. From here, the trail continues along the ridge before finally descending to a gravel road. The road leads left to Tweed Boulevard and right to a water tank.
9.15 The Long Path continues by crossing the gravel road and making a sharp ascent to gain the ridge. The trail starts descending, crosses an open woods road, and continues north. It passes a grove of evergreens just before reaching Bradley Hill Road (Rockland County Route 38).
9.65 The trail turns right on Bradley Hill Road and, after a few paces, turns left into the woods just past a driveway and regains the Palisades ridge crest. You are now in Sean Hunter Ryan Memorial Park, a Rockland County park. [If heading for historic Nyack instead of staying on the Long Path, continue on Bradley Hill Road and turn right onto South Highland Avenue, at the entrance to Nyack College. Turn right onto Upland Drive; turn right onto South Boulevard, and then left onto Central Avenue, left onto Prospect Avenue, right onto Terrace Drive, and left onto Lowland Drive. Following a switchback, US Route 9W is reached. Turn left to a bridge across the New York State Thruway and cross the bridge. At a blinking red light (corner of Franklin Street and Clinton Avenue) the rail-trail from Piermont to Nyack is reached. Follow the rail-trail to the left to reach the center of Nyack. Broadway, where buses, shops, and restaurants are available, is one block to the right.]
9.90 The Long Path passes an opening in an old stone wall. There are good (seasonal) views into the Village of Nyack in this area. On the right is a bench and mounted in the rocks is a plaque commemorating Sean Hunter Ryan. The trail starts to descend west off the ridge.
10.00 The trail passes a side trail (white blazes) on the left to Buttermilk Falls Park, a Rockland County park. The side trail connects with a county-maintained trail system and allows a loop hike of 2.4 miles. The trail continues to descend off the ridge and turns left, then right, to pass a residential area.
10.10 The trail emerges onto the end of paved Towt Road. It follows Towt Road and then continues onto Waldron Avenue.
10.35 The trail reaches the intersection of Waldron Avenue and NY Route 59 in Central Nyack. Here there are a number of motels, stores and fast food restaurants. To continue, proceed straight ahead (the road beyond this point is known as Mountainview Avenue). At the northeast corner of Route 59 and Mountainview Avenue are two monuments. The first is 'Mile to Nyack' and commemorates the opening of the Nyack Turnpike in 1830 (from Nyack to Suffern). The second monument commemorates the slaying of O'Grady, Brown and Paige, following the Brinks armored car robbery on October 20, 1981.
Previous Section: Section 1
Next Section: Section 3
* Although a Native American of the Wicqaskeek tribe on the east side of the Hudson, Tackamack adopted the Dutch name of Jan Claus (or Jan Klase). He was a very active signer of Native American deeds, and his name can be found on the deeds establishing the Tappan patent, the Demarest patent, and the Wawayanda patent. One wonders how he had established the right to sign these patents on behalf of Native Americans.
3. Nyack to Long Clove
Section 3: Nyack to Long Clove
Quick Facts
Distance: 8.85 miles
Parks: Mountainview Nature Park, Nyack Beach State Park, Hook Mountain State Park, Rockland Lake State Park
Maps: Interactive Map, Hudson Palisades Trails (maps 110 and 111)
Print-Friendly Version: Link
General Description
The first two miles of this section are suburban and the trail frequently runs along roads or near houses. After leaving US Route 9W, the Long Path ascends Hook Mountain. Its bare summit affords splendid views up and down the Hudson River. The trail then continues through woodlands and along ridges, passing an old cemetery and old quarries.
Access
Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 11, Mountainview Avenue.
By public transportation: The Red and Tan Lines buses 9W and 9A give access to many points along the trail from US Route 9W.
Parking
0.00 Strip shopping centers along NY Route 59 may provide parking. (Unlocated)
2.10 Christian Herald Road at US Route 9W. (41.11008°, -73.92744°)
5.75 Landing Road (limited, tends to fill up on weekends). (41.14358°, -73.91232°)
6.35 Golf course parking lot (fee in season).
8.85 Southeast side of US Route 9W, across from Landmark Drive, formerly known as Long Clove Road (limited parking). (41.17449°, -73.94458°)
Trail Description
0.00 The section begins where Waldron Avenue/Mountainview Avenue crosses NY Route 59. There is a traffic light at the intersection. The Long Path continues north on Mountainview Avenue and heads uphill to the bridge over the New York State Thruway. This is a busy commercial area with food and phones widely available. Once across the Thruway, Mountainview Avenue passes a driveway on the right.
0.25 The trail turns right into woodland after passing the driveway. Next, the trail crosses a road from an apartment complex and ascends the steep pitch on the other side. It quickly bears right and passes through a narrow strip of woods with housing complexes on both sides. At the next junction, continuing eastward on a woods road leads to a corner of Oak Hill Cemetery where there are spectacular views of the Tappan Zee, one of the widest parts of the Hudson. The trail turns left instead and climbs the woods road on a series of switchbacks to a water tank.
0.70 Now on the level, the trail continues northward along a stone wall. It skirts another garden apartment complex on the left through adjoining woodland. An unmarked trail drops down on the right to the Nyack High School, but continue on the level. Finally, the trail turns downhill on an old driveway and reaches Christian Herald Road.
1.70 Turn right onto Christian Herald Road.
2.10 The Long Path turns left onto US Route 9W at a traffic light.
View from Hook Mountain [MICHAEL WARREN]
2.50 Leave US Route 9W through a gap in the guardrail. After about 20 feet, the trail turns right into the woods and moves diagonally away from the road. In another 250 feet, reach the southern junction of the Boulders Loop Trail (white), which leaves downhill. The trails are co-aligned for 0.1 mile before the Boulders Loop Trail leaves to the right, descending downhill through the woods toward Nyack Beach State Park (the complete Boulders Loop Trail is 2.8 miles). This Boulders Loop Trail also allows for a circular hike using the Long Path and River Trail at the base of Hook Mountain. Continuing uphill, views of the Hudson River and the Tappan Zee Bridge appear, and the trail begins the often steep and rocky climb up Hook Mountain.
3.25 The open, rocky summit of Hook Mountain affords a tremendous view up and down the Hudson River with the Palisades visible to the south on the right bank of the river. The trail now descends through dry woods. Many fine views occur as the trail trends downward along a broad woods road on the west side of Hook Mountain's ridge. As the trail approaches the recreation areas of Rockland Lake State Park, it passes an old stone wall and several unmarked trails leave on both sides. After a final steep descent, reach Landing Road. Turning right, Landing Road will meet the Shore Path. It can be used for a circular hike over and around Hook Mountain. Turning left leads to Rockland Lake State Park and US Route 9W.
Chicken mushroom (Laetiporus sulphureus) [JAKOB FRANKE]
5.75 The Long Path crosses Landing Road and begins to climb. It quickly passes a tiny, old cemetery, the Wells Family Cemetery, with faded headstones from the 19th century. After passing the cemetery, the trail begins to go up and down, following the crest of the ridge. There are several beautiful views, some from precipices, of Croton Point Park on the other side of the Hudson River. The trail passes tennis courts and a stone wall to the left.
6.35 An unmarked trail leads left to the parking lot of the State Park golf course. When open, the concession provides water, phone and food. The Long Path continues along the ridge, often changing from upward to downward, with views through the trees both to the left and to the right.
8.45 The Long Path reaches the Treason Trail (white) on the right. This trail leads down to the Shore Path. The Long Path veers left, crosses under a power line beneath which there is a railroad tunnel, and descends to US Route 9W.
8.85 The trail reaches Route 9W just east of its intersection with NY Route 304. To continue, cross Route 9W and follow Landmark Drive, an abandoned town road formerly known as Long Clove Road.
Previous Section: Section 2
Next Section: Section 4
4. Long Clove to Mt. Ivy
Section 4: Long Clove to Mt. Ivy
Quick Facts
Distance: 6.85 miles
Parks: High Tor State Park, South Mountain County Park, Gurnee County Park
Maps: Interactive Map, Hudson Palisades Trails (maps 111 and 112)
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General Description
In this section, the Long Path follows little-used roads for a mile, passes dramatic quarried cliffs of the Palisades, and then enters the woods and ascends High Tor. The ascent is often steep, with several good viewpoints. The open summit affords a 360-degree view up and down the Hudson Valley. The trail then descends from High Tor, ultimately passing Little Tor while following the ridge. After crossing Central Highway, the trail enters Rockland County's South Mountain Park. The section ends by descending off the western curving edge of the Palisades just before that feature plunges below the ground.
Access
This section begins on US Route 9W about 100 yards east of its junction with NY Route 304. The trail crosses Route 9W in the center of an "S" curve on the highway.
By public transportation: The Coach USA 11A bus stops at the intersection of Ridge Road and Old Route 304 (Rockland County Route 90, and erroneously shown as South Mountain Road on some maps), which the trail crosses.
Parking
0.00 Limited parking on the southeast side of Route 9W, across from Landmark Drive, formerly known as Long Clove Road. (41.17449°, -73.94458°)
1.15 Grassy area at the SW corner of Old Route 304 and Ridge Road, large enough for at least 4-5 cars. (41.17682°, -73.96148°)
4.75 Central Highway (limited parking). (41.19210°, -74.00450°)
6.85 Parking in Gurnee Park and Amphitheater on the east side of NY Route 45 in Mt. Ivy, 0.15 mile south of US Route 202. (41.18434°, -74.03635°)
On holidays and weekends, there is additional parking in the commuter parking lot at the corner of Routes 45 and 202.
Trail Description
0.00 The section begins by crossing US Route 9W and a guard rail, near a large Tilcon sign. The trail proceeds northward on Landmark Drive, an abandoned town road formerly known as Long Clove Road, and follows the road uphill around a sharp left hook.
0.60 Make a right turn onto Scratchup Road. The trail passes the gates for the Tilcon New York quarry.
1.00 The trail swings left and uphill to reach Old Route 304. Turn left here onto the road. This is a twisting road with narrow shoulders. Remember to walk single file facing traffic.
1.15 Pass Ridge Road on the left.
1.20 The trail turns right into the woods and crosses a wet area. It continues uphill, meandering beside and sometimes over stone walls.
1.70 The trail levels off and passes by a stand of mountain laurel. After a brief descent, the trail resumes uphill climbing to reach the ridge top near another stone wall. Halfway along the descent is a white-marked trail to the left and a sign saying: "Spur Path (High Tor State Park) - 2/10 mile to the site of the historic Youmans-Van Orden House and High Tor Vineyards."
View of Haverstraw from High Tor. 2001 [MICHAEL WARREN]
2.30 Reach the summit of High Tor. High Tor is the highest peak on the Palisades and its open, rocky summit affords spectacular views in all directions. The Hudson River vanishes to the north behind Dunderberg Mountain. Directly below, along the Hudson, is the Town of Haverstraw. The decommissioned Indian Point nuclear plant is visible across from Tomkins Cove. To the west, the rolling hills of the Ramapos and Harriman State Park may be seen. The polygonal pattern visible on the summit's rocks is a natural result of the cooling of the diabase that forms the Palisades. Colonists used the summit as a signal point during the Revolution, and it later was the site of an airplane beacon; the remains of the tower are still visible. The peak was the subject of Maxwell Anderson's play High Tor. The Long Path leaves High Tor and drops steeply into the woods.
2.45 The trail reaches the end of a fire road that it will follow gently downhill all the way to Central Highway. On the way, it runs through deciduous woods on or near the top of the ridge of the Palisades. The slope is steep to the right of the trail and gentle to the left.
3.05 The Long Path meets an unmarked trail to the right. This trail leads to a summit over the cliff edge.
3.70 The trail crosses a dirt road. To the right the road is blazed white, and heads briefly uphill and swings to the front of the open summit of Little Tor. To the left is a small artificial pond. It was the water source for the Kaatz mansion, a building demolished in the early 1970's during the construction of High Tor State Park. There is a fine view to the north, with Haverstraw directly below. As the Long Path continues to gradually descend along the ridge, it is crossed by many unmarked side trails and dirt roads.
4.45 Cross beneath a power line.
Deer by the trailside. 2001 [TODD SCHREIBMAN]
4.75 Cross Central Highway and enter Rockland County's South Mountain Park. The trail enters the woods on a gravel road, but just after passing the car barrier, it leaves the road and turns right onto a steep path. The trail is generally close to and parallel with the gravel road and crosses it once.
5.20 Join the gravel road briefly as it curves left. Follow the road for about 50 feet and than leave it to descend gently to the right. The Long Path is now a wide, well-cleared path through the woods following the cliff edge of the Palisades. There are extensive views to the south.
6.55 A precipice affords a view of Cheesecote Mountain and Limekiln, Catamount and Horse Stable Mountains. An old quarry and the edge of the Palisades can be seen looking down along the direction of the trail.
6.65 A view over an old quarry shows the end of the Palisades. Beyond, the Palisades ridge dips into the ground. The trail follows this last curving ridge downhill.
6.85 Reach the parking area in Gurnee Park and Amphitheater, a county park on the east side of NY Route 45.