Long Path “Chain of Loops” Hikes - #2 - Englewood Cliffs to Alpine (Moderate)

You must register via this link: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001oEvF2AU/act00016595

Series Overview: Hike just one or collect the whole set as we traverse the southernmost portions of the Long Path from its start in Washington Heights north to Harriman State Park - about a dozen hikes in all. Whenever practical these will be loop hikes - it’s about the journey, not the destination, right? Many segments are rated Moderate and are suitable for new hikers, and many will also be public transit-friendly.

Hike #2: Hike the Long Path (what else?) in Palisades Interstate Park. Our journey takes us along the top of the Palisades from E. Palisade Ave. in Englewood Cliffs to the junction with Huyler’s Landing Trail, near the Tenafly/Alpine border. Then, thanks to the Dyckman Hill Trail closure, we’ll return by the same route (out-and-back 7.3 mi., 500 ft. elevation gain, Easy/Moderate). The footway is mostly smooth with modest elevation change. We’ll take our time to enjoy the fall foliage, expansive views, and maybe watch for soaring birds of prey. Lunch will not be rushed. An early out with public transit access is available near the halfway point.

Drivers, please note that there is no parking near the trailhead. The nearest public parking is at Allison Park, 0.75 miles south of the meeting place (see “Drivers” below). That bumps this hike up to 8.8 miles (a solid Moderate) for drivers.

Meet: 9:50 AM on the south side of E. Palisade Ave. just west of the Dyckman Hill Road barricades in Englewood Cliffs, NJ (40.87898° N, 73.94853° W). We’ll depart promptly at 10:00 AM. End Time: 2:30 PM. (Note: If using Apple Maps paste the GPS coordinates into Search, do not use the street address shown above.)

Transportation:
Drivers: Park at Allison Park, 5 Allison Park Rd., Fort Lee NJ 07024 (40.87001° N, 73.95243° W). Arrive by 9:15 AM to allow 20-25 minutes to walk to the meeting point via the Long Path (let’s call it Long Path Bonus Mileage). Parking is metered ($1.50 per hour weekdays). NJ residents 62 and above can apply in advance for a one-year parking exemption. Parking Information & Fees | Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey

By Bus from NYC George Washington Bridge Bus Station: NJ Transit route 186 to the Route 9W and Clendinen Pl. stop (two blocks south of E. Palisade Ave. Walk east on E. Palisade Ave. to the meet location). 9:15 AM departure or Rockland Transit (Coach USA) route 9A to the Route 9W and E. Palisade Ave. stop (walk east on E. Palisade Ave. to the meet location). 8:45 AM departure. Buy a one-way fare, as the most convenient return trip may be via the other bus company. Tap-to-pay is usually available, but have cash in small bills, just in case.

Bring: lunch, 1-2 liters of water, an extra warm layer, cap, gloves/mittens, spare socks, and personal first aid kit. Dress for blustery winds/light rain and wear sturdy, broken-in walking shoes. Trekking poles and hiking boots are optional on this generally smooth footway. Steady rain cancels. No dogs

Map: NY-NJ Trail Conference Trail Map 108 and/or your favorite mapping app.

Questions? Email Leader: davemarxAMC@icloud.com

AMC Health Advisory: Covid and other respiratory illnesses are circulating in our communities. Do not participate in this activity if you, or someone who you have recently been in contact with, is either infected or symptomatic.