Long Path “Chain of Loops” Hikes - #3 - Alpine (PIP HQ) - Huyler’s Landing Trail

You must register via this link: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UUN000001qCu9/act00016738

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 or Easy and are suitable for new hikers, and many will also be public transit-friendly. Long Path (one-way) distance previously hiked: 7.27 miles.

Hike #3: Finally, after two out-and-backs, a proper loop! From our start point in Alpine NJ at the Palisades Interstate Park NJ headquarters we’re going to descend the Palisades on the Closter Dock Trail to the river’s edge, follow the Shore Trail south, ascend to the top of the Palisades via Huyler’s Landing Trail, and rejoin the Long Path where we left off on our previous “Chain of Loops” hike. We’ll then follow the Long Path north until we close today’s loop at park headquarters (5 mi., 640 ft. elevation gain - Long Path distance covered: 2.2 mi.). Officially, that makes this an Easy hike. The footways descending and ascending the Palisades are rocky, but the Long Path and Shore Trail are fairly smooth. When factoring-in the rough paths and elevation gain some might consider this to be on the easy side of Moderate. Regardless, this hike is suitable for beginners who are willing to rough it a little bit. We’ll take our time to enjoy what’s left of the fall foliage, enjoy expansive views from the Alpine Lookout, and pause at historic Kearney House to chat a bit about the American Revolution (alas, the building is closed on weekdays). We aim to have lunch-with-a-view at the Alpine Lookout. An early-out with public transit access is available near the halfway point.

Meet: 9:35 AM in front of the Palisades Interstate Park NJ Headquarters, 1 Alpine Approach Rd, Alpine, NJ (40.952879, -73.920620). Restrooms, vending machines, and water can be found inside the main building. We’ll depart promptly at 9:45 AM. End Time: 1:15 PM.

Transportation:
Drivers: Park on the west side of Alpine Approach Rd, across the street from the park headquarters building. The parking lot adjacent to headquarters is reserved for the park police, so don’t be tempted! Parking here is free, but spaces are somewhat limited. If we were hiking on the weekend, fugedaboudit!

By Bus from NYC George Washington Bridge Bus Station (GWBT): Coach USA (Rockland Transit) route 9/9A to the Route 9W & Closter Dock Rd stop. 8:45 AM departure from NYC (the next bus departs at 10:30 AM). Advise the driver of your destination when you board. Tap-to-pay with credit card or digital wallet is usually available, but be prepared to pay cash using $10 bills or smaller. Scheduled arrival in Alpine is 9:07 AM. Don't count on the driver to remember to stop for you - watch your online map and press the button to signal the driver that you want them to stop. About a block north of the bus stop on your right you’ll find a pedestrian passage under Palisades Interstate Parkway. On the far side of that passage you’ll reach the Long Path. Turn north (left) and proceed 0.4 miles to the meeting place. Consider downloading the Coach USA app for schedule and status updates.

Return by bus to GWBT: Coach USA (Rockland Transit) Route 9/9A - departures at 11:30 AM (for those choosing the early-out), 1:15 PM, 2:15 PM, and 3:15 PM from the southbound bus stop at Route 9W & Closter Dock Rd. The next bus after 3:15 PM is at 5:45 PM! There is a traffic light at the intersection and a bus shelter at the southwest corner 9W & Closter Dock Rd.

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 or (even better), hiking boots. Trekking poles are optional but useful. Steady rain cancels. No dogs.

Map: NY-NJ Trail Conference Trail Map 108, Palisades Interstate Park Huyler’s Landing History Hike, AllTrails, 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.