Long Path “Chain of Loops” Hikes - #4 - Alpine (PIP HQ) <> State Line Lookout
Details
You must register via this link! If MeetUp tells you that you have been waitlisted for this event, click the link above to register via the Appalachian Mountain Club website. Email the leader (see below) with any questions.
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: 9.52 miles.
Hike #4: Four hikes and we're still in New Jersey (but not for long)! From our start point in Alpine NJ at the Palisades Interstate Park NJ headquarters we’ll be heading north along the top of the Palisades bound for State Line Lookout, pausing at Ruckman Point and the Women's Federation Monument along the way. Once at State Line we will surely take in the view from Lookout Point, the highest spot on the NJ Palisades, and optionally pop into State Line Café for a snack (full kitchen is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Then it'll be time to descend 520 feet to the river's edge on the steep Forest View Trail (trekking poles can be very helpful here). From there we'll head south along the base of the cliffs to Closter Dock Trail (familiar from Hike #3) and make our way back up to our start point (6.8 mi., 785 ft. elevation gain - Long Path distance covered: 2.95 mi.), a Moderate hike. An early-out with public transit access is available near State Line Lookout.
Meet: 9:35 AM in front of the Palisades Interstate Park NJ Headquarters, 1 Alpine Approach Rd, Alpine, NJ (40.952879, -73.920620) (the same as Hike #3). Restrooms, vending machines, and water can be found inside the main building. We’ll depart promptly at 9:45 AM. End Time: 2:30 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.
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), 2:15 PM, and 3:15 PM from the southbound bus stop at Route 9W & Closter Dock Rd., Alpine. 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. If we miss the 3:15 PM departure a shuttle will be arranged back to Fort Lee where there are frequent buses across the bridge.
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 recommended. Considering the early sunset time a lightweight headlamp may be a good thing to toss in your pack. Steady rain cancels. No dogs.
Map: NY-NJ Trail Conference Trail Map 108 & 109, Palisades Interstate Park Cape Fly Away and State Line, AllTrails, and/or your favorite mapping app.
Questions? Email Leader: [davemarxAMC@icloud.com](mailto: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.