Under furs:
Last weekend was simply gorgeous for a field meeting for the Ultimate Fun Club. We've read that the Palisades Interstate Park is great for hiking with your furry friends, so we went to check out the hype.
Palisades Interstate Park has a lot to offer. For geology buffs, there's plenty of interesting rock formations and gorgeous cliffs. For history buffs, the park has markers where the British forces tried to pursue George Washington's troops they tried to flee Fort Lee. And for us, well, there's lot of rocks and trails to investigate.
We parked at the Alpine Boat Basin. Entrance is free, and they have picnic areas overlooking the Hudson River. Furs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed. It alsoo looked like camping was allowed, but we need to look into it more. Since it was already late in the season, there were not a lot of boats moored. Some kayakers, were out, though.
Of course everybody was so excited. Babams just jumped out of the car and leaped on the storm wall (trying to be like Chibby, no doubt). Unfortunately, Babams did not know that it was just water on the other side, and from his sheer momentum, promptly fell in.
Babams on the wrong side of the fence. He's the shiny-looking rock on the water. Chibby is of course is showing how to properly balance, and not fall in. DJKung was panicking, and I had to perform a daring rescue.
After the rescue. Babams was not too fazed, I think.
We were prepared with poopie bags and of course, our handy-dandy "Hudson Palisades Trails" published by the Trail Conference. We decided to take the white trail, which runs along the water, and headed south. The fall foliage was very pretty.
Babams and DJKung enjoying the hike.
Who da top dawg in Palisades?
Oddly enough, we did not run into too many hikers on the white trail. We relaxed a little bit on a nice stretch of beach and played a few rounds of fetch.
"By the powers vested in me by The Ultimate Fun Club, I claim this beach for the use of all furry animals now and in all perpetuity."
Admiring the river view.
Back on the trail.
From the Alpine Boat Basin to the end of the white trail, I'd say it took us about 45 minutes, including the rest break at the beach. The white trail was pretty flat, at the river level. Some parts were rocky, and other areas had stone steps.
We then made a right to the red trail, which zigzagged uphill, till we got to the Alpine Lookout. The official altimeter reading at the top was 560 feet.
Small lookout close to the Alpine Lookout.
The Alpine Lookout is accessible from a rest stop/parking area off of the Palisades Parkway. We encountered a lot of daytrippers and tourists from that area. The view is of the upper reaches of Manhattan, maybe Yonkers.
At the end of the red trail, we took the teal trail. This was the lengthiest part of our hike. It was a neverending single track trail that went alongside the highway. So it was unnerving to hear the cars whizzing close. What was interesting with this trail was that we passed by so many stone fences, some of which looked pretty old. DJKung pointed out that plateau farming was attempted in the area. We saw remnants of old stone retaining walls, dirt roads and waterways are visible
From the teal trail, we took the orange trail going down. It was a bit steep with a lot of loose rocks, and led right back down to the boat basin. We saw quite a few people fishing at the bottom.
Sheridan House, which is an old log house/museum, is another attraction. What's great about this cute small house is that it is completely open to visitors. You can go in, touch the furniture (but don't open anything), and gawk at how homes were like back then.
Sheridan House. I wish I took a better picture. This house has a six-foot tall ceiling, so this picture makes it look much bigger. It looks more like a dollhouse, actually. There is also an outhouse outside, and a bid hunk of rock inscripted with the date it fell from the cliff (circa 1600s).
The hike, about 8 miles, took us roughly three and a half hours. Great walk, great views... we're definitely going back!
The hike, about 8 miles, took us roughly three and a half hours. Great walk, great views... we're definitely going back!