The Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey, which stretches for 12 miles along the Hudson River, from Fort Lee to Alpine, will sponsor guided hiking tours this winter.
“The tours provide a chance for area residents to get to know this National Historic and Natural Landmark in Bergen County, which has over 30 miles of hiking trails within its borders,” park staff told Northern Valley Press.
The staff-guided hikes will be held “drizzle or shine” and are free and open to all, with advance registration not required. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes for the sometimes rugged terrain in the Park. Hikes are planned for Jan. 13, 22, Feb. 2 and March 3.
“Millionaire’s Row”
On Sunday afternoon, Jan. 13, hikers can take a tour of “Millionaire’s Row,” where around a dozen grand estates once graced the summit of the Palisades in Alpine.
Hikers will meet at 1 p.m. at Park Headquarters, accessible from the park’s Alpine entrance.
“The cliff-top mansions, built from Civil War days through the early 1900s, were torn down over half a century ago, when the Palisades Interstate Parkway was built, but the route will wend through some of the more impressive foundation remains and other signs that can still be found in the woods,” park staff said.
The hikers will cover about three miles round-trip distance in about two hours over relatively easy hiking trails.
Eric Nelsen, a historical interpreter at the park, will lead the hike.
Nelsen noted that this hike, perhaps the most popular of the tours he leads throughout the year, benefits the most from winter conditions, when many features that are hidden by foliage during most of the year become apparent. He will have photographs with him to show the group what some of the estates looked like in their day.
To confirm if weather is questionable on the morning of this hike, or if trails may be too icy to conduct the hike, call (201) 768-1360 and enter ext. 108.