When you get to the parking lot from along the windy road/exit from the highway, you are immediately met with a cafe and visitor center, along with a view of the cliffs and the houses on the opposing side of the river. Our first stop was at the overlook to admire the Hudson River itself along with the stonework of the walls and of course, the steep cliff itself.
There is a large map to look over and each trail has its own more detailed map at the start of it. There are several trails that can be accessed both before the parking lot and then after the parking lot. The ones after the parking lot shoot off from the old 9W route. The surface pavement is still in great shape. The trails; however, can be a bit muddy at times. Overall they are comfortable enough to walk and sufficiently wide. We are not sure if this could be a different experience after the growth of spring.
Each trail notes a difficulty rating at the beginning to help each person or group to ascertain which path suits them and their desired walk or skill level. We decided we wanted to do the trail to the “Great Stairs” which is one of greater difficulty and not for those inexperienced or just looking for a walk in the park. There are steep cliffs and you will be scrambling over rocks. Please be aware of this if you are hiking with children or a pet. The park does not recommend taking either on this trail and a few others with the elevated difficulty levels.
The trail starts off as a dirt trail on a cliff above the Hudson River that you walk along until it leads to a stone monument that designates the New York/New Jersey state line. Here is where we found the white trail that leads across the state line through a metal gate and down some pretty steep rock steps. After navigating that first challenge, the signs point to the trail that goes inward a bit before leading down a narrower dirt path to the river and by a waterfall.
Following the white trail markers, the path leads along the river where it continues over several separated sections of large rocks that will require some scrambling. It is quite exciting but does go on for some distance and is why it is recommended for experienced hikers only.
If one is so inclined, they could even have some lunch sitting on the rocks. Please be considerate and do so off the path as it is not fair to other hikers to have to go to a more difficult/dangerous route because someone is sitting right in the path.
Continuing along the path, you will have some great views of the river that you can quickly stop and admire if foot traffic permits. There are several spots where downed trees need to be climbed over or under and are at the edge of the path with a cliff below so please show extra caution at these spots along with the entire time of the rock scrambling.
At the end of the “Great Stairs” section of the trail, once again there is a section of steep and uneven stone steps that have to be navigated before being back at the level of the river. On the way down the steps, there is another large rock that is somewhat flat and a conveninet spot to sit and have lunch or just relax as a reward. Take our word for it, you’re going to need that break.
After walking for maybe a quarter mile or less, you will come to a spot where you can continue along the white path further down the river but will now be heading further away from the parking lot than one would if instead choose to begin the trail that heads back up the cliff. This section is a steep ascent and the one the signs had warned of when approaching the “Great Stairs” earlier. The trail is mostly dirt and rock with a few sections with remnants of stone steps that are either no longer intact, partially missing, or completely absent.
Take your time reaching the top and once you do, it’s a short walk along the roadway that you drove on earlier back toward teh parking lot and another chance to soak in the view.
The location not far from the city as well as the various trails allowing for those of all experiences to partake in the beauty of nature makes this park one we feel everyone should visit.
Now get out there and enjoy!!!
-Chris & Ola