There was only one thing planned for the day, a long hike through Palisades Interstate Park. Imagine a trail along the top of a cliff with autumn colors and a view of the Manhattan skyline. Not a bad way to spend a day, right?
Through the 1890's, the cliffs were being blasted, ground up and sold as gravel. A movement began to grow to stop the quarries, led by the New Jersey Federation of Women's Clubs. By the end of the decade, newspapers and prominent businessmen had joined the cause. In 1900, New York and New Jersey had formed the Interstate Park Commission to close the quarries and preserve the Palisades. By the end of the year, all blasting had stopped. The Palisades Interstate Park was officially dedicated nine years later.
Unfortunately, the weather once again was not cooperating. These are from an overlook atop the cliffs with a "scenic view."
Most of the upper entrances to the park were closed due to the fog. It took a while, but eventually, I did work my way down to the road closer to the waterline.
The first place I pulled off was called Alpine Landing. There's a marina, a restaurant(closed for the season) and some trailheads. The Hudson River was running a bit high causing some flooding.
I considered driving to the far end of the parking lot, but didn't want to be this guy...
Later in the day, in between bouts of drizzle, I did come back. While the roadway did have scattered debris, it was finally passable. After parking the car towards the back of the lot, I started walking up a rail towards the top of the cliffs. Twenty minutes up, the rain started again.
This trail was used by General Cornwallis in November, 1776. Gen. George Washington was camped out on the cliffs and received word. His troops moved out before the British arrived.
On the southern end of the park, you'll find another another wide open space, overlooking the George Washington Bridge.
And the cliffs of the Palisades...
There's a trail along the shoreline that takes you directly under the bridge...
Sure, things weren't exactly optimal for the day, but no complaints. The fall colors and lack of crowds made up for it.
Coming Up:
Coincidence, or something else,
And some gratuitous Sopranos content
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