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Kids Summer Hikes Offered August Tuesdays At Palisades Park

ALPINE, N.J. -- Summer morning hikes are offered to kids in August by the staff at the historic Kearney House, Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine, N.J.

The historic Kearney House in the Palisades Interstate Park offers hikes for children in August.

The historic Kearney House in the Palisades Interstate Park offers hikes for children in August.

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Anthony Taranto

These hikes are offered Tuesday mornings, Aug. 9, 16, and 23 — with a rain date or bonus hike on Aug. 30 — and will be led by the staff of the Kearney House. 

The hikes, to be held “drizzle or shine,” are free with no advance registration required. 

Each hike will cover three miles of fairly easy trails and run 10 a.m. to noon.

They are recommended for kids, ages seven and older. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Certificates naming kids an official "Rachel's Ranger" will be given to those who participate on two or more hikes. It is named for Rachel Kearney, who in the 19th century raised her family and kept a tavern at the Kearney House. 

The following are hike details:

Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Allison Park in Englewood Cliffs, just south of St. Peter’s College off Hudson Terrace, the series kicks off with “Cliffhanger Point,” a hike to a promontory along the cliffs in Fort Lee that was made famous in silent movie days when early filmmakers shot exciting “cliff hangers” along the Palisades. 

Those who wish may continue on with the group to take a stroll out on the George Washington Bridge walkway and learn more about the story of the “Great Gray Bridge.” 

Tuesday, August 16 at Bloomer’s Beach at the north end of Englewood Picnic Area and Boat Basin in Englewood Cliffs (accessible from Palisade Avenue at Palisades Parkway, Exit 1, the area has a $5 parking fee) will be “Fishermen’s Village.” 

Hikers will trek along the Shore Trail to the mysterious ruins of Undercliff Bathhouse, built in 1922 for the crowds that swam in the river. After exploring the bathhouse, hikers will walk up into the woods to a small 19th-century graveyard and learn the story of “Fishermen’s Village,” which existed at the site before the park was created. 

Tuesday, Aug. 23 at State Line Lookout in Alpine (accessible from its own exit on the northbound PIP near Exit 3), will be “Who Rock.” 

This hike follows the Long Path along the top of the cliffs, makes a stop to visit the Women’s Federation Monument (known to some as “the castle”), and ends up at a stunning lookout point called “Who Rock.” 

Tuesday, Aug. 30 is set aside for rain date hikes.

For more information, visit njpalisades.org/calendar for details. 

Hikers should:

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

  • Long-sleeved shirts.
  • Have inspect repellant and sunscreen.
  • Bring water.

Call (201) 768-1360, ext. 108 on morning of hikes for weather-related information/cancellations.

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