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Rappelers Fetch Elmwood Park Hiker, 17, Who Fell Down Palisades Waterfall

ALPINE, N.J. -- Rappelers early Monday evening rescued a 17-year-old hiker from Elmwood Park who authorities said fell down a popular waterfall on the Palisades in Alpine on Monday while swinging from a tree.

Rappel team member works his way to the victim.

Rappel team member works his way to the victim.

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Palisades Interstate Parkway Police
Rappel team brought by Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Marine Unit head toward victim.

Rappel team brought by Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Marine Unit head toward victim.

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Palisades Interstate Parkway PD

Peanut Leap Cascade, at the north end of Palisades Interstate Park.

Photo Credit: VIDEO: Kevin Woyce
Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Marine Unit

Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Marine Unit

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Palisades Interstate Parkway PD

The boy was trapped in the rocks of the waterfall at Peanut Falls, near the State Line Lookout, when the call came in around 4:20 p.m., Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Chief Michael Coppola said.

Members of Coppola's marine units brought Closter Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Corps members, paramedics from Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and rappel team experts to the scene, he said.

The boy was "alert and conscious" when they found him about 70 feet up the waterfall, a source told Daily Voice.

He'd landed there after swinging from a tree while hiking with friends and landing on a rock that gave way, Coppola said.

"He sustained several internal injuries and was unable to move until rescued," the chief said.

Rappel teams were needed to get to the boy, who was about 70 feet up the waterfall.

He was taken to the Alpine Boat Basin and then to Hackensack University Medical Center just after 6 p.m.

"Peanut Leap Trail" leading to the falls is among the Palisades' steepest, as are the steps that lead to the waterfall -- which moves rapidly toward the Hudson after a heavy rain (see video, above).

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