Hike to Huyler's Landing/ Closter Dock Loop

The easiest way to access this loop hike is by parking at the Palisades State Park Headquarters.  This is just off exit 2 from the Palisades Interstate Parkway.  Parking here is free and it is a short walk down a road to the Closter Dock Trail.  The Closter Dock Trail is more of a wide fire road but it is very steep and very rocky. It makes its way down the Palisades as it passes under a stone bridge for Henry Hudson Drive. This trail connects the Long Path with the Shore Trail. About a 1/10 of a mile from the bottom is the Alpine Boat Basin.  Walk through the Alpine Boat Basin parking and picnic area.  You will also pass the Kearney House, noted in the photos. 

After this point you will pick up the Shore Trail which runs the length of the park but here I focus on the section from Closter Dock Trail to Hyler's Landing Trail. The trail runs very close to the Hudson River and is very rocky. Views of New York are present but rather dull. This section is about 1.5 miles long. Along the way you will pass a plaque embedded in the rock honoring Captain John Jordan. Jordan was the first captain in the new Palisades Interstate Park Police. The plaque states that Jordan "lost his life here in the performance of his duty February 5th 1915. There is a story that Jordan was carrying payroll from the Alpine Boat Basin to the Englewood Boat Basin when a boulder dislodged, killing him instantly. However the real story is that Captain Jordan and another officer, William Brady, were ascending an ice covered path when Jordan lost his footing and fell of the Palisades cliffs. Brady made his way down to the shore line where he found Jordan in some bushes 25 feet above the shoreline.  Interesting story and it is nice to see him honored.

 When you reach the Huyler’s Landing Trail, turn right and ascend the Palisades to the Long Path.  Huyler’s Landing Trail is designated with red markers and is .6 miles long.  When you reach the Long Path turn right.  This is the longest section of the hike and offers great views along the way.  You will also pass the ruins of an old Mansion built by George Albert Zabriskie in 1911. The mansion had 15 rooms and was built with local stone on 25 acres.

The Long Path takes you back to the park headquarters and makes for a nice 5.4 mile loop.