Hike the Dyckman Hill/Carpenter's Grove Loop

This loop hike can be started from several different places.  I chose to start from Allison Park which overlooks the Hudson River in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.  From the parking area, walk out to the entrance road and travel south to Saint Peter's College.  The Long Path Trail, which you join from Allison Park, travels along the college property and the Palisades Interstate Parkway.  At times the travel travels along the grass shoulder of the highway.  After about a half mile you reach the Henry Hudson Drive access road and the Dyckman Trail identified with yellow markers.  Follow the road and stone staircase/walkway down to the Hudson River.

The Dyckman Trail ends at the river and the Englewood Boat Basin.  Here you can pick up the Shore Trail but you can only pick this up at the right of the boat basin, right on the river.  It is a wide trail and identified with white markers.  Follow the Shore Trail to the Ross Dock Picnic Area.  Walk through the picnic area and stay to the right, walking along the tree line.  Just passed the picnic area you will see the Carpenter's Grove Trail that has blue markers and ascends the Palisades by a series of steep steps.

Once on top of the Palisades you will rejoin the Long Path, turning right.  This will take you back to Allison Park.  There are several view points on this section with great views of the George Washington Bridge.