Palisade Pathfinders Hiking Club

The Kaplen Palisade Pathfinderss Hiking Club, led by JCC certified trainer and hiking professional Patrick Schoeneborn, is dedicated to exploring Bergen County off-the-beaten path and fostering strong connections among nature enthusiasts within our community. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just taking your first steps, our club offers something for everyone. Join us for guided hikes and nature walks that promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and a sense of camaraderie. Together, we’ll discover scenic trails, and build a supportive community that values adventure, friendship, and the great outdoors.

What do I need to bring?

• Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots
• Water Bottle
• Snacks, lunchbox
• A backpack to carry snacks, electronics, cameras etc.
• Hiking Poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)
• Sunhat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray

The Group

Anyone over 18 can join these day-hiking tours, while teens as young as 14 can join when accompanied by an adult/parent.

Rain Dates: July 21, 2024

---

Hike #1: WHITE SHORE AND LONG PATH LOOP TRAIL

Experience waterfalls, ruins and outstanding views on this loop in Palisade Interstate Park, combining the Shore Trail and Long Path

Distance: 6.6 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 575ft (loop trail)

Expect: A level hike with a 550ft steep drop (and then walk back up Alpine Approach); sometimes rugged and rocky sections.
Bonus: If open, enjoy a snack at the Alpine Boat Basin Kayak Cafe.
Fun Fact: We will pass the Women’s Federation Monument

Meeting Point: Park Headquarters Alpine Approach, Alpine, NJ. Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway north to Exit 2. Paved lot or gravel (free parking). The hike starts near the police station.

Date: June 23 (Sunday)
Time: 9:30am
RSVP: Hagit Tal, htal@jccotp.org

---

Hike #2:  PALISADE’S PEANUT LEAP CASCADE TRAIL

Enjoy expansive views over the Hudson River to New York City, a pretty waterfall, ruins, and a rope swing!

Distance: 2.8 miles (round trip)
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 1089ft (loop trail)

Expect: A level hike with some steep drops (and then back up); very rocky, stone stairs.
Bonus: Pop into the State Line Café at the parking lot for breakfast or lunch.
Fun Fact: Half of this hike is in New Jersey, the other is in New York.

Meeting Point: State Line Lookout, Closter, NJ 07624. Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway north to the State Line Lookout exit (between exits 2 and 3). Large paved lot (paid parking, first hour free) that can fill up on nice days. The hike starts to the right of the cafe, in the far right corner when pulling into the lot.

Date: June 30 (Sunday)
Time: 9:30am
RSVP: Hagit Tal, htal@jccotp.org

---

Hike #3: RAMAPO RAMBLE  LOOP TRAIL

Hike over varied terrain and enjoy waterfalls, stone ruins, and beautiful views on this trail, part of the Ramapo Valley County Reservation.

Distance: 4.1 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.0 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 715ft (loop trail)

Expect: An easy to moderate hike with a 715ft elevation gain; sometimes rocky with varied terrain.
Bonus: Enjoy a picnic after the hike in beautiful Ramapo Reservation (on your own)
Fun Fact: Ramapo Valley County Reservation is Bergen County’s largest park area.

Meeting Point: Take Route 287 to Oakland Exit. Left off ramp, then turn left (North) onto Route 202. Follow 202 north until you see the parking lot (very large) for Ramapo Valley County Reservation on your left.

Date: July 14 (Sunday)
Time: 9:30am
RSVP: Hagit Tal, htal@jccotp.org

---

Patrick Schoeneborn, CPT, CNC is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritional Coach specializing in strength, stability and longevity training, balanced nutrition and healthy eating for men or women at any age. His motto is “Outlive with Fitness”. 

He is passionate about helping people develop a positive relationship with fitness and their bodies, and uses an easy and healthy lifestyle approach in his work.

When he’s not training or coaching all things fitness and nutrition, Patrick can be found hiking, biking, skiing – he’s passionate about the outdoors! – trying out new training techniques or healthy recipes, learning more about health and fitness, or hanging with friends and family.