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.

HIKE LOST BROOK LOOP TRAIL – TENAFLY NATURE CENTER

Tenafly, NJ
This scenic loop offers a peaceful immersion into local woodlands, featuring quiet forest paths, boardwalks over wetlands, and occasional rocky sections.

Sunday, May 18
Distance: 4.9 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 175ft
Expect: Well-marked woodland trail with gentle climbs, stream crossings, and sections of uneven or rocky terrain
Bonus: Visit Pfister’s Pond and keep an eye out for birds, frogs, and deer
Fun Fact: This loop traverses several distinct habitat types, including upland forests and freshwater wetlands
Meeting Point: Kaplen JCC Main Entrance

HIKE LONG PATH LOOP – TACKAMACK & BLAUVELT STATE PARKS

Blauvelt, NY
This loop hike offers a peaceful woodland escape with scenic views and a mix of forest trails, gentle inclines, and historic landmarks.

Sunday, June 8
Distance: 6.2 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 3.25 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 1,000ft
Expect: Rolling terrain, forested trails, occasional rocky sections, and scenic lookout points
Bonus: Quiet trail experience with great birdwatching opportunities
Fun Fact: The Long Path spans 357 miles from the George Washington Bridge to Albany and is nicknamed “New York’s Appalachian Trail”
Meeting Point: Clausland Mountain Road Parking Lot (Blauvelt)

HIKE SILVER MINE LAKE LOOP – HARRIMAN STATE PARK

Ramapo, NY
This trail features gentle inclines, tranquil forest paths, and beautiful lake views, making it an ideal day hike for both seasoned hikers and active newcomers.

Sunday, June 22
Distance: 3.6 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 615ft
Expect: Rolling terrain, some rocky sections, serene lake views, and peaceful woodlands
Bonus: Shady spots for breaks and photo-ops by the lake
Fun Fact: Silver Mine Lake is named after mythical silver mining tales from colonial times
Meeting Point: Silvermine Parking Area (Seven Lakes Drive, Harriman State Park)

HIKE ELK PEN AND ISLAND POND LOOP TRAIL – HARRIMAN STATE PARK

Ramapo, NY
This hike features serene forest paths, a peaceful stretch along Island Pond, and moderate elevation changes, making it a satisfying and rewarding outdoor day.

Sunday, June 29
Distance: 7.5 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Ascent: 1,505ft
Expect: Forested trails with rocky and uneven terrain, gradual climbs, and scenic pond views
Bonus: Snack break by the water’s edge—perfect for taking in the surroundings
Fun Fact: Island Pond is one of Harriman’s few natural lakes and was once stocked for fishing in the 1930s
Meeting Point: Elk Pen Parking Area, Arden Valley Road

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.