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 #1: HUYLER’S LANDING & CLOSTER DOCK LOOP TRAIL

Alpine, NJ
This loop trail from Alpine Headquarters provides breathtaking views of New York City and the Hudson River. The trail is well known for its rugged and steep landscape.

Sunday, September 22
Trail Distance: 5.2 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 643ft (loop trail)
Expect: Sometimes rugged and rocky sections heading down to the Hudson with a steep drop midway, ending the hike with a level trail along the Hudson River. 
Bonus: Enjoy a picnic (on own) at the Alpine Boat Basin after the hike.
Fun Fact: We will pass beneath a historic stone bridge and the remnants of a 1911 mansion.
Meeting Point: Alpine Headquarters/Alpine Approach

RSVP: Hagit Tal, htal@jccotp.org

Hike #2:  RAMAPO LAKE CANNON BALL LOOP TRAIL

Haskell, NJ
This loop trail at Ramapo Mountain State Park provides an easy way to experience New Jersey’s scenic beauty. The trail is well known for its historic ruins and scenic overlooks along the lake.

Sunday, September 29
Trail Distance: 4.6 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.0 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 456ft (loop trail)
Expect: A little steep and rocky starting out, then continue the hike with a level trail along the lake.
Bonus: Enjoy a picnic (on own) at Ramapo Mountain State Park after the hike.
Fun Fact: We will pass some ruins of the old DuPont Gunpowder Factory which closed in 1920.
Meeting Point: Back Beach Park Parking Area

RSVP: Hagit Tal, htal@jccotp.org

Hike #3: HIKE HOOK MOUNTAIN AND NYACK BEACH LOOP TRAIL

Valley Cottage, NY
Enjoy Hudson River views, dramatic panoramas of the Palisades Cliffs, stone ruins, and outstanding views of the surrounding area on this loop, combining the Hook Mountain Trail and Nyack Beach.

Sunday, October 6
Distance: 5.8 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 2.75 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: 1023ft (loop trail)
Expect: Sometimes rugged and rocky sections heading up the mountain with a steep incline at the start, then end the hike with a level trail along the Hudson River.
Bonus: Enjoy a picnic (on own) and Hudson River Views at Nyack Beach after the hike
Fun Fact: We will pass the historic Knickerbocker Ice House site
Meeting Point: Nyack Beach State Park

RSVP: Hagit Tal, htal@jccotp.org

Hike #4: BEAR MOUNTAIN LOOP TRAIL

Bear Mountain, NY
This loop hike climbs Bear Mountain on the Major Welch Trail and descends on the Appalachian Trail, passing a number of panoramic view points.

Sunday, October 27
Distance: 3.8 miles (loop)
Hiking Time: 3.0 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Ascent: 1154ft (loop trail)
Expect: Rocks and roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. The grade of the train is generally quite steep.
Bonus: Visit the Bear Mountain Lodge (on own), enjoy a meal or visit the gift store after the hike.
Fun Fact: The views from the summit are quite incredible and arguable some of the best in the Hudson Valley.
Meeting Point: Bear Mountain Parking Lot near Hessian Lake (*small parking fee)

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.