If you're looking for a challenging but incredibly scenic hike near Fort Lee, NJ, one route I keep coming back to is what I call the Carpenter's 8 in Palisades Interstate Park.
Getting back in shape originally started with walking for me, and it is still something I do regularly. During the summer that often means hiking, and one hike I try to do about once a week is this loop that combines Carpenter's Loops I & II. The result is a sort of figure-eight route that climbs Carpenter's Trail twice.
The route mixes riverside walking along the Hudson River with wooded cliff-top trails and one serious stair climb that gets your heart rate up fast.
It is about 8 miles total, and the stair climb alone will wake your legs up.
Carpenters 8 Hike Overview
This hike is roughly 8 miles long and takes me about 2.5 hours at a steady pace. Much of the distance is relatively flat along Shore Trail and the Long Path.
The real workout comes from Carpenter's Trail, which climbs about 300 feet in only 0.2 miles using old stone steps. And since this route goes up it twice, your legs will definately notice.
Sometimes I will jog sections of the Long Path or Shore Trail depending on how I'm feeling. The route works equally well as a hike, a fast hike, or a trail run.
Preparation Before Starting the Hike
- Wear comfortable closed-toe hiking shoes
- Bring plenty of water
- Carry snacks or energy bars
- Use insect repellent in warmer months
- Bring sunscreen if hiking in summer
- Carry a small first aid kit
- Tell someone where you're going if hiking alone
In the summer the trail can get very hot and exposed in places. I usually bring two or three bottles. One of them is often my homemade green tea orange sports drink, which works surprisingly well as a hydration drink.
Getting to Palisades Interstate Park
Palisades Interstate Park runs along the Hudson River from Fort Lee up into New York and was created in the early 1900s to protect the Palisades cliffs from quarrying and mining.
Today it includes hiking trails, picnic areas, marinas, and historical sites. It is one of the best outdoor areas close to New York City.
The easiest starting point is the parking area at Fort Lee Historic Park and Museum on Hudson Terrace. Parking usually costs about $5.
Route Overview: The Carpenters 8 Loop
The route essentially forms a figure eight using three primary trails:
- Shore Trail (white blazes)
- Carpenter's Trail (blue blazes)
- Long Path (aqua blazes)
The hike works like this:
- Start at Fort Lee Historic Park and walk south to reach the Shore Trail entrance.
- Follow Shore Trail down to the Hudson River.
- Continue north along the river to the base of Carpenter's Trail.
- Climb Carpenter's Trail to reach the Long Path at the top of the cliffs.
- Follow the Long Path north toward Allison Park.
- Take Dykman Hill Trail down toward Englewood Cliffs Picnic Area.
- Follow Shore Trail south along the Hudson River.
- Climb Carpenter's Trail a second time.
- Return south along the Long Path to Fort Lee Historic Park.
Shore Trail Section
Shore Trail begins as a gravel path before turning into stone steps and switchbacks that descend toward the Hudson River.
The stone work on this section has been restored and is generally in good condition, but it can be slippery after rain.
Once you reach the bottom you will be walking right along the Hudson River with views of the George Washington Bridge.
Climbing Carpenter's Trail
Carpenter's Trail climbs roughly 300 feet in only 0.2 miles. The climb includes steep stone steps and two tunnels that pass underneath Henry Hudson Drive.
Take breaks if you need them. There are some excellent views of the Hudson River along the climb and they make good excuses to pause.
Long Path Section
Once on the Long Path the hiking becomes much easier. The trail is mostly level and shaded by forest.
The Long Path itself actually runs more than 340 miles into upstate New York, though we only follow a short section here.
Dykman Hill Trail and Waterfall
The coolest part of the descent is a small stone chamber with a waterfall. It is not huge but after a rain it looks pretty nice and the area is cool and refreshing.
Returning Along Shore Trail
The Englewood Cliffs Picnic Area is roughly the halfway point and a great place to stop and rest before continuing along Shore Trail.
From there you follow the river south again until reaching the base of Carpenter's Trail where you climb it one more time.
Summary
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Carpenters 8 hike?
The route is about 8 miles and typically takes around 2.5 hours depending on pace.
How difficult is the hike?
Most of the route is moderate, but the Carpenter's Trail stair climb is steep and can be challenging.
Is the hike beginner friendly?
Yes if taken slowly, but beginners may want to skip the second Carpenter's Trail climb and continue out the park through shore trail to the Edgewater exit then up the sidewalk to the historic park.
Are there bathrooms along the route?
Yes at Ross Dock and Englewood Cliffs Picnic Area depending on the season.
What is the best season to hike it?
Spring and fall are ideal. Summer can be very hot and humid.
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