Hiking Along the Palisades

The weather this weekend was anything but spring-like; yet, we are so tired of being trapped inside the house that we weathered the weather and got up early Saturday morning to go on the Palisade Interstate Park “Hike with Dogs.”

Bundled in winter clothes we met up with Palisade Interstate Park guide, Christina Fehre, and quite a few other dog owners at Ross Dock, at the base of the Hudson River in Fort Lee. People from all over came to participate on this hike—one family came from Rutherford with their seven-month-old rescued terrier, Chester. There were big dogs, small dogs, old dogs, young dogs. Despite the cold, the sun was brightly shining and with camera in hand we set off with the dogs and their owners to walk the one-mile path along the Hudson from Ross Dock to the Englewood Boat Basin.  

The walk began fortuitously with two deer peering at us from the wooded area slightly above our path. As they sat staring expressionless, all we could think of was the Far Side comic where one deer has a bulls-eye on his back and the other deer says, “Bummer of a birthmark, Hal.”  

Along the path we had the chance to see all of the once vibrant, now deserted, beaches with their beautiful blue stone walls and stone steps that still line the Hudson. Because it was low tide, we had the opportunity to descend the irregularly carved stone steps and walk along the sandy beaches while the dogs eagerly got their paws wet in the water’s foamy edge. Some of the larger breeds of dogs were having the time of their life splashing through the cold water while the smaller dogs tried their best to (unsuccessfully) keep up with them.

About mid-way along the trail we came across a beautiful natural garden that seemed to appear out of nowhere. We learned that this garden was the labor of love of one of the Palisade Interstate Park’s most dedicated volunteers, Dan Holovach, who is now deceased. He planted this natural four-season garden for all to enjoy, designing it so that something is in bloom at all times of the year.

This secret garden is truly a hidden gem of Fort Lee! We highly encourage you walk the path from Ross Dock toward the Englewood Boat Basin to visit Dan’s Garden. Since Dan died before he had the chance to complete his community garden, volunteers are carrying out his vision and will continue to work on designing and planting the garden until it is completed.

About Town highly recommends this dog hike whether or not you own a dog. If you have a dog, it’s a great way to meet people. If you don’t own a dog, it’s a great way to meet people. And if you’re single, it’s a great way to meet people. The majority of hikers had dogs, but there were quite a few people who just came to enjoy the company of other people on a morning hike. Because the course is flat, it’s an easy hike for kids and older people. The kids who came along were more than eager to help with the dogs by holding leashes or dishing out treats. 

Later that afternoon, Christina led a guided children’s hike along the top of the Palisades to the remains of the mansions that once lined the cliffs. Taking the kids on the hikes that the Palisades Interstate Park Commission offers is a great way to teach them about the history of where they live and get them away from the video games and get their bodies moving. This is the kind of Kinect that is good not only for their bodies, but for their heads.  

Next Sunday, April 3^, the PIP is hosting a “Palisades Meet-up Clean-up.” This park clean-up is co-sponsored with the Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ross Dock in Fort Lee (PIP Exit 1 and south or southern park entrance and north). Families, seniors, students—all are welcome. The park will provide trash bags, litter sticks, rubber gloves and treats. Free. For more information call 201-768-1360, ext. 107. Come out and commune with nature while meeting some of the nicest people you never knew.