The best walks and hikes around Cliffside Park
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12,547
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Hikes around Cliffside Park are characterized by the area's location atop the Palisades cliffs, offering routes along the Hudson River. The terrain primarily consists of paved waterfront paths and park trails, many providing views of the Manhattan skyline. While the borough itself is mainly residential, it provides direct access to extensive trail systems in adjacent parks like Palisades Interstate Park.
Best hiking trails around Cliffside Park
- The most popular hiking route is Pier C Park via Hudson River Waterfront Walkway — Guttenberg/North Bergen Waterfront Park, a 10.6 mile (17.0 km) trail that takes around 4 hours 17 minutes to complete. This route follows the paved walkway along the river's edge.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Veterans Park loop via Hudson River Waterfront Walkway — Edgewater, New Jersey, a moderate 6.7 mile (10.7 km) path. This trail also utilizes the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway for a scenic urban hike.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Riverside Park & Sakura Park loop — New York City, a 4.7 mile (7.6 km) trail leading through urban parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 58 minutes.
- Hiking around Cliffside Park is defined by paved waterfront paths, riverside parks, and trails along the Palisades cliffs. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy park loops to longer waterfront routes.
- The routes in Cliffside Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 340 reviews. More than 11,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Cliffside Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
5.0
(1)
1
hikers
10.7km
02:47
70m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
4.88km
01:14
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.16km
01:49
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
7.59km
01:58
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
5
hikers
17.0km
04:17
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
bike racks used to be closer to the seats but now they are a bit further, bikers put their bikes against the planters instead, great place to people watch on upper west side
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Pier I is a historic fishing pier on the Hudson River in New York City. From here you get truly amazing views of the city and water, just off of Riverside Walk. Near the entrance to the pier there is the Pier I Cafe, where you can grab a quick bite or a coffee before continuing on your way.
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This cool spot in the famous Riverside Park in New York City takes you under the highway, with the city on one side and the river on the other.
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The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway winds along the western shore of the Hudson for 18.5 miles, a paved path perfect for a long scenic exploration. This walkway takes you past several parks, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure and soak up the beautiful river and skyline views.
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The park itself is a good size, offering ample green space to relax, a playground perfect for keeping kids entertained, and numerous picnic areas ideal for enjoying a meal with the scenic vista as your backdrop. It's the perfect spot to take a break and soak up the beauty of the Hudson.
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There is always something going on along the Hudson. You usually have to be very careful here. But it is a good way out of the city or in. And also almost the only way to get to New Jersey. Along this path there are many picnic areas, event locations, playgrounds, for example the Entrepid or great restaurants in the south.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain should I expect on hikes around Cliffside Park?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll find many paved, flat paths like the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, which are great for easy walks. However, the area is also known for the rugged trails within Palisades Interstate Park. Be prepared for some steep climbs and rocky sections, especially on trails that go up and down the cliffs.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly hikes in the area?
Yes, there are many options for beginners. The area has over 370 easy-rated routes. A great choice is the James J. Braddock Park loop. It's a relatively short and flat walk within a park setting, perfect for a casual stroll.
Can I bring my dog on the trails near Cliffside Park?
Many parks and trails in the region are dog-friendly, but policies can vary, so it's always best to check for local signage. Parks like the Watchung Reservation are generally welcoming to dogs on leashes. Always keep your dog under control and clean up after them to ensure trails remain accessible for everyone.
Are there any family-friendly hiking trails?
For a family outing, the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center is an excellent choice. It features well-maintained forest trails, streams, and a playground that is very popular with families. The paths are generally easy for children to navigate.
Where can I find hikes with views of the NYC skyline?
The trails along the Palisades cliffs offer some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline. The Long Path, which runs along the top of the cliffs in Palisades Interstate Park, provides consistently breathtaking vistas of the city and the George Washington Bridge.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Cliffside Park?
Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. A popular destination is Peanut Leap Cascade in Palisades Interstate Park, which is especially impressive after a good rain. Another option is Hemlock Falls, located within the South Mountain Reservation, which is a well-regarded spot for a scenic hike.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Cliffside Park?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 340 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning, uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and the surprising ruggedness of the cliffside trails so close to the city.
How do I get to the main hiking areas from Cliffside Park?
Cliffside Park's main advantage is its proximity to major trail systems. You can easily drive to various trailheads and parking lots within Palisades Interstate Park. For waterfront walks, you can access the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway directly from nearby towns like Edgewater and Guttenberg.
Are there any challenging hikes available?
Definitely. While there are many easy paths, the region also offers about a dozen difficult-rated trails for those seeking a challenge. The trails in Palisades Interstate Park, such as the Shore Trail combined with a climb up the cliffs, can be surprisingly rugged and involve steep rock scrambles.
What is the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway?
The Hudson River Waterfront Walkway is a long-distance, continuous paved path that runs along the Hudson River. It's ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. The sections near Cliffside Park offer a flat, safe route with a fantastic backdrop of the Palisades cliffs and the city skyline. You can find more information at visithudson.org.
Are there any circular or loop trails?
Yes, there are many loop trails available. For a longer, moderately challenging loop, consider the Riverside Walk – Pier I loop from Cathedral Parkway–110th Street. It offers a great way to experience the riverside parks without having to backtrack.
What are some popular places for hiking near Cliffside Park?
Besides the trails starting right from the waterfront, hikers often head to a few key spots:
Palisades Interstate Park: This is the premier hiking destination, offering over 30 miles of trails from easy riverside walks to challenging cliff scrambles. It's a large park with varied scenery.
Flat Rock Brook Nature Center: A highly-regarded nature preserve with forested trails perfect for a quieter, family-friendly experience.
Watchung Reservation: A vast park known for its extensive trail network suitable for hiking, dog walking, and even cross-country skiing.
Most popular attractions around Cliffside Park
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