can take a short hike from the Lookout to a monument honoring the role of the Women’s Clubs—see map.)

Traversing the Summit

In horse-and-wagon days, a road called “the Boulevard” ran north–south along the summit of the Palisades. This dirt road was lined by cliff-top estates and it connected with rugged roads on which farm goods were taken to docks on the river below. In 1926, a concrete-paved highway replaced the Boulevard; this became U.S. Route 9W. The park oper-ated a filling station at the Lookout and a policeman controlled a traffic light here on nice weekend days to help people cross the busy highway to the viewpoints. With the construction of the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the 1950s, Route 9W was shifted to the west. Part of the 1926 highway is still used as the entrance road to the Look-out from the Parkway; north of the Lookout, the old highway is now closed to traffic and enjoyed by pedestrians and cyclists.

A t 527 feet above the Hudson Riv-er, State Line Lookout sits atop the

highest point on the New Jersey Pali-sades. The rock of the Palisades, called diabase, was formed underground by volcanic activity 200 million years ago. Processes of erosion, including the glaci-ers of the Ice Ages, then uncovered the eastern edge of the buried diabase and shaped it into cliffs. (The name “Palisades” is from the resemblance of the vertical columns of diabase to a pal-isade-type fence made of upright posts.)

“ S k u n k H o l l o w ”

In 1806 Jack Earnest, a New Jersey slave who had been able to purchase his own freedom, bought five acres of land near here. So began “Skunk Hol-low” (probably named for the skunk cabbage that thrives in the area), a set-tlement of free black families that lived on top of the “Closter Mountain” through the nineteenth century. Today, a church begun in Skunk Hollow still worships in nearby Sparkill, New York, while remnants of the settlement here can be found in the impressive stone walls that crisscross the ski trails west of the Lookout.

Preserving the Great Cl i f f s

By the late nineteenth century, large stone quarries blasted the Palisades around the clock for gravel and con-crete. The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs led the fight to pre-serve the famous cliffs, and in 1900 New Jersey and New York formed an Interstate Commission to buy out the quarries and create a unique 12-mile-long preserve along the Hudson. (You

“ Lookou t I nn” In 1937, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), one of the “New Deal” agencies of the Great Depression, began con-struction of a stone refreshment stand at State Line Lookout; the stand opened the following year. (Typical menu items for park refreshment stands at that time included “Hamburger Steak” or “Italian Spaghetti & Meat Sauce” for 35¢, “Corn Beef & Cabbage” or “Spring Lamb” for 50¢—and beer.) Originally open-air, the build-ing was later enclosed by win-dows. For many years, water was brought here by truck; in 1980 a well was drilled through hundreds of feet of dense dia-base rock beneath the stand.

Closed while America fought in World War Two (1942–45), Lookout Inn, with its incompa-rable views, has remained in operation every year since. To-day, along with a tasty snack and lunch menu and friendly service, the Inn offers books about the nature and history of the Hudson River Valley, gifts and souvenirs, travel infor-mation—and in winter, a pair of crackling fireplaces.

Lookout Inn is open year-round—parking is free. njpalisades.org

GROUNDS AND TRAILS OPEN DAYLIGHT HOURS

YEAR-ROUND —Free Parking—

“LOOKOUT INN” Open Weekdays

9:30 AM – 5 PM, YEAR-ROUND

Open Weekends 9:30 AM – 6 PM, MAR – OCT

9:30 AM – 5 PM, NOV – FEB

Opposite Exit 3 on the northbound PALISADES INTERSTATE PARKWAY

Alpine, New Jersey 2 0 1 7 5 0 - 0 4 6 5

Palisades Interstate Park New Jersey Section

Above: State Line Lookout in 1949. Cover: “Lookout Inn” by Anthony G. Taranto Jr.

A long with views of the lower Hudson River Valley (even a glimpse of Long

Island Sound), hikers at State Line Lookout can enjoy adventures that range from a short hike to the Women’s Federation Monument (ideal for children) to a chal-lenging rock scramble over a boulder field called “The Giant Stairs” (for experienced hikers only—not for dogs or small chil-dren). A fall hawk watch is among the spe-cial events that are held here annually at this gateway to the National Natural Land-mark that is the Palisades.

Always tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back. This is just good hiking sense, no matter where you go.

Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that are not brand new. Ankle support is crucial, especially on the “Giant Stairs.” Shoes not broken in can cause blisters.

Take care of your body. Bring plenty of water (and drink it as you go). Some basic first aid supplies are always a good idea, too, as are some snacks.

Dress or pack for all possible weather conditions predicted for that day. Layers are the wisest way to dress for the outdoors—you can add or subtract as you go. We also strongly recommend long-sleeved clothing, even in warmer weather. Poison ivy thrives on the Palisades; ticks are common. Long clothing with a spray of repellant at the cuffs is your best defense.

Look out for poisonous snakes. The copperhead snake is relatively common here, if seldom seen. Snakes tend to be shy, so simply watch your step—and don't reach where you cannot see.

The Women’s Federation Monument.

C ross-country skiers can use the six marked ski trails and the closed sec-

tion of Old Route 9W. These trails have been cleared and marked for skiing, but skiers should wait for a 4-inch snow cov-er before attempting to use them. (The other hiking trails in the park may also be used for cross-country skiing, but not all of these trails are suitable—skiers should always scout hiking trails before attempting to ski them.)

State Line Lookout grounds and trails are open daylight hours only.

Barbecuing is not permitted.

In case of emergency, please call Parkway Police before calling 911:

201 768-6001 Revised: Spring 2010

T IPS FOR HIKERS Perhaps because of our proximity to New York City, many first-time Palisades hikers are surprised at how rugged our trails can get. Please be prepared: