ALPINE, N.J. – A popular hiking trail at a northern New Jersey park has been closed after a rockslide sent debris tumbling from a cliff overlooking the Hudson River and New York City, officials said.
According to Palisades Interstate Park officials, the rockslide occurred along the park’s well-known Giant Stairs area at approximately 8:15 a.m. Friday. The slide scattered rocks and debris across roughly 50 yards of terrain, forcing the closure of the Shore Trail.
Shore Trail Closed After Cliffside Rockslide
The affected section of the Shore Trail is known for its dramatic views of the Hudson River and the skyline of New York City, drawing thousands of hikers each year. Park officials urged visitors to stay away from the area while crews continue to assess the stability of the cliffs.
No injuries were reported, and officials said the closure is being treated as a safety precaution due to the unpredictable nature of rockslides.
Why Rockslides Are Dangerous
Rockslides involve sudden movements of rocks or boulders that detach from steep slopes or cliffs and fall to the ground below. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, separation often occurs along natural fractures, joints, or bedding planes in rock formations.
Once detached, material can move by free-fall, bouncing, or rolling, making such events particularly hazardous in areas frequented by hikers. Gravity, mechanical weathering, and the presence of water within rock layers all increase the likelihood of these failures.
Park Has Long History of Rockslides
The Palisades Interstate Park spans roughly 2,500 acres of forested land stretching along the Hudson Riverfront and clifftops just outside New York City. The park’s dramatic geology has also made it prone to rockslides over the decades.
Evan London, who was across the river in Yonkers, New York, said he initially mistook the sound of the slide for aircraft activity.
“I heard it and thought it was one of the military jets that fly the Hudson routinely,” London said. “When I looked, I realized it was the aftermath of a rockslide.” He added that this was the second rockslide to occur at the same location in the past 15 years.
Past Incidents Highlight Ongoing Risk
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the park has experienced several serious rockslide incidents in its history. In November 1936, a worker was killed after being crushed by falling rock while working on a road project inside the park.
More recently, a rockslide in December 2005 above the Alpine Boat Basin caused an estimated $100,000 in damage, destroying part of the alpine area and a nearby cinderblock shed.
Updates Expected as Assessments Continue
Park officials said inspections of the affected cliff area are ongoing and that updates will be released as more information becomes available. The Shore Trail will remain closed until crews determine it is safe to reopen.
