The Basalt Cliffs Of New Jersey's Palisades Look Like Something From Another Planet
By Kim Magaraci|Published July 07, 2022
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Odd geologic formations aren’t usually part of the conversation when you discuss New Jersey, but the 200-million-year-old basalt cliffs of the Palisades are way stranger and way more unique than many of us even realize. Take a look at what makes them so special…
The Hudson River Palisades are a unique geological formation along the river that separates the New Jersey and New York mainland from Manhattan Island.
This canyon was formed over 200 million years ago, and at the time, the cliffs may have stretched up to 1,000 feet tall!
Today, these steep basalt cliffs rise between 300-600 feet from the riverbanks and contain a number of features that make the whole formation truly one-of-a-kind.
Not only are the cliffs and riverbank floors of the Palisades important to geologists and nature lovers, but the grounds along the cliffs in Weehawken were dueling grounds in the late 1700s. The most famous duel of all was between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, where Burr took Hamilton's life in the shadow of Manhattan.
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You can explore the Palisades, if you like to climb, scramble, and hike!
The Giant Stairs section of Palisades Interstate Park is a popular and difficult trek, with over a mile of rock scrambling that takes you to an incredible view.
Of course, not all of the views along the park require difficult and scary scrambling - there are walkways and paths that showcase the beauty of the cliffs, too.
Palisades Interstate Park stretches for 12 miles, though it is less than a mile wide. There are plenty of great overlooks and places to look for wildlife, sunrise, and sunset views.
Spend a day exploring the unique basalt cliffs of the Hudson River Palisades and get to know one of the most unique geologic features of the Garden State.
The Palisades are a historically important and geologically important part of New Jersey, yet they’re an underrated day trip destination. Take some time to visit Palisades Interstate Park or just pay a little more attention next time you drive the highway along these cliffs, and you may be surprised to see the beauty that’s been overlooked by so many for so long.
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