The towering granite obelisk of the Camp Merritt Memorial Monument at the intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Madison Avenue stands as the starting point for a curated autumn excursion through Cresskill's wartime history and the adjacent Palisades cliffs. Dedicated in 1924 by General John J. Pershing, this 66-foot monument marks the center of what was once a massive World War I embarkation camp, where more than a million U.S. soldiers passed on their way to the Western Front. It provides a solemn, educational beginning to a day spent exploring eastern Bergen County.
For a morning energy boost before hitting the trails, visitors can head into the downtown business district. Cresskill Bagel Cafe on Madison Avenue offers classic, hand-rolled New Jersey bagels cooked to a perfect chew. Those looking for a sit-down experience can find exceptional espresso drinks and seasonal breakfast plates nearby, setting a relaxed tone for the active day ahead.
From the center of town, a five-minute drive east up the steep slopes of the Palisades threshold leads directly to the Alpine Area of the Palisades Interstate Park. Hikers can park at the Alpine Marina or the lookout points off Route 9W to access the Long Path, a trail that hugs the cliff edge and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Yonkers shoreline. For a more challenging trek, the Huyler's Landing Trail offers a historical descent down the face of the cliffs along a path used by British soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
After working up an appetite on the trails, Cresskill's diverse dining scene on Piermont Road provides excellent lunch options. Samdan Restaurant serves authentic, highly rated Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring grilled kebabs and fresh shepherd's salads in a warm atmosphere. Just a few doors down, Delvina Restaurant offers a refined northern Italian menu, where visitors can enjoy handmade pastas and specialty chicken dishes in an elegant, sunlit dining room.
To round out the afternoon, the Tenafly Nature Center, which sits directly on the southern border of Cresskill, offers a peaceful retreat. Spanning nearly 400 acres, the preserve features over seven miles of well-maintained walking trails. The gentle trail surrounding Pfister's Pond is particularly scenic in late September, offering families and couples alike a quiet space to observe migratory birds and native wildlife amidst the changing autumn foliage.