Alpine White Trail is a great way to spend the day with friends and family and to enjoy the outdoors. Better in the warmer months but still a great experience all year round due to the combination of beautiful nature and historic value.
Starting at about 520 feet, the White path takes you along the Stateline Lookout which is a small stone building overlooking the Hudson River. The initial descent is your average hike through the woods and across a couple of wooden bridges until you reach the Giant Steps. The Giant Steps take you to the Shore Path which parallels the Hudson River and leads you through woodland/somewhat marshy grounds before opening up to a large boulder path. It is not recommended to attempt this portion of the hike after heavy rain and especially if it had snowed.
Following the rock path is an extension of the woodland scenery which will lead past a waterfall which is ideal to stop for lunch and to rest. This area contains a ice cold pool at the base of the waterfall with a sketchy but harmless stone building that is closed off. Along the water is a small sand/dirt peninsula with a wooden swing looking out onto the water. This location marks the end of the shore path and the 500 foot descent begins with very steep increments of 18 inch steps. The hard work pays off however, due to the fact that the steps are adjacent the waterfall and the apex of these steps will take you to the crest of the falls marking this as the most enjoyable part of the hike.
This path is about 4 miles and requires some skill so on most days you can maneuver the entire path without seeing another group. The remainder of the hike is your average walk in the woods and will allow you to stop along an unmarked statue and some state border fencing. Continue to follow the path and you will return to State Line Lookout Road and just make a left and walk past the Lookout Inn to return to your car.