Traveling north it almost immediately passes over three man-made ravines, or "cuts" through the part of the Hudson Palisades called Bergen Hill.

[11] On entering the Heights, it becomes residential for a few blocks, as it passes the Jersey City Reservoir #3 and Pershing Field.

[12] Businesses, retail and food shops are mostly located in three and four story buildings, many built in the late 19th and early 20th century.

[citation needed] The trajectory of the avenue is adjusted by a short "dog-leg turn" to the west along Paterson Plank Road and resumes in Union City.

At 18th Street, the avenue is once again "interrupted", this time at the grounds of the former Monastery and Church of Saint Michael the Archangel.