Palisades Interstate Park
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Hiking TrailScenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhotography SpotFreeMust-SeeRiverGeologyForest
Overview
The Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) was formed in 1900 by Governors Theodore Roosevelt of New York and Foster Voorhees of New Jersey in response to the quarrying operations along the Palisades Cliffs of New Jersey. The Palisades, a National Natural Landmark that are also called the New Jersey Palisades or the Hudson River Palisades, are a line of cliffs along the west side of the lower Hudson River in Northeastern New Jersey and Southeastern New York in the United States. After its formation, the PIPC quickly moved to acquire the lands at the base of the Palisades to stop quarrying operations in both New York and New Jersey.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeMid-to-late October transforms this continuous 12-mile Hudson River palisades cliff preserve into an autumn masterpiece. Driving the winding historic Henry Hudson Drive roadway between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM on a clear crisp morning is essential; a magnificent wave of heavy river fog completely fills the 300-foot-deep limestone gorge, framing the blazing changing crimson canopy and George Washington Bridge.
Getting ThereSpanning the scenic cliffs along the western banks of the Hudson River, stretching north from Fort Lee to the New York border. Drivers cross the George Washington Bridge (GWB) and take Exit 163 immediately into the park drives. The geological preserve features massive, paved trailhead surface parking lots at major overlooks like State Line Lookout and the Alpine Boat Basin.
Travel Tips
- The park's arterial Henry Hudson Drive features intense hairpins and grades; a strict administrative restriction bars all vehicles over 24 feet in length, including motorhomes and towed trailers.
- Waterfront staging lots like Englewood Picnic Area hit capacity rapidly on hot summer weekends; fees must be registered via on-site kiosks or the ParkMobile app to evade active municipal ticketing.
- The rugged rock-scramble trail section known as the Giant Stairs consists of unstable talus stone slabs active with copperhead snakes; wearing reinforced, high-top hiking boots is a baseline safety requirement.
Reviews
Positive
- Standing on the massive Hudson River cliffs offers spectacular, photogenic views of the Manhattan skyline and the George Washington Bridge.
- Boasts over 30 miles of premier hiking trails filled with dense woods, boulders, and historic ruins, serving as a perfect pristine escape.
- Henry Hudson Drive along the river is a paradise for driving and cycling, shaded by trees with tidy riverside picnic areas and boat launches.
- Zero park entry fees and highly accessible, located just a short drive from North Jersey or NYC with long hours and very clear trail signs.
Heads up
- While entry is free, lots near core viewpoints and the river enforce hourly fees, and spots max out completely before noon on summer weekends.
- Sections of rugged cliff trails like the Giant Stairs are extremely raw, consisting of loose boulders without handrails, causing high fall risks.
- Restrooms and trash cans are spaced very far apart due to the park's size; cell service drops along remote trails, requiring offline maps.
- During peak season afternoons, popular decks like State Line Lookout get packed with tourists and snack stalls, slightly ruining the natural peace.