I absolutely love this park for hiking. I usually hike along the coast and the views are amazing! I love a nice water view and this park provides it. You get views of New York City from here. There is a small fee to park in the parking lot here. During my last visit, we encountered a friendly trooper who gave us a park map. We didn't need it, but it was a nice gesture. There is a beach like area along the trail and I enjoy stopping in this section and looking for seashells. If you're not into hiking or biking, this still seems like a nice park to sit and enjoy the day for a few hours. Pack a picnic lunch and go! read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

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Hiking and biking in Alpine, with views of the Hudson River and plenty of shade and rocks. Its proximity to the Palisades Parkway can be either a plus for convenience or a con because you're not really escaping cars or noise. Trails are pretty well maintained and there are a few hikes of varying lengths to do. Ive never been to Huylers landing which has bathrooms and some basic food and drinks for sale but parking is paid. Not my favorite place to hike but not bad every once in awhile. read more

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The good old Palisades Interstate Park, otherwise knows as P.I.P. Hiking can be done here, BUT what I found out was... they have this stone house venue where you can rent out and hold a party or gathering. It's so cool to know that this can be rented out and setup for an intimate party. Don't forget to check out the historical home that is still standing! It's free and has so much history inside. read more

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Came to the first two PIP senic outlooks and had an enjoyable time. The First, Rockefeller Outlook, had nice photo ops and nice views of the George Washington Bridge. The second, Alpine Outlook, was just as good. What I really enjoyed about this outlook was, that you have an opportunity to hike three different trails. Both outlooks also have signs, that detail the history of the area, and the importance that it played in our nation's birth. If you're on the Palisades interstate Parkway, don't think twice about stopping at these scenic outlooks. You will enjoy the views and be educated, as well. read more

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A wonderful place to see nature and get some great hotdog and hamburgers and a cup of coffee. I've been there many times over the years. It's a wonderful place to visit. read more

If you are a cyclist this one is not to be missed on your NY|NJ visit. This picturesque park offers amazing views of the Hudson Valley and Manhattan. Not only great for cycling, come for the hiking, nature walks, BBQ pits with tables and benches, and a marina with views for miles! The main road is open to cars so ride with caution. The road could really use some TLC in a few places too. The entrance at the southern most tip offers car parking and rest rooms with a great lookout over the GWB. read more

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This is a great place for a picnic or an event. We came to the picnic area to enjoy an afternoon with friends. The grills and picnic tables are easily accessible as are the bathrooms. The parking here is plentiful although we did have to pay for it. The water views were breathtaking and we even got to photograph a woodchuck that has come for some treats. Perhaps a my favorite thing was the accessibility of this park from NYC and NJ alike! read more

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Great place to hike or bike. We parked on the small lot in the police plaza. We hiked on the trail going north . All sizes of small rocks were scattered on the green trail which makes it challenging to walk without looking down. I have to look where I was stepping cuz I didn't want to trip on the rocks. I have to stop once in while to spot the markers . Going south from the police plaza, we decided to walk on the paved road. It's a two way traffic. The road is very narrow to share between bikers, hikers and two way traffic and there are no shoulder to walk on. The bathrooms were close and they have 2 johnny on the spot toilets outside the police plaza. I'd definitely come back here again. read more

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This is an absolutely gorgeous and peaceful park. There are several hiking trails and the views of the water / bridge are fantastic. I was looking for a pretty drive to take while socially distancing. Because this park has a scenic byway I figured it would be a great option, and I was right. Even if you don't get out of the car it's a lovely drive along the water. While driving I did see lots of empty open space, so I was even able to hop out for a little and take in the views which was great. If you are in North Jersey and looking for some gorgeous scenery and a little escape than I totally suggest taking a drive to Palisades Park. Especially now that it is warming up. Update: per new orders this park is currently closed. read more

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Palisades is a unique hiking experience with dramatic cliffs/bluffs next to a giant water source and provides decent photo ops as a result, but it's not one of my favorites. My chum and I came here this past Saturday on a very sunny day with decent temps in the mid-50s. There was a stiff wind in the early morning which concerned me a bit knowing how blustery these cliffs can be, but the weather was close to perfect during our adventure. We did a 5.75-mile hike beginning at the Administration Building right off Exit 2 of the Palisades, taking the Long Path Trail almost immediately down to the Hudson River by the Kearney House, then turning north on the Shore Trail all the way up to the Forest View Trail, at which point we turned left, climbing up to the Women's Federation Monument (very cool little castle there tailormade for a few snapshots), and then south along the Long Path Trail again back to the cars. Big negative in my view - significant sections of this park are right by the Palisades Parkway, which is probably the most visually pleasing highway in the state (not that that's a particularly high bar to clear) but still not something you want to hear and see throughout a stroll in the woods. Our final mile or so on the Long Path Trail was accompanied by constant traffic noises, which took away from the other sights and sounds. Another downside was there were no bathroom options unless you count some thicker bushes off the trails (even then, I think it would be pretty risky given that it's a pretty heavily trafficked area and it's too early in the season for additional foliage cover). You'd think the Administration Building would at least have a port-a-potty on the premises, but instead there's just a yowly sign by the entrance stating that there are no restrooms accessible to the public. There may very well be better accommodations further up by the state line, but this is an obvious area they could improve upon. This isn't necessarily a negative per se, but if you want to actually go down by the river edge trails, you're by definition going to have a steep ascent back up to the parking lot, so the difficulty level is erratic - you can walk a mile or two on completely flat terrain, only to have to climb 600 feet in .3 miles. It's either strenuous or not at all. I will say that after we finished the ascent on the Forest View Trail, I did not feel guilty about bypassing the elliptical earlier in the morning. I found the pooch situation to be a little on the weak side; we saw probably seven or eight canines in total on our journey. The notable highlight was a brindle Bull Terrier named Max, who was a little grumpy but complied with a photo request (see attached). I'd guess that the majority of dogs would be up top, just because the climb from the water can be pretty arduous and rocky. The wildlife sightings were also sparse, though I think that can at least partially be attributed to the early spring season - my chum has an excellent ear/eye for birds and insisted that there was a bald eagle in the middle of the Hudson diving for its lunch, but I was skeptical. Regardless, this is a very good spot for birdwatching if that's your jam. The trails are in pretty good condition if not a little rocky in places, but the markers are a bit hit or miss; I'd say two or three times we had to stop to backtrack a little to make sure we were going the right way, particularly up on the Long Path Trail which has a lot of different unmarked offshoots; the Shore Trail isn't necessarily better marked but it's such a straightforward path next to the river that you don't have any other possible place to walk anyway, unless you feel like doing some sort of death-defying scamper up the cliffs. I'll come here from time to time just for the change of pace, and the scenery is definitely a selling point. But it's a little too close to civilization and not enough of an authentic woodsy vibe for my taste. read more

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I just went for my first hike since having knee replacement surgery. It was awesome! I have been hiking since I was a very young child, and the Palisades Cliffs which tower above the Hudson River has been one of my favorite places to go. After growing up in NYC and looking at the cliffs from across the river I now live five minutes from the cliffs and can go there anytime I want. There are so many different trails I have yet to walk most of them so I will never get bored going there. The views are incredible and the terrain is so challenging that I always get a great workout. I am so happy to be finally able to walk the trails again. read more

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If all the people at the palace get AIDS, then that's Palace-AIDS. This is not that. It was quite a long time ago that I accidentally discovered Palisades Interstate Park. It's next to the incredible and beautiful Hudson River, and you can see the George Washington Bridge not too far down to the south of this park. It's pretty and it's gorgeous and it's special. It's long as well. Lots of different sections. Several miles long I would say. So Alpine New Jersey is the centre point that a lot of people come to and that's where I came to the first time, but I've been to several different parts of it, and I love all of it. There's no way I'm not going to give it five stars. read more

What an amazing little spot filled with historical information. This tiny home was built around 1761 and still standing. Amazing historians on site with tons of information on this home and other areas of the park. Sit along side the Hudson or bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. Perfect spot to relax! read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Kearney House porch - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

What a great place and it's free! Who could ask for more? There are some parking areas that have a fee but a lot don't and there are a LOT of different trails to go down, so a lot of reasons to come back. They range for easy one's kids can do and medium ones and then ones for very experienced hikers. There are maps and descriptions of trails on the site, so if you print it or download the pdf, the trails are well marked. Also, I always had good reception on my phone in case, and that's always nice. I parked near the State Lookout, which has a large parking lot, so no problem there, and a refreshment/bathroom area. I ended up buying an extra water and was glad their foods/drinks were really reasonably priced. There is a great lookout over the Hudson there, and then I followed my trail map and had a peaceful experience. I did the: "Peanut Leap Cascade" | Moderate | About 2.5 mi., 2 hrs. round-trip. It went around a beautiful waterfall! And then right up to the shore line. There is even instructions on how to take a shortcut back if you are tired by the end, which I was. If you like hiking or want to try it out or just want to have a nice outdoor day, this place has a lot of different trails for different experiences. Who knew you could get SO much nature right outside the city? read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

I really love the hiking path in this park. There's 2 different trails - the longer one is definitely harder (mostly coming back up) but more worth it imo as the views are amazing. The view from the bottom is beautiful and a good place to hang out/eat lunch. Bring snacks and plenty of water. There is a little shop where you can buy drinks and snacks but it is kind of pricey. I like to come here to get away from the city for a few as it's only about a 30-45 mins drive depending on traffic. read more

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So close to NYC, so far from it in terms of the area (although you can see NYC from many points here). First, do not rush to get here. Drive by the water and try to enjoy the drive. Might be longer and slower to get here, but so much more beauty. Few trails and many views. All of them are beautiful. All of them for free. All of them recommended. About when to come here. And I am someone who was here at all seasons. The short answer: come on any season. Each season, even every week, colors and views changes. Just try to come here on a dry day (love the summer when you walk under the shades of the trees). Do not rush yourself. There are so many things to see here. And all of them are beautiful. If you live inside New York City. Come here quickly. The tall buildings and the crazy yes or not parking signs will wait for you. read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

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Great challenging hike, a bit muddy but it was a great hike. Nice water fall before you start hiking the big rocks. Wear proper shoes since is king of slippery once you have mud in the bottom of your shoes. read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

I've been coming here forever. One of my favorite places to walk my dog in winter and autumn. I do wish rangers were more active on trails as too many people have their dogs off leash. Incredible views and range of terrain. read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

This (giant stairs hike) is a moderately strenuous hike, and especially for New Jersey, a comparatively excellent hike. Due to poor signage, I made a mistake with my adult daughter which I felt made it probably the most dangerous hike that I have ever been on. I am an experienced hiker. We started out going down that peanut cascade waterfall trail, which is lovely. We get to the giant stairs. And I did not understand that you do not ascend the giant stairs in order to continue your hike. You merely walk along the Hudson, look at the giant stairs and continue on the loop. Instead, we walked up the giant stairs. Which, I'm happy to say, was no problem. At the top of the giant stairs is this huge cliff. Like, as tall as a football field is long. So I say, well, let me just find the trail and we will be on our way. But there is no trail. In looking for it, I walk away from the giant stairs. Huge mistake. It is absurdly steep. I walked and slid back down to the main trail on my butt, praying I wouldn't kill my daughter on Father's Day were she to fall. When I finally got near the Hudson I had to scream at people below me who were walking on the trail, because my landslides from walking and sliding were causing rocks to fall and I could have injured or killed them. If you go up the giant stairs (nobody did the whole day we were there, only we did, nobody goes up them) you must go down the giant stairs, because if you try to find a trail up there you could be injured or killed. There is no sign warning you not to ascend the stairs, or to come back down the stairs if you do. ps funniest review on Google "how is this hike even legal" they obviously did what we did read more

Been going there for years. I remember when the only places open were the boat basins and picnic area;s, Came a long way since then.

About two years ago I had an epiphany and started taking interest in parks, nature and the arts. I believe it had a lot to with international traveling when I said to myself I pay all this money to go to another country and check out their parks, museums and I live in one of the famous and popular cities in the world and don't take advantage of what's in my own backyard. A friend and I joined a few meet up groups that hike or walk throughout different parks, bridges or neighborhoods in the city and surrounding areas and it has been an amazing experience. On this particular journey my friend and I joined a meet up group for our first night hike. We walked across the George Washington Bridge and ended up in the Palisades Park. The experience was so fun and entertaining. The park was beautiful as we watched the sunset and thankfully the weather was very comfortable. We walked through some easy and not so easy trails and then stopped by the river and just took in the stunning city views by the water. The lights from our headlamps from our group reflected on the water and it was a beautiful scene. We stopped and took some pictures and just took it all in. Our hike leader led us back safely out the park and back across the bridge. However, not before climbing these scary and steep stairs. I definitely would love to venture to this park again and check out more scenery during the day and go at my own pace to enjoy life's beauty and nature. read more

It is such a blessing to live close to this park. I started biking during this pandemic with the help of some friends. I had always been meaning to pick up a bike, but was always too busy to put the time in to ride. it's funny how your perspective changes when you meet some passionate bikers. so to them, I am grateful. the bike path draws people coming from the city over the GW and the bike path (edgewater entrance) overlooks the hudson river and snakes all the way up north pass englewood cliffs. it's no lake tahoe, but on a quiet morning or afternoon, and you're high up the palisades, sometimes it's just the right elixir. The first stop is the Ross Dock picnic area, but you can drive and park for $10 as well. It's a nice picnic area with picnic style tables and restroom and promenade. there are also some bbq boxes if you want to grill. further north, you can stop at the englewood picnic area. there's a restroom there and some more picnic tables. I'm still going further north, so let's see where the trail takes me.... read more

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Hiking, camping, history, scenic views, this place has it all. The best wilderness experience in the entire area and it is right here. There are many trails to hike on and a lot of historic buildings/building ruins to see. Go to the website and you'll see the amazing trails and locations and a good history of all the things here read more

Officially my favorite location to hike! There are so many different trails that offer beautiful views. The idea of the trees combined with the Hudson River and NYC and GWB in clear sight is phenomenal. Being able to drive 15 minutes from home to this hiking treasure spot is a blessing. I took my 3 kids (ages 15,6 and 3) hiking on the white trail and it was a perfect day. The trail is not difficult and it was not crowded. My three year old walked on her own the entire time. We found a beautiful little beach by climbing down the rocks with tons of sea glass the kids thought were "treasure" and made a sand castle. I love this place and will be back with my oldest for the more rough terrain!!! read more

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We had a blast!!!! Found this hike on an app, called AllTrails, long path and shore loop. First I must say whoever rated this hike as moderate must have been lean/athletic. My husband and I are both athletic and this was strenuous. I do not recommend taking small children or dogs. We saw one couple, carrying a German Shepard. The owner was carrying him up the cazillion of stairs. Speaking of stairs there are TONS....remember going down will more than likely be the same or worse coming back up. I literally felt like I was on a treadmill on our return trip back up. I was drenched in sweat. We parked at the visitor center/ gift shop and the parking was free. There is a lot of foliage so there is less exposure to the sun. The giant stairs are huge, there are clear markers advising the best route to take to shuffle over the large boulders (stairs). You will use your hands and you will have to pace yourself as the stairs takes two hours to complete. The entire trip took us 5 hours from start to finish. We did break for a 15/20 minute lunch. The views are nicer, photos really don't do much justice of just how beautiful it is. This hike is definitely for someone ready for a challenge. Before we began our hike we saw an emergency boat assisting someone who had given up on the stairs. Wasn't a great way to start but I'm glad we went and surpassed the challenge. Take lots of hydration, healthy snacks, and bug repellent read more

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An easy 5 star! This is a great place that you can come here biking, hiking, picnicking and BBQing! There are several trails, you can choose easy or moderate hikes depending on your skill levels, most of them are not difficult at all. If you just want an scenic walk and very easy hike, you can start from Ross Duck picnic area (parking is $5) and walk toward to Englewood picnic area, it will be 45 mins one way, it's mostly flat and open, and you will enjoy the beautiful GW bridge and hudson river view along the way. If you enjoy walking on the stone steps and walking in the woods, you can park your car at Hudson Terrace ( meter parking, free street parking on Sunday) and start from Linwood Park and take Carpenter's Trail ( you can download the map from park's website), this trails will lead you to Ross Duck picnic area as well. Came here last Sunday and leaves have started turning red, in the next 1 week or 2 will be the most beautiful time of the year in the park! You should plan a trip to the Park if you haven't! You won't disappoint!! read more

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Great to walk and hike. Great views of Manhattan on the water. Very relaxing. Clean and neat. Large parking lot to park, picnic tables, bathrooms. read more

Definition of "palisade" from Merriam-Webster: 1a) A fence of stakes especially for defense 1b) A long strong stake pointed at the top and set close with others as a defense 2) A line of bold cliffs This line of bold cliffs makes for a lovely afternoon of hiking in a forest alongside the Hudson River. Apparently we had missed peak color, but lots of the leaves were still orange and yellow-hued. We started at the Alpine picnic area/boat basin and headed north, so our views across the river were of Westchester. We looped up the Long Path and down the Shore Trail back to the car. There were some lookout points along the way. The path got pretty close to the highway at parts which wasn't the most ideal, but what could you do. Our hike ended up being longer than we expected. Don't be in a hurry or anything! The trails can be rocky and steep at parts, so be careful and consider wearing some sturdy hiking shoes. The New Jersey part of the Palisades (some of the park dips into New York) is about 12 miles long and slender at a mere 0.5 miles wide. Parking was free during this time of year, but there is a charge during warmer months (Memorial Day-Labor Day). Restrooms are available at various spots throughout the park. I spotted some picnic tables and folks stopping to eat along the trails. Picnicking would be great to do on a return visit! read more

Hidden gem. Well, maybe not that hidden, but for sure not many people know this place... yet.. hopefully always like this. You get the view of George W. Bridge and manhatttan. Lovely. Plus the colour of the trees were so beautiful,, Lovely place. read more

The Palisades Interstate Park is a gem. It runs up the west side of the Hudson River, from Fort Lee, NJ to Palisades, NY. The section I visited on this visit was in Alpine NJ, right around the "main" park area. We decided to do a hike from a hiking book I have, a nice short loop that goes down the Kearney House and the Alpine Boat Basin, and back up via another path that winds up the heights. Overall, I was very impressed with this park and the hiking trails. We did some of the Shore Trail, which gives you some nice, close up views of the Hudson, as well as the Long Path, which is a very well maintained long distance trail. The Alpine picnic area is a bit run down, but there are decent bathrooms there. The whole area and hike is quite beautiful, and I highly recommend visiting this park. read more

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The one thing that Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel and Goldilocks all had in common was the fact that they all got lost in the woods. Of course these woods are not located anywhere in a secret magical place down a rabbit hole, but instead it's located in NJ, right over the George Washington Bridge. Palisades Park is nothing more than a wonderland of confusion that felt like purgatory at times, especially if you're lost. Due to lack of adequate signs, my friends and I hiked for about a good 5 hours. Of course we prefer a unicorn to magically appear out of the woods to direct us onto the right path, but instead we walked like a cast of characters from Lost trying to figure our way back home to paradise. The hike was absolutely beautiful! Surreal at times, especially when the trail changed scenery as we continue hiking forward. Scenery ranging from dense wooded forest to open space to waterfalls to giant steps to water on the Hudson. Best of all, there were also plenty of edible food such as onion grass and wild raspberries. The onion grass was intense in flavor, while berries were sweet and can be found along side of the trails. The Park is perfect for hikers of all levels, ranging from beginners (like myself) to advanced. Best of all, it has free parking (but definitely try to come early) and it's close by to the city. So if you're looking for a day of get away fun, then this is the perfect picturesque park to be, where you and this Park can merge to become one with nature. read more

This park is as good as it gets. They have bike trails, picnic areas, great views (you're basically sitting on the Hudson River) and a huge grassy knoll where you can lay out and get a tan, play scrabble or just sit and ponder the meaning of life. I've only visited the Ross Dock Picnic Area (what my review is based on) but will venture out to other sections of the vast park in due time. Feel free to bring your own grill and have a cook out with some friends. *Note: No alcohol permitted. However, you can be sneaky about it...use your imagination. The crowd is a mix of families, couples, senior citizens, teeny boppers and young adults. From the months of May to October there's a $5 parking fee. Don't forget to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit/lay on. Take a moment to relax and soak up all the beauty surrounding you either alone or with friends/family. Too bad you can't enjoy all of this with a bottle of wine. C'est la vie! read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - gwb - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

Awesome park for quick hikes. I did the Carpenters' Trail, which was supposed to be moderate. I thought it was kind of on the easier side. It did have a great view over the Hudson River. read more

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I've never heard about this park until I read the reviews from my friends, Lizz K and Jennifer R. Being a person that loves to go through challenging hiking trails once in awhile, I was amazed that there was one so close to Manhattan, and yet I've never knew about it till then. How close is it? You could drive there from mid Manhattan in less than half an hour ( Provided you don't get lost getting there like one of my friends did of course ). At this park, there are various spots for different activities including picnics, biking, boating, fishing & crabbing, and hiking. For this review, I'm going to concentrate on the hiking aspect of it. There are varying levels of hiking difficulty available. There are 4 easy trails available which is great for beginners and children. For Moderate hikes, there are 6 trails. For the last level, challenging, there are only two available but both are very different. The supposedly more scenic (haven't tried it yet) is 8 miles long and is estimated to take about 5 hours to complete. The other one, known as the Giant Stairs, is much shorter at 3 miles and 2 hours plus but it's considered the more challenging one. Don't let that little detail detract you from going through the Giant Stairs. This trail is spectacular.This hike brings you to a long row of stairs that seeming goes on forever, then leads you to a path that follows the Hudson River right besides you. The hardest but funnest part of the trail is a long stretch of giant rock scrambling. Despite the warning that it's hard, some friends that rarely hikes were able to get through this with only a little bit of huffing and puffing. Unless you exercise your leg a lot, do expect to be in pain the next day. We all were. LOL. Tough it out and the trail leads you to a fence that separates New Jersey with New York. Yep, you just did a multi-state trail. A little further and you wind up at the end before heading back up and is rewarded with a swing attached to a tree over the river and a waterfall. As I said, spectacular trail. Did this one twice already and I expect to do it many times more. Warning sign: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Pgy7VT8X53eh_jT1MDVqdw?select=s3CS53uOl9DCp9NcI6qogQ Waterfall: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Pgy7VT8X53eh_jT1MDVqdw?select=5mV3_2auAMZDaAhwlOQwUg Rock scramble by Hudson River: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Pgy7VT8X53eh_jT1MDVqdw?select=J2_qskLJAPi5clqaLwd9Yw Swing over Hudson River: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Pgy7VT8X53eh_jT1MDVqdw?select=zDojqYpLXTIMMOAW-oSn5w Panorama of trail: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/Pgy7VT8X53eh_jT1MDVqdw?select=wOVgufa57vN-taeHVGnTbQ read more

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I love coming to this park and hiking the trails with my dog (she loves it as well!) For all the people bad-mouthing northern NJ they should take the time to explore the PIP. It offers some beautiful hiking trails and some absolutely spectacular views of NY from atop the Palisades. The park entrance I use is located northbound between exits 2 & 3 of the Palisades Interstate (park entrance is not well marked and sneaks up on you right before exit 3). They have a comfort station there that serves up some basic food like hamburgers and hot dogs. The trails are well marked and have challenging sections due to the fact that you are descending down to the Hudson River from the top of the Palisades and then obviously have to hike back up. There are "stairs" leading down this trail which are quite steep and require your full attention when descending.......trip and fall while descending these stairs and you're a goner! There is also a cool rock scramble section if you're looking for a little more of a challenge. On your way down to the river there are sections that give you that Jurassic Park feel. You'll even come across a breathtaking waterfall (see pic). Northern NJ really does provide us with some of the most incredible beauty that Mother Nature has to offer......so get out there and check it out! read more

Palisades Interstate Park Commission - Waterfalls - Hiking Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

One of my favorite things about New Jersey is that it isn't too developed, so a lot of natural elements remain. Palisades Interstate Park is a great place to go clear your mind, and to get away from city life for once. The snow had just melted. From the whispers of the leaves of the sprouting trees to the creatures that so proliferated the earth we walked, one could tell that Mother Nature had just awaken from her slumber, and that she was already in the works of orchestrating what was to come. A friend and I trekked 15 miles from Fort Lee to Yonkers and Yonkers back to Fort Lee. We started at around 12PM, and made it back to where we started close to 7PM. The entire journey back and forth was more than 6 hours. To access the path, we climbed 300ft down a man-made stair of rocks that had no guard rails(yikes!). It was daunting at first, but manageable. As we were walking on the trail, which is really a lengthy road, a couple of joggers and bikers whizzed pass us. There were plenty of trees on the outskirts and plenty of streams coalescing gently down the rocky slopes of the surrounding terrain. Proud boats that patiently stood in anticipation of the imminent warmer seasons--during which they would roar to life with youthful vitality and adventurousness--dotted the shores on the lowest and outermost level of the park. It started getting dark hella quick around 5-6PM, and we almost couldn't find the way we came down from. By the time we made it back to civilization, my friend's legs were sore and cramping, for he had not walked so much in his entire life... A part of me wanted to explore a bit more, but I knew that I was nearing my limits. I certainly cannot wait to come back when the weather gets warmer. There will definitely be a lot more sights to marvel at and to behold. read more

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This hike kicked ass! Two days later my legs, arms and booty still hurt from all the rock scrambling! We started at the parking area at the State Line Lookout. Parking is free. There's a refreshment stand at the parking lot, good to grab lunch or water if you come unprepared. There was also a porta potty at the parking lot to be used when the refreshment stand is closed. The lookout has a great view of the Hudson river and the surrounding beauty. We started descending the stone steps until we reached the Peanut Leap falls which had only a trickle of water. We stopped for a while at the base of the falls near the Hudson river to swing on the makeshift swings hanging from the trees. From there we continued along the shore of the Hudson river until we reached the Giant stairs which is a formation created by rock slides over thousands of years. We scrambled over the rocks for over a mile, stopped for lunch halfway through and made our way up. After what seemed like ages, we emerged into an open area covered with vines. It was a relief to walk on level ground after all the rock scrambling but not for long. Soon we were climbing up again until we reached the parking lot. Sturdy footwear is an absolute must on this hike, especially if you plan on scrambling over the rocky section! read more

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Three questions for you: 1. Do you like hiking? 2. Do you like friendly people? 3. Do you like barbecues?(you may need a permit) This is a 12 mile hiking trail for people who enjoy walking. There are slight inclines and then some rocks that are not fixed, so you have to watch where you are walking. I would not recommend this for someone who has major physical ailments. There are some paths are rocky with steepness and missing paths, not many, but enough to mention it. And also there are places in the hike that there is no seating for at least half an hour. For me, it was worth it. I found it fun to dodge the crazy crags along the way, and to sneak up and down a rocky trail. It can be grueling in the heat, but most of the walk is in the shade. If you choose to walk closer to the water, then you get a great view of the George Washington bridge. My words of wisdom to you is that It might be best to travel with a group, so each person could carry some water, snacks, sunscreen, and camera. The sights are spectacular. There are waterfalls, brooks, and rushing rapids. It's beautifully scenic with the greenery and the flora. I think there were families of bunnies and deer spotted on the last two visits. There is a visitor center which is equipped with a bathroom and a person to answer any questions that you may have. There is rest stop along the way if you take the stony path trail going downward, about 500 feet way, there are bathrooms and vending machines as well as a place to order food(depending on if it's open--on 4th of July, it was closed). Along the walk, people from all over NJ come over to greet you and ask if you saw the animals that they just had the opportunity to see. Another option instead of hiking would be to ride down the hill to the bottom closer to the water and then grill your meats, vegetables, and seafood or bring a cooler. Come bring the family, bring the toys, water guns, pots of homemade meals, or even a hammock(I did see one there). I do know there is parking and I noticed empty spots, so it is not too crowded. While I went there last weekend, I even got to see someone pour out 20 glasses of champagne for a toast, but I'm not really sure what they were celebrating. I did not have the energy to hang around after our walk, because I was famished. I probably only walked 5 miles with my husband and my sister and her friend. It was great to have Yelp to figure out where to go afterwards, since I am not familiar with the yummy places to go to in Fort Lee. Luckily, this park is also located a short bus ride or a brief walking distance away from restaurants in either Englewood or you could stay in Fort Lee. I remember going to U-Pie, a cozy pizza restaurant and also arriving at So Kong Dong Restaurant, known for their Korean tofu soup, which really hit the spot after a super long hike. read more

Words associated with New Jersey: shore, real housewives, cow, city. Hiking? Not so much. Or so I thought until going to Palisades Park this past weekend to check out the fall colors. It was hard to believe that such gorgeous views were just across the Hudson! Like the name implies, the park crosses two state lines- New York and New Jersey; although, the hiking is largely located in New Jersey. There is a fence dividing the municipalities so you can stand in the gateway and be in two places at once- a feat that is hard to accomplish is everyday life. There are a few spots along the hike that require more exertion, like the rock scrambles, but you don't need to be a climber or professional mountaineer to conquer the hike, by any means! The trail commences through the woods and leads you out to a rocky ledge where, from high up, you get magnificent views of the Hudson. The path then goes down to the shoreline and a lovely old wooden swing- AKA a selfie hotspot. Keep following the trail and you'll encounter huge piles of boulders to cross that are adorned with obviously ancient and historic markings like "I love Mike." The rock scrambles are pretty fun to traverse and require a bit of footwork and climbing. Note that no injuries were sustained by any member of my group. The final leg ends with a 520 foot ascent that includes a lot of stairs. This was the most physically tiring part but always worth the feeling of mastering the trail! The parking lot also has a cute cafe with clean restrooms, assuming you don't want to use the port-a-potty, and is reminiscent of a ski lodge. They serve hot cocoa, burgers, fries, and other comfort foods to sustain you after the hike. The Palisades is a great escape from the city and fairly easy to access. So when you are feeling a bit tired of the concrete jungle, hop on over to the park for an outdoor respite, work out, and stunning panoramas! read more

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Looking for a good place to go hiking that's accessible by public transportation? The Palisades is your spot! Located in northern New Jersey, it extends about 12 miles along the west side of the Hudson River. It's super easy to get to from Manhattan - all you need to do is take the Rockland Coach bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Alpine, NJ ($15 round trip). Our bus dropped us off literally on the side of the road, which was mildly sketch... but we walked a few yards up until we saw an entrance to the park that was a little tunnel. The first trail we hit was Closter Dock Trail, and we started descending down to the Alpine Picnic Area, which had clean restrooms and a parking lot. From there we followed the trail on this map: http://www.njpalisades.org/hikesModerate.html#closterLoop. The trails were pretty straightforward, except we somehow got lost on Huyler's Landing Trail and couldn't find the continuation after crossing Henry Hudson Drive (turns out we walked further than we had to and ended up having to double back). We eventually made it to Alpine Lookout at the top of the cliff, and the views were spectacular! You can see the tops of all the surrounding trees - we were there mid-October so the leaves were still pretty green, but another two weeks or so and the foliage would've been at peak color. Definitely worth a day trip out of the city! read more

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