Jose P.

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.

Veronika B.

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.

Tamara H.

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!

Deb A.

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.

Sara B.

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.

Emma G.

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.

Alexander R.

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.

Esther S.

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!

Stephanie G.

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?

Natalie F.

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.

Sara W.

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.

Carolina F.

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.

Xenia H.

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.