Palisades Interstate Park -- NJ Section
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Park Overview:
With trails on top of the Palisades and along the Hudson River -- 12 to 13 miles each -- Palisades Interstate Park in NJ offers imposing views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Loop hikes are possible for hikers willing to ascend/descend 300-400 feet in a short distance on marked trails.
Park Description:
The New Jersey section of the Palisades Interstate Park encompasses about 2,500 acres along the Hudson River from Fort Lee to the New Jersey state line, where it continues into New York State. It is a long, narrow park, averaging less than an eighth of a mile wide.
The Palisades is a unique geological formation offering stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, not to mention its own imposing splendor.
Trails Overview:
Two main trails traverse the length of the Jersey Palisades: the Long Path, which runs along the top of the cliffs, and the Shore Trail, which runs along their base. In addition, five trails link the two paths, making loop hikes possible for those willing to ascend/descend 250 to 400 feet. The highest cliff is at Point Lookout at 532 feet above the Hudson River. Trail maps are available on the Park's website, the Web Map link on this site.
- Long Path [13 miles in NJ; aqua blaze]: Extending north from the George Washington Bridge, the Long Path follows the level cliff-top of the Palisades. For most of the way to the State Line Lookout, it runs along a narrow strip of the land between the four-lane Parkway and the cliff edge. As a result, the sounds of traffic can be heard along the trail. North of State Line Lookout, the Parkway curves further inland, so hikers along this section can escape the din. On the other hand, fantastic views from the cliff tops and the ruins of old mansions along the way make for a remarkable hike.
- The Long Path starts in New York City at the 175th Street subway station in Washington Heights [Manhattan]. In New Jersey it begins at Fort Lee Historic Park within Palisades Interstate Park. Ultimately it extends into New York State through the Catskill Forest Preserve and then north towards Albany.
- Shore Trail [12.2 miles; white blaze]: The Shore Trail runs along the Hudson River from Fort Lee Historic Park to 0.7 mile beyond the New Jersey-New York state line. For most of its route, it follows a nearly-level path that closely hugs the shoreline. But north of Forest View, about 10.5 miles from the start, its character becomes rugged as it weaves up and down the accumulation of broken rock [some quite large; this section is called Giant Stairs] at the base of the cliffs, and then climbs rather steeply near its end to just over the state line.
- The five cross-country ski trails [marked A through E] at State Line Lookout are open to hikers.
- Cycling is permitted on Henry Hudson Drive [parts of drive may close in winter; check with park] from River Road in Edgewater up to and including Alpine Approach Road. Bicycles are not permitted on any hiking trails, walking paths, or cross-country ski trails.
- Maps, a description of trails, and a classification of hikes by level of difficulty are available on the park's website [see Contact Information].
Click for descriptions of hikes in the park.
Park Acreage:
2500.00 acresMunicipality:
AlpineWith trails on top of the Palisades and along the Hudson River -- 12 to 13 miles each -- Palisades Interstate Park in NJ offers imposing views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. Loop hikes are possible for hikers willing to ascend/descend 300-400 feet in a short distance on marked trails.
The New Jersey section of the Palisades Interstate Park encompasses about 2,500 acres along the Hudson River from Fort Lee to the New Jersey state line, where it continues into New York State. It is a long, narrow park, averaging less than an eighth of a mile wide.
The Palisades is a unique geological formation offering stunning views of Manhattan and the Hudson River, not to mention...
Park Acreage:
2500.00 acresMunicipality:
AlpineContact Information
Web Link:
Palisades Interstate Park: New Jersey SectionPhone:
(201) 768-1360Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Dogs on leash
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Those arriving by car have several access points from US 9W and the Palisades Interstate Parkway with parking available at Fort Lee Historic Park [GPS: 40.850911, -73.962645], Alpine Administration Building and State Line Lookout [GPS: 40.990043, -73.906652]. Roads lead down the cliffs to Ross Dock [GPS: 40.860878, -73.955452], Englewood Boat Basin [40.877568, -73.946593], and Alpine Boat Basin where parking is also available. There are also scenic outlooks that connect to trails, but with time-limited parking.
- Driving directions and maps showing parking areas are also on park's website [use Contact Information]
- Public Transportation: Red and Tan routes #9A and #9W from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal [at 41st Street] stop along US 9W. Trail maps on the park's website identify these stops.
- The park is also accessible from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal to Bridge Plaza in Fort Lee.
- For hiking directions from mile 0.00 at the 175th Street subway station to cross the George Washington Bridge, click on the Long Path webpage. From New York City, this is the most scenic approach to Palisades Interstate Park.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
- Red and Tan bus routes #9 and #9A from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal [at 41st Street] stop along US 9W. Trail maps on the park's website identify these stops. NOTE: Due to the pandemic, service on the #9 and #9A routes has been severely reduced. As of March 2022, only very limited weekday rush-hour service is available.
- The park is also accessible from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal to Bridge Plaza in Fort Lee.
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