Palisades Park wilderness guide
State Park · NJ

Palisades Park

Palisades Park is a scenic state park located in northern New Jersey, offering spectacular views of the Palisades cliffs and the Hudson River. It provides a variety of outdoor activities amidst a unique geological landscape.

State Park2,5004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,500

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Palisades Park

Palisades Park is a scenic state park located in northern New Jersey, offering spectacular views of the Palisades cliffs and the Hudson River. It provides a variety of outdoor activities amidst a unique geological landscape.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Palisades Park, formally known as Palisades Interstate Park, spans more than 2,500 acres across New Jersey with dramatic cliffs rising as high as 540 feet above the Hudson River. Established as a conservation effort to protect the breathtaking Palisades cliffs from quarrying, the park boasts rich cultural history with roots tracing back to the early conservation movement in America. Visitors can explore its rich biodiversity, which includes deciduous forests, rare plant species, and wildlife such as hawks and foxes. The park is renowned for its hiking trails, including the Long Path and Shore Trail, which offer unique opportunities for panoramic vistas and riverside walks. Recreational activities abound, such as picnicking and cycling, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Palisades Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ State Line Lookout with its expansive views of the Hudson River✦ The historic Kearney House, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life✦ Engaging hiking trails like the Shore Trail providing unique geological insights✦ Ross Dock Picnic Area for scenic riverside picnicking
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Palisades Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Palisades Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with some areas requiring parking fees

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Palisades Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Englewood, New Jersey
⌖ 2.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Englewood, New Jersey

Englewood, NJ is a suburban hub with easy access to nature preserves, rivers, and parks. Ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching, it offers outdoor escapes just minutes from the city.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Norwood, New York
⌖ 3.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Norwood, New York

Norwood, NY offers quiet outdoor escapes along the St. Lawrence River with great kayaking, fishing, hiking, and winter snow sports. It’s ideal for travelers seeking peaceful nature with low crowds.

Late Spring through Early Fall for water activities; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Leonia, New Jersey
⌖ 3.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Leonia, New Jersey

Leonia, New Jersey offers a quiet escape with access to riverfront paths, forested trails, and nearby Palisades Interstate Park. Ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching, it’s a friendly basecamp for outdoor lovers seeking convenient nature close to NYC.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Bronx, New York
⌖ 3.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bronx, New York

The Bronx offers a refreshing blend of urban energy and natural escapes with sprawling parks, trails, and water activities. Enjoy kayaking, biking, bird watching, and city exploring all in one place.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Belmont, New York
⌖ 3.14 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belmont, New York

Belmont, NY offers a peaceful outdoor escape with hiking, fishing, paddling, and quiet winter snowshoeing in Allegany County. This small town is a great base for exploring nearby forests and the Genesee River.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Tenafly, New Jersey
⌖ 3.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tenafly, New Jersey

Tenafly, NJ offers easy access to forested trails, scenic river views, and outdoor activities perfect for day trips. Its nature center and proximity to the Palisades make it a great spot for hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Palisades Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Century of Swing: Celebrating the Savoy Ballroom at Riverside Church
ADVEXPEDITION
New York, New York
History TourADV Bookable

A Century of Swing: Celebrating the Savoy Ballroom at Riverside Church

An evening-length gala in Harlem on March 21 honoring the Savoy Ballroom’s 100th anniversary with dinner, live swing music, Lindy Hop showcases, and awards—useful for travelers who want a historically rooted, community-focused night out.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A River of Fire: Fall Foliage from Edgewater to the Lower Hudson
ADVEXPEDITION
Edgewater, New Jersey
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

A River of Fire: Fall Foliage from Edgewater to the Lower Hudson

A serene, 3-hour charter along the Hudson River aboard a 34' Silverton motor yacht—this guide points you to the best viewing line from the George Washington Bridge northward into the lower Hudson Valley.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip