Recently in the Park | Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey

January 2024

Skunk Hollow Winter History Hike — Hikers braved a January cold snap to learn about historic Skunk Hollow and then, a few nights later, snuck in between the rain drops to visit the “Eastern Witness” on our annual Wolf Moon Hike.

December 2023

New stairs on the Long Path — Our park carpenters rebuilt the stairs on the Long Path where it crosses the entrance to Greenbrook Sanctuary.

November 2023

Thanksgiving Time at Mrs. Kearney's tavern — As we do each year at the historic Kearney House, we closed out our season with “Thanksgiving Time at Mrs. Kearney’s tavern,” featuring the singular musical genius of Mr. Thaddeus MacGregor, two crackling firesides — and plenty of Mrs. Kearney’s famous hot mulled cider (we served up seven gallons over two afternoons)! *Click here to see what’s up next at “Mrs. Kearney’s tavern”…!*

Thanksgiving Time Mrs. Kearney's tavern — As we do each year at the historic Kearney House, we closed out our season with “Thanksgiving Time at Mrs. Kearney’s tavern,” featuring the singular musical genius of Mr. Thaddeus MacGregor, two crackling firesides — and plenty of Mrs. Kearney’s famous hot mulled cider (we served up seven gallons over two afternoons)! *Click here to see what’s up next at “Mrs. Kearney’s tavern”…!*

Retreat Weekend at Fort Lee — We commemorated the 247th anniversary of the start of Washington’s historic “Retreat to Victory” at Fort Lee Historic Park with reenactments, demonstrations, a parade — and a visit from the General himself! Visit our event page for more photos of this exciting event!

October 2023

Punch & Pie at Mrs. Kearney's tavern — Our fall season got off to a spirited start with “Punch & Pie at Mrs. Kearney’s tavern”!

June 2023

We marked the longest evening of the year with our annual Solstice Hike along the riverfront from Alpine Picnic Area — stopping at sunset to read Emerson’s description of a summer evening from 1838.

May 2023

We had a great time at the Flower Moon Beach Fire at the beach at Alpine Picnic Area!

April 2023

Interpretive Rangers — Jane Adler and Joanne Green, members of our new Interpretive Ranger Pilot Program, tried on some different garb for a tavern program at the Kearney House. They then took advantage of a rainy weekend to continue their training with a tour of some of the nearby places where former residents of the historic house now rest or are commemorated for their service to the country.

New Historic Panel at Fort Lee — We installed another interpretive panel funded by the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey at Fort Lee Historic Park. This one, placed at the vista at the very southern end of the Park, helps visitors understand the strategic value of the site in 1776. Stop by and check it out!

March 2023

Cliffhanger Point hike — Around 75 hikers joined us for a history hike to “Cliffhanger Point,” stopping on the way to learn about the fabled Riviera Nightclub — and taking a stroll onto the newly opened “Northwalk” of the George Washington Bridge!

February 2023

New Fort Lee sign — Another new sign funded through the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of New Jersey went up at Fort Lee Historic Park, this one a welcome banner with an introduction to the Fort Lee story on the other side.

Closter Mountain Hike — Around 25 hikers took advantage of some bright February sunshine to explore “Closter Mountain” on a winter history hike.

January 2023

Millionaires Row Hike — Hikers braved some overcast skies for our annual tour of “Millionaires Row” to learn the stories behind the ruins and remains of some of the grand Gilded Age estates that once graced the Palisades.

Despite some scattered showers in the forecast, around 30 hikers joined us for our annual “Wolf Moon Hike” at State Line Lookout, where we visited the “Eastern Witness” monument — and made it back to Lookout Inn for some hot beverages at the fireside just before the rain started for real!

First Day at fort Lee — We brought the 18th and 19th centuries together for a “First Day” program at Fort Lee Historic Park. Our historical interpreters from the Kearney House (closed for the winter) teamed up with our Fort Lee staff to serve some home-made hot cocoa and to lead a walking tour in the Historic Park — while Mr. Thaddeus MacGregor (of Kearney House tavern fame!) provided the musical accompaniment. Around two hundred 21st-century visitors joined the fun on a beautiful New Years Day — including our old friend Len Kalvert, who shared these photos with us!

December 2022

Storm tide at Alpine Picnic Area — Even when they are centered many miles offshore, strong storm systems at sea can drive tidal surges far up the Hudson estuary, as shown in these photos of Alpine and Englewood Picnic Areas taken by the staff of the Kearney House. Occurrences like these have become more frequent in recent years.

November 2022

Tales of the Macabre at Mrs. Kearney's tavern — Staff members Francesca Costa and Emily DeSimone captured some ghostly glimpses of our fall “tavern” events at the Kearney House, above, while below, guest Elio Mena caught Eric Nelsen as he recited “The Raven” for “Tales of the Macabre,” our annual tribute to Edgar Allan Poe.

October 2022

Fall along the Palisades shore — Anthony Taranto captured the beauty of fall light along the Palisades shore at Alpine Picnic Area.

September 2022

Tintype photography at the Kearney House — When our old friend Chad Hill told us he wanted to try out a c. 1891 tintype camera at the Kearney House, we were happy to oblige! Thank you Chad for a great afternoon of time travel!

August 2022

NPCA group photo — Historian and friend of the park Peggy Norris took this timeless shot of the Palisades on a beautiful late summer afternoon aboard the Hudson River Sloop *Clearwater*, sailing from the dock at Alpine Picnic Area.

July 2022

Trail project — The Green Team from Groundworks Hudson Valley in Yonkers worked to repair the trails near our most popular waterfall, Peanut Leap Cascade. This project was made possible through our partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club and their NY/North Jersey chapter. Thank you for your dedicated hard work, and go team!

We had a beautiful July day for our annual “Sea Glass Hunt!” with Mrs. Kearney’s crew. A few nights later, visitors had a chance to step back in time at “Mrs. Kearney’s tavern”…

May 2022

Huyler's Landing — As our sign says, Huyler’s Landing was a multiracial, multiethnic boatmen community along the Hudson River in the 1800's. Through historic markers, the Palisades Interstate Park and organizations like Bergen County Historical Society remember Catherine Brown and countless others who lived their lives here.

Catherine Brown at her home at Huyler's Landing — As our sign says, Huyler’s Landing was a multiracial, multiethnic boatmen community along the Hudson River in the 1800's. Through historic markers, the Palisades Interstate Park and organizations like Bergen County Historical Society remember Catherine Brown and countless others who lived their lives here.

April 2022

Volunteer clean-up with IHA students — A HUGE thank you to volunteers from the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society chapter at Immaculate Heart Academy who worked tirelessly to remove unsightly graffiti from trees and beautify the area surrounding the Women’s Federation Monument.

Eventide at Mrs. Kearney's tavern — Meanwhile, at the historic Kearney House, we partied like it was 1849 at “Eventide at Mrs. Kearney’s tavern”!

March 2022

New interpretive panel for State Line Lookout — March saw the arrival of a new interpretive panel about the Skunk Hollow settlement that once thrived where State Line Lookout is today, further preparations for the metered parking system that will go in effect in the park later in April, and a history hike to “Cliffhanger Point.”

February 2022

View of the George Washington Bridge from Ross Dock — Winter weather produced some striking images in the Palisades. Photos by Anthony Taranto.

Red-tailed hawk perched at the playground at Ross Dock — Winter weather produced some striking images in the Palisades. Photos by Anthony Taranto.

Advisories

Accident | Fire | Emergency

201-768-6001

Call this number before calling 9-1-1 in the park!

Restrooms at Englewood Picnic Area closed for emergency repairs. (Port-a-johns available as of 4/17.)

HURRICANE IDA RECOVERY

Ongoing Until Further Notice:

Dyckman Hill Road (Englewood Cliffs park entrance) remains CLOSED TO ALL USE (vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians). Dyckman Hill Trail (yellow markers) remains open to hikers.

Park Headquarters building remains closed to the public for fire remediation (email & phone communication remain active). No public restrooms or water are available on site.

Click to download our advisory for park visitors about ticks, poison ivy, and other safety concerns.

In spring and summer, it is common to encounter what may appear to be sick, injured, or orphaned young animals in the park. Most often, these animals are healthy — and safe where they are!

DO NOT DISTURB THEM

Please click here to learn more.

The New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub provides the public with the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the State's response, including rules, regulations, and other guidance about how to keep yourself and others safe.

Signs or notices placed on-site, or instructions issued by employees of the Park Commission, supersede information posted here.

Parking Fees

Metered parking is in effect at these park areas:

Year-Round:

Fort Lee Historic Park

Allison Park

State Line Lookout
Note: First hour is free at State Line Lookout, but all drivers must enter their license plate number into the metered parking system via pay station or app upon arrival.

April – October:

Ross Dock Picnic Area

Englewood Picnic Area (south lots)

Alpine Picnic Area

Hazard’s Ramp
Only vehicles with trailers are allowed at Hazard’s, daily rate is $30.

Weekend Rates:
$2.50/hr.

Weekday Rates:
$1.50/hr.

Payment:
Use Credit/Debit Cards (no cash) at Pay Stations conveniently located in the parking areas or pay remotely using the Park Mobile or Flowbird apps.

Click here
for more information, including no-fee days and exemptions for NJ seniors and others!

There are no parking fees charged at other park areas.

Open | Closed in the Park

Park areas are open to the public from 6 AM to 9 PM daily.

State Line Lookout “Lookout Inn” refreshment stand is open Weds. – Sun., 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Kitchen closes at 4:15 PM.
Restrooms close at 4:45 PM.
Staff shortages and other factors may result in delayed openings or unexpected kitchen, bathroom, and/or building closures.
Call to confirm: 201-750-0465

Fort Lee Historic Park Visitor Center is open Weds. through Sun., 10 AM to 4:45 PM.
201-461-1776

The Kearney House is open most weekend & holiday afternoons and for special events.