Picnic Areas
Information on this page current as of February 01, 2009
Picnickers can be accommodated at all of our developed areas, but restrictions may be in place, and availability may be limited. Picnickers are encouraged to make use of the park’s riverfront picnic areas (described below).
Barbecues are permitted only in our four major riverfront picnic areas.
Riverfront picnic areas, listed south to north (with approx. distance north of the George Washington Bridge)—click each for a full description:
Ross Dock Picnic Area (0.5 mi.) “First Picnic Area”
Englewood Picnic Area (2 mi.) “Second Picnic Area”
Undercliff Picnic Area (3 mi.)
Alpine Picnic Area (7 mi.)Only a limited number of grills are provided in these picnic areas. Those wishing to barbecue are advised to bring their own self-contained grills and fuel (charcoal)—ground fires are not permitted anywhere within the NJ Section. Coals must be properly extinguished before disposal in one of the red trashcans (marked “hot coals”) provided for that purpose. Grilling on tables is prohibited.
Tables and parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic areas may close due to overcrowding during peak season, late May–mid-July.
In the case of groups of 50 or more, company picnics, weddings, charity fundraisers, or if the group plans to feature regulated activities or equipment, the group may need to get a permit. To determine if your group needs a permit, and for general information and guidelines for 2009, please click here (.pdf file, 2 pages) or call 201 768-1360.
Find additional information and a permit form by clicking here.
Ross Dock Picnic Area “First Picnic Area”
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A large scenic riverfront picnic area with access to Hazard’s Dock Boat Ramp, and with access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, car-top boat launching, fishing, restrooms, vending machines and refreshments (in season), public phone, and large playground.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. From May through October, a parking fee may be in effect.
top of page (general picnic & barbeque information)
Englewood Picnic Area “Second Picnic Area” (Englewood Boat Basin, Bloomers Beach)
Base of Dyckman Hill Road
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information, slip rentals)
201 894-9510 (boat basin)Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area (with adjacent boat basin) with access for fishing, beach for car-top boat launching (canoe and kayak), access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, restrooms, water, vending machines and refreshment stand (in season), small playground, some barbeque grills (visitors are permitted to bring their own grills), and public phone.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. May through October, a parking fee may be in effect. For information about the boat basin, please call J. M. Englewood Marina, LLC, for hours: 201 943-6030 / 568-1328.
top of page (general picnic & barbeque information)
Undercliff Picnic Area
Henry Hudson Drive, 1/2 mile north of the Englewood Area
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area, with access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive. Facilities are not available at this site.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours, to hikers and cyclists. (Note: Henry Hudson Drive is closed in winter.) Open some weekend afternoons during summer season to car and motorcycle parking.
top of page (general picnic & barbeque information)
Alpine Picnic Area (Alpine Boat Basin, Alpine Pavilion, Kearney House)
Base of Alpine Approach Rd.
Alpine, NJ 07620
201 768-1360 (general information, slip rentals)
201 784-2264 (Boat Basin)Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area (with adjacent boat basin) with beach for car-top boat launching (canoe and kayak), access for fishing, access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, restrooms, water, some grills (visitors are permitted to bring their own grills), vending machines, and public phone.
At Alpine Picnic Area:
Alpine Pavilion, an open-air stone picnic pavilion built in 1934 by the Civil Works Administration (available for rental).
The historic (c. 1761) Kearney House.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. (Access road may be closed in winter.) May–October, a parking fee may be in effect on weekends and holidays. The boat basin is open May through October. The Kearney House is open weekends and holidays, 12 to 5 pm, May through October, no fee.
