Palisades Interstate Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Palisades Interstate Park is a 12-mile stretch of parkland along the Hudson River in New Jersey.


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Summary

It offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching, as well as historic sites, scenic overlooks, and nature centers. The park is particularly known for its dramatic cliffs, which rise more than 500 feet high and offer spectacular views of the river and the New York City skyline.

Some of the most popular attractions in Palisades Interstate Park include the Englewood Cliffs Nature Center, the Women's Federation Monument, the Ross Dock Picnic Area, and the Giant Stairs Trail. The park also includes several historic sites, such as the Kearney House, a restored 18th-century farmhouse, and the Alpine Lookout Tower, a 100-foot-tall observation tower built in 1934.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was created in 1900 as a joint project between New York and New Jersey to preserve the natural beauty of the Palisades cliffs. Another interesting fact is that the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, raccoons, and over 200 species of birds.

The best time of year to visit Palisades Interstate Park depends on your interests. Spring and fall are popular for hiking and birdwatching, while summer is ideal for swimming and picnicking. Winter is also a great time to visit for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Overall, Palisades Interstate Park is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and outdoor recreation. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and diverse range of attractions, it is a true gem of the Garden State.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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