Just Imagine the Discoveries You Can Make Along the Byway
Unforgettable views and recreation
The Palisades Scenic Byway offers some of the most impressive views New Jersey has to offer, but it doesn’t stop there - recreational opportunities are everywhere. Hike, picnic, birdwatch, fish, crab, jet ski or boat along the Hudson River. There are trails for every skill level, but if you’re an experienced hiker you might want to try the “Giant Stairs.”
Ross Dock Picnic Area
Dining on the byway
There are a number of restaurants and cafes just a short drive from the byway. Or stay on the byway and visit the refreshment stand at State Line Lookout.
Enjoy your packed lunch at the many scenic picnic areas, including Ross Dock Picnic Area, Englewood Picnic Area, Undercliff Picnic Area and Alpine Picnic Area. Please be mindful of the byway and do your part in keeping it clean by disposing of your trash properly.
For more information on local restaurants and lodging, go to visitnj.org of the Bergen County Chamber of Commerce.
Undercliff Dock and Picnic Area
History you can only find here
Conservation efforts and Fort Lee’s part in the Revolutionary War have contributed to the Palisades long, enduring history. Did you know that the Palisades area was almost turned into a quarry? In 1900 with the formation of the Palisades Interstate Parkway Commission by Governors Theodore Roosevelt of New York and Foster M. Voorhees of New Jersey, the states of New York and New Jersey commenced a cooperative effort to acquire and preserve the land, with support of many locals. Learn about the makings of the parkway and byway while you adventure here.
Fort Lee Historic Park
What to Do on Your Byway Adventure
State Line Lookout
Hiking, cross-country skiing, sightseeing
This pull-off is located at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs and touted as the overlook with the best view of the city Skyline. While known as a great site for hawk watching, this area also provides activities like hiking, cross-country skiing, sightseeing, and more. Stop by the refreshment stand and gift shop here.
Stateline Lookout
Park Headquarters
Biking, birding, hiking
Palisades Interstate Pkwy Alpine, NJ 07620
This park contains about 2,500 acres of wild Hudson River shorefront and 30 miles of hiking and ski trails. Hudson River Drive gives you access to a number of picnic areas, boat launching ramp, playgrounds and more right along the Hudson River.
Alpine Picnic Area, Kearney House and Boat Basin
1 Alpine Approach Rd Alpine, NJ 07620
Hike, picnic, boat, camp or go crabbing at this riverfront picnic area. Don’t forget to visit the historic Kearney House where hundreds of years of Palisades history is brought to life.
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
1 Alpine Approach Rd Alpine, NJ 07620
This location serves as the headquarters for the Palisades Interstate Park police and administrative offices. Trails can also be accessed from this point.
Alpine Lookout
Picnicking, grilling, fishing, crabbing, hiking, boating
Palisades Interstate Parkway northbound, Alpine, NJ 07620
In addition to the scenic lookout, enjoy the nearby activities like picnicking, grilling, hiking and more.
Undercliff Picnic Area
Henry Hudson Dr Englewoodund Cliffs, NJ 07632
This popular picnic area in Englewood Cliffs contains a small beach, grills, picnic tables and access to the trail system.
Undercliff Dock and Picnic Area
Tenafly Nature Center
313 Hudson Ave Tenafly, NJ 07670
Check out this nature preserve located right in the Palisades Byway. The Tenafly Nature Center hosts several educational programs and events like children’s day camps, facility rentals, retreats, field trips and much more.
Rockefeller Lookout
Relax at this quiet and peaceful park, featuring views of Manhattan, the George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River.
Rockefeller Lookout
Englewood Picnic Area and Boat Basin
Henry Hudson Drive, Englewood Cliffs, 07632
This riverfront picnic area is the perfect place to grill, fish, crab, or hike. You can also launch your boat from Bloomer’s Beach and grab a meal at The Snack Shack.
Allison Park
Biking, hiking, picnicking
Allison Park Rd Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Allison Park is an eight-acre scenic cliff-top park area overlooking the Hudson River Hiking and cycling are available on the trails just outside Allison Park. Named for pioneer Palisades preservationist William O. Allison, this overlook also offers beautiful landscaping and unique varieties of plants.
Ross Dock Picnic Area
Henry Hudson Dr Fort Lee, NJ 07024
The Ross Dock Picnic Area is a larger scenic riverfront picnic area just north of the George Washington Bridge. Picnic tables, grills, a playground, access to trails, fishing, crabbing and boat launching are available here. A refreshment stand sells drinks, snacks, ice cream and barbecue supplies.
Fort Lee Historic Park and Visitor Center
Along with views of the George Washington Bridge, Upper Manhattan, and the Hudson River, you’ll find a visitor center full of Revolutionary War relics and a reconstructed war encampment on the grounds.
Fort Lee Historic Park
Greenbrook Sanctuary
Green Brook Rd, Tenafly, NJ 07670 (off of U.S. Route 9W)
Greenbrook Sanctuary is a 165-acre woodland preserve on top of the Palisades in Tenafly and Alpine, New Jersey.
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