If You Live In New Jersey, You Must Visit This Amazing State Park

Palisades Interstate Park is probably New Jersey’s most underrated state park. It’s also technically not a state park, as parts of it are in New York and it is managed by the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The New Jersey section of the park is about 12 miles long and a half-mile wide, and offers over 30 miles of trails. The Palisades Cliffs are considered a National Historic Landmark, and New Jersey’s portion of these imposing cliffs is quite magical.

Flickr/Rik Jones

Besides incredible views of the Hudson from atop the cliffs, you'll find a boat ramp, numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a spectacularly scenic drive and numerous historic sites.

Flickr/Rik Jones

These historic sites include the Women's Federation Monument, Fort Lee Historic Park and visitors center, and the historic Kearney House, a living history museum built in 1750.

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The park includes areas both atop and at the foot of the cliffs, offering incredible views from all angles.

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Though you'll find peace and tranquility in the park, including a few hidden waterfalls, southern portions of the park offer views of the bustling New York City. Many viewing areas have binoculars available for your use.

Flickr/Rik Jones

Though the park is spectacular year-round, and even offers cross-country skiing in the winter, it may be most beautiful in the fall.

Flickr/Doug Kerr

The Park Commission offers a variety of guided hikes for groups, including one focused on photography. Other options include scavenger hunts, river seining, and a survival program. Should you get hungry after your hike, you can visit the Snack Shack near the Englewood Picnic Area, open seasonally from May - September.

The serene setting is in stark contrast to the surrounding area, which I feel only makes the park more magical. Have you ever been to Palisades Interstate Park? What do you enjoy most about the area?