The Palisades of the Hudson
Trails
Scenic Byway
Henry Hudson Drive Palisades Interstate Parkway
Picnic Areas
Ross Dock Picnic Area Englewood Picnic Area Undercliff Picnic Area Alpine Picnic Area
Overlook Areas
Allison Park State Line Lookout
Historic Sites
Fort Lee Historic Park The Kearney House Women’s Federation Monument
Hazard’s Boat Ramp
Greenbrook Sanctuary
Park Headquarters
PARK MAP (pdf)
Hiking
Picnics + Grilling
Cycling
Boating + Paddling
Fishing + Crabbing
Park Programs + Calendar
Nature
History
PARK MAP (pdf)

While you can enjoy a picnic lunch most anywhere in the park (just remember the trails are “carry in, carry out” — all trash must be carried back out with you and disposed of properly), grilling is restricted to the four riverfront picnic areas listed on this page. Picnic tables are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and while some grills are provided (like tables, they CANNOT be reserved), visitors may also bring their own.

For more information, please see our Picnic Area FAQs, below!

Ross Dock Picnic Area
Our four riverfront picnic areas provide space to relax and play by the mighty Hudson — and to show us how you grill!
Photo: Anthony Taranto.

Picnic Area FAQs*

*Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the park open or close?

  • Park grounds are open 6 AM to 9 PM from April through October and 6 AM to 7 PM from November through March.

When do you start and stop collecting fees?

  • A metered parking system is in effect at our picnic areas from April through November annually. Click here for hours, rates, and other information.

On what days are there no parking fees?

  • No fees are charged on Wednesdays, Earth Day, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples/Columbus Day, and from November through March.

What is done with the revenue?

  • 100% of the revenue goes to the conservation and maintenance of the park.

If I pay at one picnic area, can I then use that payment to park at another picnic area?

  • No. Payment is not transferable.

Do I have to pay if I just want to stay for ten minutes?

  • Yes. You will need to pay the minimum on the meter (one hour’s fee).

Do I have to pay for reentry on the same day?

  • You do not have to pay if you re-enter the zone that you paid for within your allotted time — as long as parking is still available there.

Who is exempt from paying?

  • New Jersey seniors (age 62 or older) may apply for an exemption. Click here for information on how to register for an exemption. Disabled veterans from any state are exempt if they have government-issued license plates or hangtags on their vehicle specifying their status.

Are credit cards accepted at pay stations?

  • Yes. Pay stations accept credit and debit cards. They do not accept cash. You can also pay remotely through the Flowbird and Park Mobile parking apps.

What passes do you accept?

  • Other than exemptions for New Jersey Seniors and for disabled veterans, the Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey does not accept any passes for entry or parking fees.

What's the address of this site (Ross Dock, Englewood, Undercliff, or Alpine picnic areas)?

Is this a State Park? Is this a National Park?

  • Neither. We are part of a unique interstate park system (New York and New Jersey) that predates the National Park Service, and which is operated under a Commission established through Federal Compact. (While state parks receive 100% of their funding from the state, we receive only a portion of our funding from the state.)

How long will Dyckman Hill Road be closed to motorists?

  • Due to extensive damage from Hurricane Ida in 2021, Dyckman Hill Road (Englewood Cliffs park entrance at Palisade Ave./PIP Exit 1) will remain closed until further notice. Click here for more information.

Can I drive to Hazard’s Ramp to take a picture of the bridge?

  • No. Only vehicles with trailers are allowed by the boat ramp.

Is fishing allowed? Do I need a permit or license?

  • Fishing is allowed and you do not need a permit, but all state fishing rules apply. Click here for more information.

Can I operate a drone in the park?

  • No.

Is alcohol allowed?

  • Alcohol is prohibited.

Can I swim in the Hudson River?

  • Swimming is prohibited in the park due to lack of lifeguards.

Can I ride my bike on the trails?

  • No. Cycling is only allowed on paved roads if you are wearing a helmet. Click here for more information.

Where can I fly a kite?

  • The only park area where one may fly a kite is the Ross Dock field.

Are pets allowed?

  • Pets are only allowed in the picnic areas to access trails, where they must be on a leash at all times.

What areas can I reserve?

Do you have grills?

  • At Ross Dock, Englewood, Alpine, and Undercliff Picnic Areas only. On peak season weekends (mid-May — mid-July) all grills are taken up by 10:30 AM. Grills can also be rented at the Ross Dock Concession stand on weekends.

Am I allowed to bring my own grill?

  • Yes, but it must not be placed on the picnic tables provided by the park.

Can I reserve tables and chairs for a party this weekend?

  • Area amenities are on a first come first served basis, but groups must be fewer than 25 people and may not occupy more than one cluster of tables and one grill.

Can my friend reserve a parking space for me?

  • Parking spaces cannot be reserved.