Overlooks
Information on this page current as of January 03, 2009There are a number of locations to enjoy cliff-top views in the New Jersey Section. The most easily accessible are listed here, south to north in the park:
Allison Park
Rockefeller Lookout
Alpine Lookout
The Women's Federation Monument
State Line Lookout
Allison Park
Hudson Terrace (between the George Washington Bridge and Palisade Avenue)
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A landscaped, scenic cliff-top park with scenic overlooks, ornamental gardens, paved walkways, restrooms, and water.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. No fee for parking.
Rockefeller Lookout
Northbound Palisades Interstate Parkway (about 1 mile north of Exit 1)
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A pull-off overlook with scenic views of the Hudson River, northern Manhattan, Spuyten Duyvil, and the southern Bronx. Named in honor of John D. Rockefeller Jr. for his role in preserving the the lands on the summit of the Palisades and creating the Palisades Interstate Parkway.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. No fee for parking.
Alpine Lookout
Northbound Palisades Interstate Parkway (about 3 miles north of Exit 1)
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A pull-off overlook with scenic views of the Hudson River, Yonkers, and Westchester County.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. No fee for parking.
Women's Federation Monument
Alpine, NJ
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A scenic cliff-top overlook area and monument to the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs, honoring the role they played in shepherding the creation of the Interstate Commission to preserve the Palisades at the turn of the twentieth century.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. Trail access only. The most direct access is from a pedestrian bridge crossing the Parkway from U.S. Route 9W (follow the blue-and-white-blazed Forest View Trail); additional access can be obtained from State Line Lookout (hiking instructions), or by following the aqua-blazed Long Path north from Park Headquarters (about two miles). No parking fees are charged at these areas.
State Line Lookout (Lookout Inn)
Opposite Exit 3, Northbound Palisades Interstate Parkway
Alpine, NJ 07620
201 750-0465 (Lookout Inn)
Site Description
Situated at the highest point on the Palisades Cliffs (elevation 532 feet), Point Lookout at State Line Lookout commands unparalleled views of the Hudson and Westchester (New York) County, and on to the Long Island Sound. The area offers access to some of the best hiking in the NJ Section, as well, along with over five miles of cross-country ski trails. The Lookout hosts an annual Fall Hawk Watch, along with other programs throughout the year. An accessible overlook is provided.
A note on winter use: State Line Lookout may be closed during a significant weather event. When a barrier has been put in place by the Park on any of its roadways, including the access road to the Lookout area, the roadway beyond that barrier is to be considered closed for all use; those going beyond such a barrier are subject to prosecution.
Lookout Inn, a refreshment stand and gift shop, provides a lunch and snack menu as well as a wide variety of books, gifts, and other items of interest. Built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration, the building looks like a miniature ski chalet, built of native stone and chestnut wood. The building plays host to special programs throughout the year and is wheelchair accessible. See also: "Welcome to Lookout Inn."
"Mad about Hawks"… Jonathan Wood and the Raptor Project visit State Line Lookout for an annual program co-sponsored with the Nature Program Cooperative… (Click here to see more photos of this event.)Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. Free. Lookout Inn hours vary with the length of the day. Generally, it is open from 9 am until about one hour before dusk. No parking fee.
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