Picnic Areas
Information on this page current as of February 16, 2008
Picnickers can be accommodated at all of our developed areas, including Excelsior Picnic Area.
Barbecues are permitted only in our four major riverfront picnic areas (here listed south to north):
Ross Dock
Englewood Picnic Area
Undercliff Picnic Area
Alpine Picnic Area
Only a very limited number of grills are available in picnic areas. Those wishing to barbecue are strongly advised to bring their own self-contained grills and fuel (charcoal)—ground fires are not permitted anywhere within the NJ Section. Coals must be properly extinguished before disposal in one of the red trashcans (marked "hot coals") provided for that purpose.
Tables and parking spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the case of groups of 50 or more, company picnics, weddings, charity fundraisers, or other activities not held at the Alpine Pavilion, or if a group requires special accommodations, the group may need to get a permit. To determine if your group needs a permit, and for general information and guidelines, please click here (.pdf file, 1 page) or call 201 768-1360.
Ross Dock
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A newly renovated, large scenic riverfront picnic area with access to Hazard's Launching Ramp, and with access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, car-top boat launching, fishing, restrooms, and public phones.
Renovations include improved parking, new restrooms, a brand new playground, and more.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours, but the access road is closed November through March (foot access only). May through October, a parking fee ($5) is charged.
Englewood Picnic Area (Englewood Boat Basin, Bloomers Beach)
Base of Dyckman Hill Road
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information, slip rentals)
201 894-9510 (boat basin)Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area and boat basin, with fishing, beach for car-top boat launches (canoe and kayak), access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, restrooms, water, vending machines, playground, seasonal refreshment stand, some barbeque grills, and public phones.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. (Access road may be closed in winter.) May through October, a parking fee ($5) is charged. The boat basin is open May through October.
Undercliff Picnic Area
Henry Hudson Drive, 1/2 mile north of the Englewood Area
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
201 768-1360 (general information)Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area, with access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours, to hikers and cyclists. (Note: Henry Hudson Drive is closed in winter.)
Alpine Picnic Area (Alpine Boat Basin, Alpine Pavilion, Kearney House)
Base of Alpine Approach Rd.
Alpine, NJ 07620
201 768-1360 (general information, slip rentals)
201 784-2264 (Boat Basin)Site Description
A scenic riverfront picnic area and boat basin, plus beach for car-top boat launches (canoe and kayak), with fishing, access to our trail system and Henry Hudson Drive, restrooms, water, vending machines, and public phones. The area also has Alpine Pavilion, an open-air stone picnic pavilion built in 1934 by the Civil Works Administration (available for rental), as well as the historic Kearney House.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours. (Access road may be closed in winter.) Memorial Day to Labor Day, a parking fee ($5) is charged on weekends and holidays. The boat basin is open May through October. The Kearney House is open weekends and holidays, 12 to 5 pm, May through October, no fee.
Excelsior Picnic Area
On the Shore Trail, about 1 mile north of the Alpine Picnic Area.
Alpine, NJ 07620
201 768-1360 ext. 208Site Description
A trail-side picnic area with tables.
Hours and Fees
Grounds are open year-round, daylight hours, no fee.
