Palisades Interstate Park State Line Lookout

Very beautiful views and many areas to walk. Very difficult to find the route to the great stairs but the castle is fun to take pictures.

Came for a Sunday afternoon hike with my boyfriend and we really enjoyed ourselves. The paths had few people on them and we didn’t bump in to many of them. The views are great and it’s a fun place to explore, take photos, and have some lunch at a picnic table.

Started at the entry point by the Headquarters building; parked at its lot area. Trails ranged from level-​grounded to steep, dirt roads to rocky ones. Hiked the «Long trail», «Shore trail». Enjoyed some rest at the Alpine picnic area with docked boats, picnic & fishing areas; Yonkers, NY was across the river as scenic views surrounding the river.

As an avid hiker. I had Palisades Interstate Park on my bucket-​list for many months! Finally, a few of my friends and I decided to go on a «last hike of the summer» adventure on Saturday!
Unlike most people. who started their hike at the State Line Lookout. the 4 of us began our hike at the Park Headquarters where the Parkway Police are stationed. We took the Long Path northbound, eventually passing the State Line Lookout and it’s rest​-stop​.to the Peanut Waterfall, and at the northernmost point of the hike, we circled around and started our 2^nd Phase which was the Short Trail that included the GIANT STAIRS (loll).
The Long Path was pretty easy. very straightforward. Honestly, at certain points, I was getting bored. so a few times, my friends and I went off trail, cutting through the woods as a shortcut. loll The trails were well maintained. with lots of trees overhead that provided shade from the sun. There were some really amazing views of the Hudson from the cliffs along the Long Path. Unfortunately, the Peanut Waterfall was all dried up. I only heard a few steady drops of water. –_​– By then, I had used up some of my chakra navigating the Long Path. else I would’ve tried using a water-​style jutsu and summoning a waterfall. ;-) At the bottom of the waterfall was a small, rocky beach, that was along the Hudson River.
The Short Trail was more difficult with uneven rocks on the trails. The GIANT STAIRS were pretty challenging. I’m a fairly athletic guy. standing 6’3, 205lbs. with a relatively long wingspan. Most of the GIANT STAIRS was easy to navigate for me. but there were certain parts where I even had to go on my hands and knees to scramble over. Be careful of the occasional loose rocks. It was a tough, but exciting all body workout!
A few words of advice and tips:
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* DON’T WEAR SNEAKERS. TRUST ME. My 3 friends all had improper footwear for the hike. Nike Free Runs are not suitable for the rocky terrain. By the halfway point of our 13mile hike, my 3 companions all complained about aching and painful feet and ankles! Yes.sadly.I was the ONLY one who came prepared with proper trail shoes. If you’re willing to spend $ 90+ on a pair of Free Runs. why don’t you invest the same amount in buying a decent pair of GoreTex hiking boots or trail shoes?
* Water bottles are useful.yes.but on a long hike (10+ miles), you don’t wanna be tired of carrying huge packs laden with bottles of water and other supplies. TRAVEL LIGHT! Go get yourself a decent Camelbak! Don’t carry anymore bottles. After you finish a bottle of water. where you gonna chuck it? Back in your bag? You gonna litter on the trail? (A$$hole!!)
* Again. sadly I was the ONLY one in my group who was prepared with Tick/​Bug Spray. Mind you. my 3 companions are not amateur hikers. So when I offered them my Tick Spray. I was very surprised when they said, «Do we really need that??» UM… NO SH! T. Do you want to catch a tick and take it home on your clothes? Invest in a decent Tick/​Bug Spray!
* Don’t be the one in your group who wants to stand out and play loud ass music during the hike! Moron. One of the reasons we go hiking is to escape the city and all it’s loud noise pollution. No one wants to hike and try to enjoy nature and beautiful scenery while trying to block out Justin Biebsh! t moaning outta your MP3 player. –_​–
This happened to me on my hike on Saturday. I SH! T YOU NOT. This guy who came with us, was playing the Barbie Girl song from the ‘90s. OMFG. GTFO! I wanted to smack him back to China. Holy sh! t.
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Overall. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Palisades Interstate Park! I highly recommend hikers of all skill levels to try the trails at this amazing park! I liken Palisades to my experience at Sam’s Point a few years ago. Both have equally tough trails. but I personally prefer Sam’s Point’s panoramic views.

Short Version: Came here with my husband on a Saturday to see the Peanut Cascades and hike the Giant Stairs. Parking at State Line Lookout was plentiful and free. We went north along the Long Path (blue blazes) to the Peanut Cascades. Cascades were mostly dry, but Hudson River area here had swings and places to sit/​rest. Shore View Trail (white blazes) and Giant Stairs were difficult, very rocky. Forest View Trail has lots of tall stone steps. Trail A /​Long Path (aqua blazes) takes you back to parking lot. Took us 3hr30min at a leisurely pace, including breaks for snacks and pictures. Trails were clean, mostly well-​shaded.
Long Version: At the State Line Lookout there’s a little shop with some refreshments, guide books, and toilets. Maps don’t seem to be available for purchase (or least we couldn’t find any), but there are two big maps posted outside, as well warnings about poison ivy and copperhead snakes.
We followed the big paved road to the «Long Path» with blue blazes (aka spray paint on the trees /​rocks) to the Peanut Cascades. The trail is mostly dirt with some rocks and stone stairs (which you go down). This was fairly easy to hike, and seemed like a popular route, as we encountered many people along the way.
It took us about 40 minutes going at a leisurely pace to get to the cascades. Sadly the cascades were mostly dried up, but this made it easy to climb up along the rocks of the «cascades.» There is a nice area beside the Hudson River here where someone hung a tire swing and wood swing. The tire swing is hung fairly low and won’t support more than 100lbs without sagging to the ground; it’s made more for children (I saw a young boy, probably 6 – 7 years old use it without a problem). The wooden swing supported me (110lbs) fairly easily. There is one bench and some big fallen tree trunks to sit on.
From here, you can continue to the Giant Stairs following the white blazes of the Shore View trail. This path was far less traveled, and we didn’t see many people as we went along. Along some parts, the blazes were spaced out a lot, and we occasionally wondered if we were heading in the right direction.
Now I know that the Giant Stairs hike is labeled as «challenging» and I am 100% an amateur hiker — I went in running shoes if that tells you anything — but I was surprised by how much climbing /​scrambling I had to do over the rocks. Also, as someone who is only 5’3, my reach isn’t that great, so I felt like I needed my husband’s help at times to get over and around certain parts. This was also hell on my knees. I like to think that I can do anything, but this was not something I’m keen on doing again. The rocks continue for way past what is labeled the «Giant Stairs,» so the path is difficult to walk on.
Eventually, we got to the Forest View Trail, where we were greeted by a lot of tall, steep stone steps, which you climb up. At the top of these we took Trail A (Long Path /​aqua blazes). There’s a confusing part where the trail hits a paved road. You need to cross the road to continue along Trail A. Then, when you get to a point in Trail A where you can turn left or right and there’s a wooden sign pointing left for Trail A, go RIGHT to get back to the parking lot.

Best hike in New Jersey if you are looking for a strenuous hike. Think twice before you bring your dog, make sure you’re pet can handle the rocky hike. Waterfall is a little disappointment, but still a great hike. And the sounds of the trains keep it from being peaceful. Give yourself enough time to complete the full hike. Bring hand sanitizer just in case you have to use the public toilet. If you want to use the public restroom with running water you have to pay to get into that lot or use the restroom at the restaurant.
Wish they would get someone out to remove the graffiti off the rocks.

A great place to stop and stretch… beautiful views, nice facilities and great food. Stop on your way elsewhere or come for a nice hike and picnic.

This is a great place to take the family and kids to ride your bike or scooter. Several hiking trails or a closed off paved road that goes on for what seems a few miles.
Several phenomenal scenic views across the Hudson.
A small diner right at the beginning. Let’s face it, you come here for the hiking, biking or the views.

I taken the Palisades so many times and have always been meaning to stop here. I got the chance to do so this past weekend and all I have to say is wow.
This is a place you should come even if you aren’t in the area, the views here are breathtaking.
I didn’t hike but just came to enjoy the views and eat my lunch. The day was a bit cloudy and still I couldn’t take my eyes of the amazing scenery.
If you ever up for a ride or are in the area you need to come here its totally worth it.

The scenery at the State Line Lookout is breathtaking. The wide open view of the Hudson river is simply amazing over here. The first train of thought that ran through my mind when I approached the edge of the lookout was I wondered if there is a path that leads you to the bottom so that you can fish. From the lookout spot up top, it looks like it’s about a 300 feet drop, maybe more. There is a little café shop on site w/​restrooms and there are also a few picnic tables.
When you’re on the interstate, you’ll come across a few other lookout sites but this one is the best. We were heading our way to Middletown NY to visit a friend and we came across this lookout on the Interstate. It’s truly a hidden gem. I’m definitely going to pack some lunch and come here again when the weather gets warmer. This park is nice, clean, quiet and not rowdy at all.

Great intermediate hike for a beginner great view. After you pass the woods you’ll find some stairs by the edge of the cliff. Then you’ll find the stairs followed by a quick rock scramble until you find the peanut fall. Excellent little family adventure.

Love this park! They have the best trails located just a short drive north of the city. Whether you are an avid hiker or just wanna stretch your legs from driving up the Palisades, you will enjoy this public park.
They have both easy and difficult trails plus several overlook points. The views from here are breathtaking. I particularly like trail C where I usually run into the occasional forest dweller plus a great place to observe migrating birds.

With all due respect to the other reviewers, they’re leaving out one of the best things about this place, the food! My father used to take us here when I was a kid back in the ‘60s and I always remembered how good the burgers were. I was there not too long ago and the food’s just as good as it ever was, if not better. Burger platters, hot dog platters, something for every taste.
And it goes without saying you can’t beat the spectacular views, especially this time of years with that crisp winter air. A little chilled? Go inside, get a hot coffee or chocolate and warm up by the fireplace.
For you history buffs the State Line Inn goes back to FDR’s time, built by WPA workers from local stone and lumber, and it hasn’t changed too much from those days. The on-​site gift shop has quite a few books on local history for sale, you’ll be amazed what happened around there in years past.
A real North Jersey treasure, visit when you get the chance.
Oh, those hiking trails? I guess they’re OK but I wouldn’t know, I stopped hiking when the Marine Corps stopped paying me to do it!

I like stopping here after leaving the bustle of Manhattan to enjoy some calmness in life. Since it’s winter you can watch the ice float down the Hudson River or cross country ski the trail if you’re equipped for that. The trails and rock scramble sound like they’re worth checking out when it gets warmer.

Loved it. Amazing views in October with the foliage. A must do ‘hike’ if you live in NYC. Only drawback is the loud noise of cars on the highway along where you’re hiking… but hey, you’re in Jersey. and less likely to see bears if you have the water on one side and road on the other!

Excellent trails. The rock scramble could be a bit challenging. A few terrific glacial erratics, just sitting there, chilling. If you find the NY/​NJ border monument, take a few steps east along the fence and you will find the Interstate Door. Enter NY through it if you dare, towards a set of steep steps we like to call «suicide stairs».
Once you get all the way down the scramble to the foot of Peanut Leap Falls, enjoy your secret bonus — a tire swing on the shore of the Hudson.

Love this place. If you are in North Jersey, a hiker, and do not come here — well, I have no words for you, except, your missing out — BIG TIME!
The Rock Scramble is one of the best experience of my life. It is somewhat difficult, but even a beginner can do it. However, make sure to bring lots of water and good footwear. Only other advice is to have fun. Oh, and expect 3 hours of hike, if doing the rock scramble.

The view is fantastic you would be crazy not to stop here. the better view is of the basaltic cliffs on the NJ side of the river, if you look across the Hudson you see Yonkers which is well, not very exciting, but downstream you can see Da Bronx which at least makes you feel somehow connected to hipness. Loads of birds of prey and other birds stop here on migration, you might see an eagle who got a really bad haircut (e.g. a Bald Eagle).nice trails to explore on foot or in winter on cross country skis and the little restaurant has simple fast food stuff but reasonable prices.

If your looking for a somewhere to go for a day trip this is the place. I’ve lived in Jersey for most of my life and have never heard of this place before. This was a spontaneous trip s we didn’t really have the right gear to go on one of the hiking paths but we still did anyway, just halfway as it was getting late. Very clean and the people we met along the way were friendly. The views along the hike were great as you can see from the pics so many people have posted already. It was kind of hard finding the entrance to this place because I’m pretty sure there’s more than one; so keep an eye out for the signs along the road. At the stop we went they had a little gift shop that sold the typical food; burger, fries, grilled cheese, etc. The place also had bathrooms, not the cleanest but hey at least it’s not a port-​a-​potty. Planning on coming back in the Spring ready with my hiking shoes!

Review of Peanut Leap Cascade Trail:
We came here today again with the pup and it was beautiful! It was snowing but that didn’t bother us. The trails were clear, nobody else was on the trail with us so our dog was able to be off leash. The trail markers were easily seen and lots of photo opportunities. Unfortunately, there was heavy fog/​clouds so we couldn’t clearly see the NY side. Getting down to the base of the mountain was easy. They had steps for you. We then ran into the large rocks where we had to scramble. We weren’t sure if we were at the right place but we went up the mountain. We got about half way and decided to turn back. Only reason was because it was still snowing, our dog was having some difficulty, and we didn’t know how long we would have to scramble for. This should actually be called a BOULDER scramble. Next time, we’ll go without the dog and when it’s not snowing and once I know what to expect, we can do it again. I even got a chance to test out both GPS tracking softwareL MapMyHike and MyTracks. I’m not sure what happened but MyTracks was more accurate. It seemed like MapMyHike lost GPS tracking for awhile. I’ll just have to double check next time instead of letting the software run on its own.
MyTracks Hike:
Photos:
I’d definitely come here again. This is a great place for wild life and Fall photography!