Palisades Interstate Park Commission: Ross Dock Picnic Area - Fort Lee, NJ
Palisades Interstate Park Commission: Ross Dock Picnic Area
If you’re searching for a scenic dog park in Fort Lee, New Jersey, the Ross Dock Picnic Area at Palisades Interstate Park offers pet owners breathtaking views of the George Washington Bridge and NYC skyline. This spacious, grassy park is perfect for dog-friendly hiking and leisurely walks along the Hudson River. With plenty of benches, picnic tables, and well-maintained grounds, it’s a wonderful spot for families and their four-legged friends to enjoy a day outdoors.
The park features metered parking at an affordable rate, easy access to pet-friendly trails, and ample seating areas to relax and take in the view. While the park is not exclusively a fenced dog park, it welcomes leashed dogs to accompany owners throughout its green spaces and on challenging hiking trails such as the nearby Giant Stairs Trail. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning landscape make it an ideal destination for both locals and visitors seeking a relaxing, dog-friendly spot in the Fort Lee area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables available throughout the park for visitors to enjoy meals outdoors.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park features a nice playground area for children.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a metered parking lot on-site with plenty of spaces provided.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, numerous benches and seating areas are available with excellent views.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park is connected to various walking and hiking trails, including the notable Giant Stairs Trail.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews consistently mention the park’s cleanliness and well-kept grounds.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park can become quite busy, and parking lots may fill up especially during weekends or peak times.
Reviews
This place is absolutely beautiful. I use to train here becase is hilly, There are places you can walk and there are some pretty challenging hiking trails as well.
Must hike Giant Stairs Trail at Palisades Interstate Park – Steep / Fun / Great View of Hudson River!
The management handled this very poorly. We were left waiting in a 40-minute line without any communication, only to find out the park was already full and closed after waiting that long. If drivers had been informed in advance, the line could have been avoided completely. This was a simple communication issue, yet staff stood by without providing updates, leaving everyone frustrated and wasting valuable time.
Park is excellent, on the water, and great views of the GWB! I would recommend you stay until dark and catch the evening skyline views.
Beware the metered parking! They will typically troll the parking lot, minutes before the pay period ends, to give out tickets to everyone.
First time in this area of the park and I was in awe 🥰! Very clean, lots of picnic tables, plenty of green grass, a nice playground and an amazing view.
It was the first time I’d ever been to New Jersey and was taken to this gorgeous spot, with fantastic views of the George Washington Bridge. There were plenty of benches, to sit and enjoy the views of the NYC skyline, while reading a book or even having a picnic. Parking is super cheap, and well worth the money. It was super quiet when we visited, with plenty of parking. I would HIGHLY recommend this place, to sit and watch the world go by for a while.