Today, I’m going to be sharing with you once of the best and closest outdoor places worth exploring outside NYC and that’s Fort Lee Historic Park. What you have here is a long park packed with many awesome activities that are just across the Hudson River from the city.
Info:
- Name: Fort Lee Historic Park
- Location: Fort Lee NJ
- Cost to enter: Free
- Distance from NYC: 15 min (from Manhattan)
- Ideal time to visit for: 1 day
- Reviews: 4.9 out of 5
Overview:
This place isn’t just a playground for outdoorsy stuff, it also holds important historical signifance. One of the main parts of that is that it was once a critical fortification for George Washington’s army where soldiers camped, strategized, and stood ready to battle for this country.
I wanted to cover that first and foremost because in my opinion appreciating the park’s rich history is essential before diving into everything else it has to offer. So as we step into the next section, keep in mind that the activities you’ll engage in are woven into the very fabric of this historic landmark.
Things to do:
In my opinion, one of the best parts about Fort Lee Historic Park is its incredible blending of fun and learning. Here, families, history enthusiasts or anyone interested in outdoor activities can really get everything they need from this place and here’s a list of some of the most fun things to do here:
- Kayaking
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Bike riding
- Scenic driving
- Boating
- Sight seeing (overlooks)
- Museum scouting
As there’s a bunch of stuff to do, I would recommend to first visit the Visitor Center, which is a treasure trove of information. It houses interactive exhibits that detail the park’s role in the American Revolution and provides insights into 18th-century life as well as information on the other things to do above.
But I want to cover some of the most popular things in greater detail so let’s talk about that. We’ll start with the historical stuff:
If you want to explore the park more actively, guided tours through the reconstructed military encampments are available. These tours bring history to life, and you’re going to find out about the day-to-day lives of soldiers who once stood guard over the Hudson River.
There are numerous hiking trails, ranging from parts of the Long Path (4 miles, moderate) which enters into Harriman State Park from this area, to the most popular which is the Giant Stairs Palisades trail (3.5 miles, hard).
One of my favorite things to do here is enter from the southern section of the park and do the entire scenic drive along the Henry Hudson Drive which you can either do by car, jogging or biking. This will take you underneath the G.W. Bridge and provide for some awesome scenic experiences. There’s also a number of cool waterfalls along this drive that you’ll see.
When to visit:
Timing in Fort Lee Historic Park makes a huge impact on your experiences there in my opinion and you might be wondering when to actually go here. I’ll give you my take on that:
Spring and fall are undeniably the park’s prime times. In spring, you’re greeted with gentle breezes and blossoming flowers, creating a picturesque backdrop for your historical exploration. Fall, on the other hand, is just a stunning mix of colors all around you that transforms the park into one of the most scenic sights you’ll see outside NYC (go there in early November to catch the peak times).
Those looking for a special experience should keep an eye out for the park’s calendar of events. From Revolutionary War reenactments to heritage festivals, these events offer a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to see history come alive.
Now if you don’t really care too much about seasonal visits and just want to have the most peaceful time there, aim for a weekday morning visit. If you’re a photography enthusiast or just love a good sunrise, early morning hours provide a tranquil setting and spectacular light.
I’ve got a bunch of photos of this place to share with you that I think will really establish how beautiful this place is:
Tips:
- If you’re a NYC resident and don’t own a car, you can simply walk across the G.W. Bridge and into this park to enjoy the day there.
- The area of Fort Lee also has it’s own things to see and do and I’d check that out after.
- If you’re hiking, obviously bring some hiking gear on the trip as some of the trails can be slippery/muddy, especially the Giant Stairs Palisades one (trust me on that).
Overall Fort Lee Historic Park is thus far the closest, awesome spot I recommend any NYC local check out. I’ve been there countless times and still enjoy every new visit I take there. It’s easy to access, with tons of things to do and makes for an awesome city escape!