The Palisades Interstate Park traces its roots to 1900, when the Governors of New York and New Jersey, aided by a charter from Congress, established the Palisades Interstate Park Commission to protect the majestic Palisade Cliffs that rise 400 to 800 feet above the lower Hudson River.
Quarrying of the cliffs alarmed several landowners, including George W. Perkins, Sr, who recruited J. Pierpont Morgan and other prominent New Yorkers to found the Palisades Interstate Park. Along with the Perkins, the Harriman family and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. helped assemble major land donations, including the New Jersey Palisades, Bear Mountain and Harriman parks, as well as start group camps and outdoor nature education programs for local and city children.
Over the years, the Commission has led grassroots efforts to protect Storm King Mountain, Tallman Mountain, Sterling Forest, Minnewaska, and other sites from development. Today, the Commission continues to conserve open space and protect natural and historic resources along the Palisades for their intrinsic value and enjoyment by the public.
Bear Mountain
Blauvelt
Bristol beach
Franny reese preserve
Goosepond mountain
Harriman
Haverstraw beach
High tor
highland lakes
hook mountain
lake superior
Minnewaska preserve
and SAM’S POINT
nYACK BEACH
Palisades interstate
Park
palisades interstate Parkway
ROCKLAND LAKE
Schunnemunk
Sojourner Truth
Sterling forest
storm king
tallman mountain
