Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park is an oasis of greenery in a state known for its industry and manufacturing prowess. The park skirts the Hudson River and is a picturesque site for rollerblading, a family outing, running, walking or just relaxing. Kayaking enthusiasts can take advantage of their free kayak launch site, which provides an economical way to paddle the Hudson River. Liberty State Park is also where you will find the Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area, which is home to a 36-acre salt marsh, a rarity in the area filled with native wildlife. The park also features a two-mile, paved, promenade that runs throughout the park. Liberty State park is the only place in New Jersey where you can hop a Ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, two national treasures.
Liberty State Park
1 Audrey Zapp Drive
Jersey City, NJ 07305
(201) 915-3440
state.nj.us
East River State Park
East River State Park may be in Brooklyn, New York, but its a mere 15 miles from Newark, New Jersey. The park can be well worth the short trip for its post card views of the Manhattan skyline and seven acres of recreational space. The park prides itself in its preservation of many of the historical and natural waterfront resources, including century-old cobblestone streets and historical railroad tracks that once serviced the shipping dock that existed there in the 19th century. East River State Park is a place to go to gaze at the future while reflecting, and respecting, the past. Pets are not allowed.
East River State Park
90 Kent Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(347) 297-9470
nysparks.state.ny.us
Riverbank State Park
Manhattan may seem like an odd place to find a state park. But its where you will find one of the more amenity-filled state parks in the nation, Riverbank State Park. According to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, "Riverbank is the only park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere." This indoor/outdoor park includes a covered rink for ice skating in the winter and rollerskating in the summer, four handball courts, an Olympic-sized pool, four tennis courts, a softball field, four basketball courts, and an eight-lane running track that spans 400 meters in length, and those are just the human-powered activities. The park is set atop a restored set of train tracks with picture perfect views of the Hudson River. One downside is that cycling is not permitted in the park, but running and walking is permitted. Pets are not allowed.
Riverbank State Park
679 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10031
(212) 694-3600
nysparks.state.ny.us
