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Best Scenic Walks, Hikes & Running Trails in Bergen County NJ 2025
Welcome fall in Bergen County with scenic walks, relaxing hikes, and refreshing runs. Whether you’re a casual walker, a weekend trail explorer, or training for your next race, Bergen County NJ 2025 offers endless paths lined with vibrant foliage and stunning views. From challenging mountain trails to peaceful paved loops, our county delivers outdoor experiences for every fitness level and every pace.
Ramapo Valley Reservation spans over 4,000 acres with moderate to challenging trails perfect for trail runners and hikers. Popular routes include the MacMillan Reservoir loop and the climb to Castle Point, featuring ruins of the historic Foxcroft estate. The forest trails offer panoramic overlooks and stunning fall foliage, making it one of Bergen County’s most scenic destinations.
Location: 584 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Best For: Trail running, moderate to challenging hikes, fall foliage photography
Website: Ramapo Valley Reservation
Saddle River County Park features nearly 600 acres of accessible parkland with flat, paved paths ideal for joggers, cyclists, and families with strollers. The park’s main trail follows the gentle Saddle River for approximately 5 miles, providing a peaceful escape without challenging terrain. Multiple entry points and parking areas make it easy to customize your distance, whether you’re looking for a quick 2-mile jog or a longer family walk. The riverside setting becomes especially beautiful in autumn when the tree-lined path glows with fall color.
Location: Multiple access points along Saddle River Road from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park
Best For: Running, stroller-friendly walks, beginner-friendly routes, dog walking
Website: Saddle River County Park
Palisades Interstate Park delivers some of Bergen County’s most dramatic hiking experiences with challenging climbs rewarded by breathtaking Hudson River views. The Long Path traverses the park’s ridgeline, offering steep ascents through rocky terrain that attracts experienced hikers and trail runners seeking vertical challenges. Shore Trail runs along the river’s edge at the cliff base, providing a completely different perspective with dramatic rock faces towering overhead. This park showcases fall foliage against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, creating unforgettable autumn vistas.
Location: Multiple access points along the Palisades from Fort Lee to the New York border
Best For: Challenging hikes, trail running, experienced hikers, scenic overlooks
Website: Palisades Interstate Park
These connected nature preserves offer peaceful wooded loops ideal for relaxed strolls through mature forests. Flat Rock Brook features about 3.6 miles of trails winding through diverse ecosystems, while Closter Nature Center adds another network of shorter paths through protected wetlands and woodlands. Both locations emphasize environmental education and conservation, providing quiet spaces where walkers can disconnect from urban noise and reconnect with nature. The gentle terrain and shaded paths make these preserves comfortable choices even on warmer autumn days.
Locations:
- Flat Rock Brook – 443 Van Nostrand Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631 |
- Closter Nature Center – 154 Ruckman Road, Closter, NJ 07624
Best For: Peaceful woodland walks, nature observation, shade-covered trails
Websites:
These two parks connect to create an extended trail system along Pascack Brook, offering approximately 3 miles of mixed terrain. The connecting trails provide scenic woodland walks and open meadow areas, making them popular with local walkers and runners. The continuous path between both parks allows for longer outings while remaining accessible from multiple entry points.
Location: Westvale Park – Westwood Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675 | Rivervale Park – Westwood Avenue, Rivervale, NJ 07675
Best For: Extended walks, local running routes, connecting trail systems, dog walking and there are great dog parks too!
Websites:
- Westvale: https://www.westwoodnj.gov
- Rivervale: https://www.rivervale.org
Atkins Glen provides a quiet neighborhood trail system with wooded paths perfect for short walks and nature observation. This local park features gentle terrain through preserved forest areas, offering a peaceful retreat for Park Ridge residents and nearby communities. The trails are well-maintained and provide easy access to nature without leaving town.
Location: Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656
Best For: Short nature walks, neighborhood hiking, easy terrain, local access
Website: Atkins Glen
Overpeck County Park spans nearly 800 acres featuring scenic waterfront paths along Overpeck Creek. The park’s paved and crushed stone trails offer runners and walkers approximately 5 miles of flat, well-maintained routes with beautiful water views. The park includes multiple athletic facilities, picnic areas, and a boat launch, making it a hub for outdoor recreation. Sunrise and sunset runs along the waterfront provide stunning light conditions, while the open layout allows runners to maintain steady paces without navigating technical terrain.
Location: 40 Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
Best For: Long-distance running, waterfront walks, cycling, flat terrain
Website: Overpeck County Park
Great Oak Park offers a hidden gem experience with wooded trails that wind through preserved forest land in Mahwah. The park features moderate trails suitable for hiking and trail running, with natural terrain that provides a peaceful escape from suburban life. The park’s relatively undeveloped character attracts those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience close to home.
Location: 2 Airmount Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Best For: Moderate hiking, trail running, nature walks, quiet forest setting
Website: Great Oak Park
Celery Farm Natural Area features unique wetland trails with elevated boardwalks offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities. This 107-acre preserve provides easy, flat walking paths through marshland and around ponds, making it a favorite for nature photographers and bird enthusiasts. The boardwalk system keeps visitors dry while providing intimate views of waterfowl, herons, and seasonal migrating birds. Celery Farm Natural Area features unique wetland trails with elevated boardwalks offering exceptional birdwatching opportunities. This 107-acre preserve provides easy, flat walking paths through marshland and around ponds, making it a favorite for nature photographers and bird enthusiasts. The boardwalk system keeps visitors dry while providing intimate views of waterfowl, herons, and seasonal migrating birds.
Location: 155 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale, NJ 07401
Best For: Birdwatching, nature photography, easy wetland walks, wildlife observation
Website: Celery Farm
Van Saun Park combines natural walking trails with family-friendly attractions, including Bergen County’s only zoo. The park offers a mix of short nature walks and paved loops totaling about 2-3 miles, perfect for families with young children. While the zoo draws crowds, the park’s outer trails provide quieter spaces for peaceful walks surrounded by mature trees and open meadows. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths make this an excellent choice for casual walkers and those seeking an easy introduction to local trails.
Location: 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Best For: Family walks, short easy loops, combining nature with attractions
Website: Van Saun Park
FAQ – Bergen County Scenic Trails
Which Bergen County parks are best for runners?
Saddle River County Park and Overpeck Park offer the best paved, flat running surfaces for road runners and those training for races. Trail runners should explore Ramapo Valley Reservation and Palisades Interstate Park for technical terrain and elevation challenges. Westvale Park connecting to Rivervale Park provides a great 3-mile local running route.
Are these trails stroller-friendly?
Yes, several parks accommodate strollers. Saddle River County Park, Van Saun Park, Overpeck Park, and Celery Farm all feature paved paths or boardwalks suitable for jogging strollers and wheelchairs. Nature preserves like Ramapo Valley, Tenafly Nature Center, and Great Oak Park have unpaved trails better suited for hiking without strollers.
When is peak fall color season?
Peak fall foliage in Bergen County typically occurs from early to mid-October, though the exact timing varies by elevation and weather patterns. Higher elevation parks like Ramapo Valley and Great Oak Park may peak a week or two earlier than riverside locations.
Do I need to pay to use these trails?
Most Bergen County parks are free to enter. Some locations may charge parking fees during peak season or weekends. Private nature centers like Tenafly may request donations or membership fees, though trails are generally open to the public.
Can I bring my dog on these trails?
Most county parks permit leashed dogs on trails. Saddle River County Park, Westvale/Rivervale Parks, Great Oak Park, and Atkins Glen are all dog-friendly. However, some nature preserves like Celery Farm may have restrictions to protect sensitive wildlife habitats and nesting birds. Always check specific park regulations, clean up after your pet, and keep dogs on marked trails to protect natural habitats.
What’s the best trail for beginners?
Saddle River County Park and Van Saun Park offer the easiest, most accessible trails for beginners. Both feature flat, paved paths with clear markings and multiple access points allowing you to control your distance. Celery Farm in Allendale and Atkins Glen in Park Ridge also provide gentle, short trails perfect for those new to hiking, with Celery Farm offering the unique experience of wetland boardwalk walking.
Plan Your Next Outdoor Day
Bergen County’s diverse trail network means there’s always a new path to explore, whether you’re chasing fall colors, training for your next race, or simply seeking a peaceful walk in nature. Each season brings new reasons to lace up your shoes and discover what makes our county’s outdoor spaces so special.
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