In Bergen County, nature ranges from a wooded reservation with marked hiking trails to a linear park along a river. The park system includes 21 parks; Bergen County has nearly 9,000 acres of parkland. Exploring Bergen offers different ways to discover the region, from outdoor experiences to historic sites.
Parkland: Trails, River, and Woods
Campgaw Mountain Reservation is a wooded park covering 1,373 acres, with designated, marked hiking trails. In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are also available; these activities are seasonal. Ramapo Valley County Reservation has grown to more than 4,000 acres. Visitors can hike through its hills and valleys. The two reservations therefore combine designated trails or hiking with different landscapes and activities.
Saddle River County Park offers a different way to get around: the 577-acre linear park extends along the Saddle River and its tributaries. A roughly six-mile shared bicycle and pedestrian path runs between Ridgewood and Rochelle Park. There is also a scenic waterfall in Dunkerhook Park. Here, the river landscape and a specific route take center stage; the approximate distance helps you compare this option with the shorter trails in other parks.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy has more than two miles of maintained trails for year-round walking, jogging, and nature observation. The Marsh Discovery Trail follows a ½-mile boardwalk through a brackish marsh and is suitable for birdwatching. Nature experiences range from getting active on longer trails to birdwatching in a distinctive habitat.
History with Views and Engaging Details
Fort Lee Historic Park is a cliff-top park with viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River, Upper Manhattan, and the George Washington Bridge. Its historic Revolutionary War encampment includes an authentically reconstructed officers’ hut. A visitor center explores the site’s history during the war. An annual event illustrates the position of Washington and his troops in November 1776 as well as life in the 18th century. If you plan to attend, check the dates in advance.
Historic New Bridge Landing offers several specific ways to learn about the site’s history. A history activity includes eight information panels and a 12-part QR code challenge. Visitors can also cross a swing bridge built in 1889 over the Hackensack River. New Bridge is listed in New Jersey’s registers and the National Register of Historic Places as the state’s oldest highway swing bridge.
Historic New Bridge Landing is preserved as a Revolutionary War battlefield. The Zabriskie-Steuben House is the only surviving house along the route of the British invasion and Washington’s retreat through Bergen County in November 1776. During the war, the Steuben House served as military headquarters. A section of a pig iron bar found at New Bridge Landing is also on display there. Keep in mind when planning: the historic buildings are open only during events held by volunteers from the Bergen County Historical Society. Be sure to check event dates before your visit.
A Park Visit with a Zoo
Bergen County Zoological Park is located in Paramus within Van Saun County Park. The zoo is also open to visitors from outside Bergen County. It offers reservable educational programs for groups; if you plan to attend one, check current dates and availability. Van Saun County Park covers more than 130 acres and has a bicycle path. The zoo, parkland, and bicycle path are distinct features of this location that you can take into account when planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: Little Ferry, Rochelle Park, Fort Lee, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Paramus, Teaneck, Tenafly, Hasbrouck Heights, Mahwah, Elmwood Park, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, Saddle River, Englewood, Woodcliff Lake, Edgewater, Saddle Brook, South Hackensack Township, Ramsey, Hillsdale, Palisades Park, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Upper Saddle River.
For the main travel overview: New Jersey.
