If you're a dog owner in Bergen County — or you're thinking about becoming one — you already know that green space matters. The good news is that Bergen County is genuinely one of the most dog-friendly suburban areas in the New York metro region. Between county parks, Palisades trail access, dedicated dog runs, and miles of tree-lined neighborhood streets, there's no shortage of places where your dog can burn off energy and you can enjoy the outdoors.
Here's a curated guide to the best dog-friendly parks and outdoor spaces across Bergen County, organized by what kind of outing you're looking for.
Dedicated Dog Runs and Off-Leash Areas
If your dog needs room to run free, these are the spots where off-leash play is designated and well-maintained.
- Overpeck County Park Dog Run (Leonia / Palisades Park border): One of the largest and most popular dog runs in Bergen County. The 800+ acre Overpeck County Park has a dedicated off-leash area with separate sections for large and small dogs. Paved paths, water stations, and plenty of space make this a go-to for regular dog owners. The park is accessible from multiple entrances, and the surrounding trails are leash-friendly for longer walks.
- Riverside County Park Dog Run (Lyndhurst): Another well-maintained county dog run along the Passaic River. The park features separate large and small dog areas, shaded benches, and connects to a paved riverside trail system.
- Veterans Memorial Park Dog Run (Rutherford): A neighborhood-friendly dog run in the heart of Rutherford with separate sections and easy parking. Popular with local residents and a great social spot for dogs.
Scenic Trails for Leashed Hikes
For longer outings with your leashed dog, Bergen County has several trail systems that offer real variety — from riverside walks to Palisades cliff views.
- Palisades Interstate Park (Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs, Teaneck): The Palisades cliffs offer some of the most scenic hiking in the entire metro area, and leashed dogs are welcome on most trails. The historic Long Mountain area and the Fort Lee Historic Park provide stunning views of the GW Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Trail difficulty ranges from easy riverside walks to more challenging cliff-side paths. Bring water — the rocky terrain can be warm on hot days.
- Overpeck County Park Trails (Leonia, Palisades Park, Teaneck): With 800+ acres, Overpeck has miles of paved and unpaved trails. The paved path around the lake is a favorite for casual walks, while the unpaved trails through the wooded areas offer a more nature-oriented experience. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park.
- Van Saun County Park (Paramus): A massive 347-acre county park with paved trails, playgrounds, the Bergen County Zoo, and plenty of open green space. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and walking paths (not inside the zoo). The park is popular with residents and dog owners alike.
- Pascack Brook County Park (Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake): A 137-acre park with a paved trail system that follows the Pascack Brook. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the shaded, tree-lined paths make it a comfortable summer walk. Less crowded than some of the larger county parks.
- Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly): The 424-acre Tenafly Nature Center offers trails through mature forest with pond access. Leashed dogs are welcome on designated trails. The nature center also hosts occasional pet-friendly events and educational programs.
Neighborhood Parks for Daily Walks
Sometimes you just need a pleasant green space within a few minutes of home. These neighborhood parks across Bergen County are reliable spots for leashed daily walks.
- Creekside Park (Teaneck): Walking paths along the creek with open fields and playgrounds. The residential streets surrounding the park are also excellent for daily dog walks — spacious lots and tree-lined sidewalks define the neighborhood.
- Wood Park (Leonia): A community park with open fields and paths that make it a convenient daily walking spot. Leonia's compact, walkable layout means the park is never far away.
- Englewood's Parks (Englewood): Englewood maintains several neighborhood parks with walking paths, and the residential streets around Liberty and Englewood avenues are popular with dog walkers. The city also provides easy access to the Palisades trail system.
- Cliffside Park's Hillside Parks (Cliffside Park): The borough's hilly terrain means some parks offer surprising views alongside walking paths. The neighborhood streets in the upper sections of Cliffside Park are popular with dog walkers for their views and quiet residential character.
Waterfront Walks for Water-Loving Dogs
Bergen County's waterfront parks along the Hudson River offer scenic walks with skyline views — and most are leashed-dog-friendly.
- Edgewater Waterfront Park (Edgewater): The Hudson River waterfront walkway provides a flat, scenic route with Manhattan skyline views. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the waterfront dining district means you can grab a coffee while you walk.
- Weehawken Waterfront Park (Weehawken): The Hudson River walkway in Weehawken offers dramatic cliff-top and waterfront views. Leashed dogs are welcome on the paved paths. The park connects to the broader Hudson River Waterfront Walkway system.
- North Bergen Waterfront (North Bergen): James J. Braddock Park, a 167-acre county park with a lake, provides a popular spot for dog owners. Leashed dogs are welcome on the paths around the lake and through the park grounds.
Tips for Dog Owners Moving to Bergen County
A few practical notes for new residents:
- Borough leash laws: Most Bergen County boroughs require dogs to be leashed in public spaces unless they're in a designated off-leash area. Always check local ordinances for your specific town.
- Veterinary access: Bergen County has excellent veterinary coverage. Teaneck is home to Holy Name Medical Center and several full-service veterinary hospitals. Neighboring towns like Fort Lee, Englewood, and Hackensack all have multiple vet clinics and emergency pet hospitals.
- Pet supply shopping: PetSmart, Petco, and local pet boutiques are concentrated in Hackensack, Fort Lee, and along Route 4 in Paramus. Korean pet supply shops on Broad Avenue in Palisades Park offer unique finds.
- Pet-friendly housing: Most Bergen County apartment complexes and condo buildings accept pets, though breed and weight restrictions vary. Single-family homes — especially in Teaneck, Leonia, and Cliffside Park — typically have yards that make pet ownership easier.
The Takeaway
Bergen County is a genuinely great place to live with a dog. The combination of county park systems, Palisades trail access, dedicated dog runs, and well-maintained neighborhood green spaces means you're never far from a quality outdoor outing. And the veterinary infrastructure and pet-friendly commercial options mean the practical side of pet ownership is well-supported.
If you're considering a move to Bergen County and your dog's quality of life is a factor — and for most pet owners, it absolutely is — I'd love to help you find the right town. Different communities offer different park access, trail proximity, and neighborhood character, and that's exactly the kind of detail that decades of local experience helps with.
Ready to explore? Start with our complete town directory to compare communities, or read our Fort Lee guide for a closer look at one of Bergen County's most pet-friendly towns.