Best Hiking Trails and Nature Walks in Bergen County NJ

When people think of Bergen County, they tend to think of suburban neighborhoods, GW Bridge traffic, and NYC commuter buses. What they don't usually expect is some of the most dramatic cliff-side hiking on the East Coast — and a surprisingly rich network of parks, nature centers, and paved trails that work for every fitness level.

Whether you're a serious hiker looking for a challenge, a family wanting a gentle weekend stroll, or a senior looking for a flat, well-maintained path, Bergen County has something for you. Here are the trails worth knowing about.

Palisades Interstate Park: The Crown Jewel

The Palisades Interstate Park runs along the Hudson River from Fort Lee northward for about 12 miles, perched atop the 300–540-foot Palisades Cliffs. This is one of the most spectacular outdoor areas in the entire New York metro region — and most Bergen County residents don't fully realize what's in their backyard.

Shore Trail (Englewood Picnic Area to Fort Lee Historic Park)

This is the park's signature hike: a 4.7-mile stretch along the base of the cliffs with panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on AllTrails with nearly 600 reviews, it's well-maintained and moderately easy. The trail follows the river's edge with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The views alone — especially at golden hour — make this one of the best outdoor experiences in the region.

The Long Path

For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Long Path stretches roughly 14 miles through the park, following the ridgeline of the Palisades with steep, rocky ascents and dense forest. This is a genuine wilderness experience — you'll forget you're minutes from Manhattan. The trail offers sweeping views from multiple overlooks and is best tackled in sections rather than all at once.

Fort Lee Historic Park

At the southern end of the Palisades, the Fort Lee Historic Park offers shorter, easier walking paths combined with Revolutionary War history and some of the best views of the GW Bridge and Manhattan. It's perfect for a morning walk or an afternoon outing with kids. The visitor center provides context on the park's role in the American Revolution.

The Palisades are particularly convenient for residents of Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs, and Leonia — you can be on a cliff-top trail within minutes of leaving home.

Saddle River County Park: Best for Easy, Flat Walks

If the Palisades cliffs sound intimidating, the Saddle River County Park is Bergen County's answer to gentle, accessible outdoor time. This 577-acre linear park stretches from Ridgewood to Glen Rock and Rochelle Park, anchored by a 6.8-mile paved multi-use path that's completely car-free.

The park features duck ponds, riverside walks, playgrounds, and sports fields along the path. It's ideal for families with strollers, seniors, dog walkers, and anyone who wants a peaceful walk without worrying about roots, rocks, or elevation. The path connects to several dirt trails for those who want a slightly more natural experience.

With a 4.6-star rating from over 2,200 reviews on AllTrails, Saddle River County Park is one of the most beloved outdoor spaces in the county — and one of the best reasons to consider living in the Ridgewood, Glen Rock, or Paramus area.

Overpeck County Park

Straddling the border of Leonia and Palisades Park, Overpeck County Park offers flat, paved pathways around a 81-acre lake. It's a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, and families, with sports fields, a amphitheater, and a community center. The park hosts events throughout the year, including summer concerts and cultural festivals.

The walking paths are well-maintained and fully accessible, making Overpeck a great option for residents of the GWB corridor who want outdoor exercise without traveling far from home.

Nature Centers and Wildlife Walks

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center (Englewood)

Tucked into a 150-acre preserve in Englewood, Flat Rock Brook offers several miles of easy, well-marked trails through wooded terrain, past streams and wetlands. The nature center hosts educational programs, and the trails are perfect for birdwatching and quiet reflection. It's one of the best-kept secrets in the county.

Tenafly Nature Center

The Tenafly Nature Center sits on 400 acres with 7+ miles of trails through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. It's a favorite for school field trips and family outings, with a small pond, a nature museum, and regular wildlife sightings including deer, foxes, and a wide variety of birds. If you live in Tenafly, Englewood Cliffs, or Closter, this is essentially your neighborhood nature preserve.

Celery Farm (Allendale)

A hidden gem in Allendale, the Celery Farm is a 107-acre wetland preserve with flat, easy loops perfect for birding. Despite its humble name (the site was once a celery farm), it's one of the most ecologically significant areas in Bergen County, attracting rare bird species and offering a genuine escape from suburban density.

Other Notable Trails

• Van Saun Park (Paramus): A family-friendly park with paved walking paths, a zoo, and a railroad museum. Great for younger kids. See our parks guide for more outdoor spaces.
• Ramapo Valley Reservation (Mahwah): A more rugged option with 6+ miles of trails through rocky terrain. Popular with trail runners and experienced hikers.
• Wood Dale County Park (Woodcliff Lake): Quiet, wooded trails ideal for a peaceful walk away from crowds.
• Pascack Brook County Park: Stream-side walking paths running through Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake, and Old Tappan.
• Great Oak Park (Park Ridge): Unpaved, gentle trails through wooded terrain — a nice option for a quiet weekend walk.

Which Trail Is Right for You?

Here's a quick cheat sheet based on what you're looking for:

• Dramatic views and a workout: Palisades Interstate Park (Shore Trail or Long Path)
• Flat, paved, family-friendly: Saddle River County Park or Overpeck County Park
• Nature and wildlife: Flat Rock Brook, Tenafly Nature Center, or Celery Farm
• Quick morning walk near Fort Lee: Fort Lee Historic Park
• Weekend adventure with the kids: Van Saun Park or Overpeck
• Trail running or a challenge: Ramapo Valley Reservation

Why Outdoor Access Matters When Choosing a Town

Access to parks and trails is one of those quality-of-life factors that's easy to overlook during a home search — but it becomes central to daily life once you move. If hiking, walking, or spending time outdoors is important to you, the town you choose matters.

Residents of Fort Lee, Englewood Cliffs, and Leonia have the Palisades at their doorstep. Ridgewood and Glen Rock residents have the Saddle River path. Tenafly has the nature center. And Woodcliff Lake and Park Ridge offer quieter wooded settings in the county's northwest corner.

If outdoor access is a priority for your move, I'd love to help you find the town that fits. With 32+ years in this area, I can match your lifestyle preferences — including trail access — with the right community. You can also explore our complete town directory to compare every Bergen County community.