Bergen County

Explorer

Places to Go

9 places

Darlington County Park

Park

Mahwah

Bergen County's popular summer destination with three lakes — two for swimming and one for catch-and-release fishing. Features a splash zone for young children, picnic facilities, hiking trails, court sports, and a playground. The swim season runs late May through Labor Day. A classic summer outing for Bergen County families.

Park

Oakland

A peaceful neighborhood park in Oakland centered around a magnificent historic oak tree. Features open grassy areas, picnic spots, and a relaxed wooded setting. A popular gathering place for Oakland families seeking a low-key outdoor escape.

Overpeck County Park

Park

Englewood / Teaneck / Leonia

Bergen County's premier multi-use recreation park spanning 805 acres across five municipalities. Features 5 miles of walking and biking trails, a canoe/kayak launch into Overpeck Creek, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, athletic fields, playgrounds, dog park, picnic areas, and ongoing ecological restoration along the creek corridor.

Palisades Interstate Park (NJ Section)

Park

Fort Lee / Alpine

The dramatic cliffs of the Palisades rise 300–500 feet above the Hudson River. Hike the Long Path along the ridge for stunning Manhattan skyline views, or walk the Shore Trail at river level. Historic and breathtaking.

Pascack Brook County Park

Park

Westwood

A 79-acre Bergen County park that is 'uncrowded and off the beaten path.' Offers athletic fields, basketball courts, playground, fishing spots, biking, walking paths, and pavilioned picnic areas. Hosts the county's popular Movies in the Park summer series.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Park

Mahwah

Over 4,000 acres of rugged Ramapo Mountains wilderness with 25+ miles of hiking trails, the scenic Ramapo Lake, and opportunities for fishing and swimming. One of the largest publicly owned natural areas in NJ.

Saddle River County Park

Park

Multiple towns

A linear park stretching 10 miles along the Saddle River through six Bergen County municipalities. Popular for biking, walking, fishing, and picnicking. The paved trail connects Rochelle Park through Paramus, Ridgewood, and beyond.

Van Buskirk Island County Park

Park

Oradell

Van Buskirk Island is one of the best fishing spots in Bergen County, and a beloved outdoor destination for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the calm, clear, forest-lined waters of the Hackensack River. The island was created when the Hackensack River was dammed in the 19th century and is home to a rich variety of bird species. The historic Hackensack Water Works treatment plant on the island is listed on both the New Jersey State and National Registers of Historic Sites. The Van Buskirk Island Paddling Center, operated by Hackensack Riverkeeper, is ideal for beginners, families, and those getting back on the water - located just downstream of the Oradell Dam and above the head of tide. Boat rentals available on weekends and holiday Mondays. Call 201-968-0808 for the current schedule.

Van Saun County Park

Park

Paramus

Bergen County's most popular park at 146 acres. Home to the Bergen County Zoo, a working train ride, picnic areas, sports fields, and beautiful walking paths. The zoo features over 300 animals and is free with county resident ID.