Peep Leaves—Not Crowds—At These Bergen Parks

These 10 destinations aren’t packed with people, so you and your crew can enjoy the foliage without a fuss.
Cheryl De Leon,
4 Peep Leaves

 

We’ve reached the midway point of leaf-peeping season, so it’s time to start planning your annual road trip to see the foliage. Of course, you don’t have to travel far to see the bright shades of yellow, orange and red—New Jersey’s trees are showing plenty of color already.

In Bergen County, there are many places to see the local leaves perform their annual show. But let’s face it, even though they’re packed with trees, county and state parks such as Palisades Interstate Park, Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Saddle River County Park and more can quickly fill up with revelers—a vibe killer if you’re seeking peace and serenity.

For those hoping to avoid crowds and simply get lost in the woods, here are a few suggestions:

  • Borg’s Woods, Hackensack. Do you enjoy the sound of crunching leaves beneath your feet? That’s all you’ll hear in this 14-acre preserve of woodlands and wetlands.
  • Celery Farm, Allendale. Birders will be snapping photos around this 107-acre site, which features meadows and marshland, but you’ll find plenty of peace, quiet and trees to see the foliage on your own.
  • Cooper’s Pond, Bergenfield. Enjoy a short, tree-lined path in this neighborhood park. When conditions are right, the pond’s surface will reflect the colors of the leaves for Instaworthy pics.
  • Emerson Woods Preserve, Emerson. There are numerous trails with a large canopy overhead, so take your time to wander the woods, which abuts the Oradell Reservoir.
  • The Gardens of Wyckoff, Wyckoff. This quiet, 12-acre site is dedicated to passive recreation, so feel free to enjoy the vegetation, babbling brook and calm pond water without hearing a peep.
  • McGowan Park, Ridgefield Park. Summer concerts are over, so there’ll be fewer people walking around the gazebo and along the tree-lined, waterside paths.
  • Nancy Woods Memorial Peace Site Gazebo, Demarest. Locals visit this park for summer events, but it’s open to everyone for quiet strolls any time of year.
  • Remembrance Park, Closter. This borough park is dedicated to those lost on 9/11, and the changing leaves during fall add to the serenity of the solemn site.
  • Tenafly Nature Center, Tenafly. More than 7 miles of walking trails cut through the center’s 400 wooded acres, providing ample space for anyone to “get lost” among the trees.
  • Twinney Pond Park, Ridgewood. With 10 acres of mature trees and a 3-foot-deep pond, this neighborhood park has everything a casual outdoors enthusiast needs for a relaxing day.

Where do you go to see fall foliage in New Jersey? Tell us on Instagram @bergenmagnj.

Categories: Bergen Health & Life