HASBROUCK HEIGHTS, NJ — Fall is a great time to get outside, and residents looking for a scenic walk have several North Jersey parks to explore without traveling too far.
Whether you're interested in wooded paths, wetlands or birdwatching, these three destinations offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Overpeck County Park, which spans more than 805 acres across Bergen County, offers walking and biking trails for visitors looking to explore the outdoors.
The park, located at 40 Fort Lee Road in Leonia, features approximately five miles of trails designated for walking and biking.
Along with its trails, Overpeck County Park offers fishing areas, playgrounds and a canoe and kayak launch.
For visitors who prefer wooded surroundings, Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in Englewood offers another nearby option.
Located at 443 Van Nostrand Avenue, the 150-acre nature preserve features 3.6 miles of self-guided hiking trails.
The trails range from easy to moderate, taking visitors through woodlands, wetlands and wildflower meadows.
Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and observe other wildlife in their natural habitats.
Along the trails, visitors can also see a pond and a cascading stream.
Admission is free, and the trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Visitors can also visit Richard W. DeKorte Park, located at One DeKorte Park Plaza in Lyndhurst, where visitors can explore 3.5 miles of walking paths through the Meadowlands.
The park features wetlands, waterways and opportunities for birdwatching, with interpretive signs providing information about local wildlife and habitats.
The park also features the World Trade Center Memorial Cove, with piers representing the fallen towers and views of the lower Manhattan skyline.
The William D. McDowell Observatory offers opportunities to observe the moon, planets, stars and galaxies through a 20-inch telescope.
Free public viewing sessions are held Wednesdays from 8 to 10 p.m. in October, weather permitting, with no advance registration required.
Visitors should be aware that a portion of the Saw Mill Creek Trail is currently closed due to storm damage.
Richard W. DeKorte Park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk.
Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Hasbrouck Heights Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.