Discover Bergen: Nature and History

The Bergen County park system includes 21 parks. Across the county, there are nearly 9,000 acres of parkland and nearly 200 arts and history organizations. Nature trails and landscapes are among the main attractions, alongside sites that illustrate the history of the American Revolutionary War.

Parks, Trails and Landscapes

Van Saun County Park in Paramus is home to Bergen County Zoological Park. Van Saun County Park covers more than 130 acres and has a bike path. The zoo is also open to visitors from outside Bergen County. Reservable educational programs are offered for groups; reservations and program availability are subject to change.

Saddle River County Park is a 577-acre linear park that stretches along the Saddle River and its tributaries. Its combined bike and walking path, about six miles long, runs between Ridgewood and Rochelle Park. Dunkerhook Park is home to a scenic waterfall.

Teaneck Creek Conservancy has more than two miles of maintained trails for year-round walking, jogging and nature watching. The Marsh Discovery Trail is a boardwalk that runs for half a mile through a brackish marsh and is suitable for birdwatching.

At Ramapo Valley County Reservation, you can hike through hills and valleys; the area has grown to more than 4,000 acres. James A. McFaul Environmental Center offers a different natural setting: the 81-acre wildlife sanctuary includes nature trails, gardens and natural science exhibits.

The wooded Campgaw Mountain Reservation covers 1,373 acres and has designated, marked hiking trails. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are seasonal winter activities there. Campgaw Mountain County Reservation also has a disc golf course; equipment and permit requirements are subject to change. Model boating is available at Overpeck County Park; permits may be required.

History Between the River and Scenic Overlooks

Fort Lee Historic Park sits on a cliff and includes scenic overlooks and a reconstructed encampment from the American Revolutionary War. From the overlooks, you can see the Hudson River, Upper Manhattan and the George Washington Bridge. An authentically reconstructed officers’ hut stands in the historic encampment area. A visitor center explores the site’s history during the Revolutionary War. An annual event illustrates the situation of Washington and his troops in November 1776, as well as life in the 18th century.

Historic New Bridge Landing is preserved as an American Revolutionary War battlefield. A history activity includes eight information panels and a 12-part QR code challenge. Visitors can cross an 1889 swing bridge over the Hackensack River. The historic buildings are open only during events run by volunteers from the Bergen County Historical Society. Check the event schedule if you plan to visit a building.

The New Bridge is listed in New Jersey’s registers and the National Register of Historic Places as the state’s oldest highway swing bridge. The Zabriskie-Steuben House is the only surviving house along the route of the British invasion and Washington’s retreat through Bergen County in November 1776. The Steuben House served as a military headquarters during the American Revolutionary War. It also displays a section of a pig iron bar found at New Bridge Landing.

When looking for a hotel in Bergen, you can start by deciding whether nature trails, historic sites or seasonal winter activities will shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: South Hackensack Township, Ramsey, Hillsdale, Palisades Park, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Garfield, Upper Saddle River, Little Ferry, Rochelle Park, Fort Lee, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Tenafly, Paramus, Teaneck, Saddle Brook, Hasbrouck Heights, Mahwah, Elmwood Park, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, Saddle River, Englewood, Woodcliff Lake, Edgewater

For the broader travel overview: New Jersey.