In this time of social bubbles, quarantines and limited contact, getting out in nature might be what we all want. We still need to maintain distance and be self-aware, but enjoying the outdoors for a while can make all the difference to our moods and attitudes. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along a waterfront, a brisk walk with your canine companion through a forest, or a work-up-a-sweat scramble on a challenging cliffside trail, you can find your ideal walk or trail right here in Hudson County and surrounding area. Here are a few to consider.

Be sure to check for current rules as situations change, and every location has its own regulations. The Palisades Interstate Park, for example, says park grounds, trails, and roads are open for passive recreation only, including fishing, boating and paddling, hiking, walking, running or jogging, cycling (on paved roads only), and birding. But all playgrounds and park buildings remain closed except restrooms at Ross Dock, Englewood, and Alpine Picnic Areas, and Allison Park. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center has opened their trails but not their facilities.

 #1 DEKORTE PARK 

1 DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst
NJSEA.com/parks-and-trails

The one-square-mile home of the Meadowlands Commission, features 3.5 miles of trails with stunning views of wetlands and wildlife, grasslands, pockets of forests, a butterfly garden, plenty of flowers and more than 280 bird species.

DeKorte Park Mill Creek Marsh Trail - Easy 1.5-mile circuit. This hike loops around an interesting marsh, with remnants of ancient Atlantic white cedar trees that thrived in the area centuries ago.

DeKorte Park Long Loop & Short Loop - Long Loop is an easy 2.4-mile circuit, and Short Loop is an easy 1.1-mile circuit. It traverses boardwalks and dikes through salt marsh wetlands and climbs a landscaped hill—a former landfill—to reach an expansive overlook.

Mill Creek Point Park - The park offers an environmentally preserved area that features a boat launch, fishing, bird watching, park benches and a tranquil setting for reflection. It is the start to Secaucus’ nature walk that stretches along the perimeter of the west end of town.

Lyndhurst Nature Reserve – About 2.5 miles of walks and trails wind through an upland island of forests and open lawns, with benches and a natural amphitheater providing ideal spots to sit and read or just enjoy the water and wildlife.

 #2 HACKENSACK RIVER GREENWAY

Terhune Park, 550 River Road 
TeaneckGreenway.org

#3 OVERPECK COUNTY PARK 

Near the junction of I-80 and I-95
NYNJTC.org/Park/Overpeck-County-Park

The Park consists of several discrete areas along the western and eastern banks of Overpeck Creek, with 6.3 miles of easy walks and trails. In redeveloping the land, not only did the County of Bergen create open space, residents in the surrounding communities can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the land is finally safe protected from further pollution.

Teaneck Creek Conservancy - Overpeck - Area 1 Teaneck. Easy 1.3 miles of groomed trails, an outdoor classroom, and ecological art exhibits that make this oasis unlike any other. A walk along the trails will restore your balance and your spirit.

#4  LOSEN SLOTE CREEK PARK

Mehrhof Rd, Little Ferry
NYNJTC.org/Park/Losen-Slote-Creek-Park

Three short trails (0.75 miles) through a rare remaining parcel of woodlands in the Meadowlands to a creek with a Dutch name dating from the original settlement of Bergen County by Northern Europeans. The wooded area is cool and pleasant on hot summer days. There is a great diversity of vegetation, and the woodland and field support a variety of birds.

 #5 FLAT ROCK BROOK NATURE CENTER
443 Van Nostrand Avenue, Englewood 
FlatRockBrook.org

A 150-acre nature preserve and environmental education center situated on the western slope of the Palisades, just two miles from the George Washington Bridge. Visit 3.6 miles of self-guided forested hiking trails that lead to a cascading stream, wetlands, pond and meadows. This natural woodland is one of the last remnants of the Palisades Forest.

 #6  PALISADES INTERSTATE PARK
Alpine
NJPalisades.org

The Palisades Interstate Park in New Jersey is about twelve miles long and half a mile wide, containing 2,500 acres of wild Hudson River shorefront, uplands and cliffs. Thirty miles of trails offer dozens of opportunities for hikers ranging from easy riverside strolls to challenging rock scrambles.

Alpine Picnic Area is a scenic riverfront picnic area adjacent to Alpine Boat Basin in Alpine, New Jersey, about 7 miles north of the George Washington Bridge. It is most readily accessible from the Alpine park entrance via the Alpine Approach Road.

Women’s Federation Monument - Moderate 2-mile round-trip, about an hour. Ideal for children, who will find the ravine just challenging enough and the castle (the monument in the shape of a watchtower) at the end a fun destination.

The Giant Stairs - 4mi round-trip, more than two hours. The stairs are a formation created by rockslides over thousands of years. You’ll scramble over the rocks for about a mile, then travel the Shore Trail as it finally levels off along the river. Needless to say this is among the more challenging trails.

Carpenters’ Trail/Dyckman Hill Trail Loop - This moderate 3.6-mile circuit hike from Englewood Boat Basin begins by following the shoreline of the Hudson River and continues along the top of the Palisades cliffs, with outstanding views.

Huyler’s Landing Trail from Englewood Boat Basin - Moderate 8mi circuit begins by following the shoreline of the Hudson River and continues along the top of the Palisades cliffs, with many outstanding views.

Shore Trail Lollipop-Loop - Easy-to-moderate 3.5-mile loop hike runs along the Hudson River north of the Alpine Boat Basin, with many scenic views across the river.

 #7  PYRAMID MOUNTAIN
472 Boonton Avenue, Montville
NJHiking.com

The Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area, with an area of 1,500 acres, offers rugged trails, fields, forests, rock outcroppings and wetlands, as well as a magnificent view of the New York City skyline and Tripod Rock.