Bergen – Nature, History and Excursions

Bergen County combines expansive parklands with nature trails, family excursions, and vivid history. The park system comprises 21 parks, with almost 9,000 acres of parkland in total. In addition, nearly 200 arts and history organizations shape the cultural character of the region. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Bergen, it is therefore worth first deciding on the focus you want for your trip: nature, exercise, family experiences, or history.

Nature, Trails and Varied Landscapes

For active days, Ramapo Valley County Reservation offers a landscape of hills and valleys. The area has grown to more than 4,000 acres. Campgaw Mountain Reservation also combines nature and recreation: the wooded park covers 1,373 acres and has designated, marked hiking trails. Skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing are also offered there. Campgaw Mountain County Reservation also has a disc golf course.

The landscape along the Saddle River reveals a different side. Saddle River County Park is a 577-acre linear park along the Saddle River and its tributaries. A combined bicycle and pedestrian path approximately six miles long runs between Ridgewood and Rochelle Park. Dunkerhook Park, which is part of Saddle River County Park, is also home to a scenic waterfall. Those who want to combine nature observation with a shorter route will find a ½-mile-long boardwalk through a brackish marsh area on the Marsh Discovery Trail, which is suitable for birdwatching.

Further opportunities are offered by the more than two miles of maintained trails at Teaneck Creek Conservancy. You can walk, jog, or observe nature there year-round. The James A. McFaul Environmental Center is an 81-acre wildlife preserve with nature trails, gardens, and natural science educational exhibits. Model boating is possible at Overpeck County Park. Van Saun County Park has a bicycle path and covers more than 130 acres.

History with Special Sites

Fort Lee Historic Park is located on a cliff and combines viewpoints with a reconstructed encampment from the American Revolutionary War. From there, visitors can enjoy views of the Hudson River, Upper Manhattan, and the George Washington Bridge. An authentically reconstructed officers’ hut is located in the historic encampment area. A visitor center explores the site’s history during the American Revolutionary War. An annual event is also held there that illustrates Washington’s situation and that of his troops in November 1776, as well as life in the 18th century.

Historic New Bridge Landing is aimed at visitors who want to explore history firsthand through specific sites. It offers a history activity with eight information panels and a twelve-part QR code challenge. You can cross a swing bridge built in 1889 over the Hackensack River. The historic buildings are open only during events conducted by volunteers from the Bergen County Historical Society. Historic New Bridge Landing is preserved as a battlefield of the American Revolutionary War.

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

Excursions for Different Travel Plans

Bergen County Zoological Park is located in Paramus in Van Saun County Park and is also open to visitors from outside Bergen County. The zoo offers educational programs that can be reserved for groups. Depending on age and interests, you can combine such an excursion with a walk, nature observation, or a historical visit. A holiday apartment serves as a starting point for your personal daily planning, without requiring you to limit yourself to just one type of experience.

For regional orientation, you can also check the following places individually: Little Ferry, Rochelle Park, Fort Lee, Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Paramus, Teaneck, Tenafly, Hasbrouck Heights, Mahwah, Elmwood Park, Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, Saddle River, Englewood, Woodcliff Lake, Edgewater, Saddle Brook, South Hackensack Township, Ramsey, Hillsdale, Palisades Park, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Garfield and Upper Saddle River.

For the overarching travel overview: New Jersey.