Overpeck County Park
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Park Overview:
Overpeck County Park consists of several discrete areas along the western and eastern banks of Overpeck Creek, near the junction of I-80 and I-95 in Bergen County.
Park Description:
Nearby DeKorte Park [Hackensack Meadowlands] was once a dump [or "landfill" as we prefer to say now] but currently is, by some credible accounts, a park with very attractive trails. Overpeck County Park, by contrast, was conceived a half-century ago to rival New York's Central Park, but alas became a dumping ground. As a result of lawsuits from neighboring towns -- which had donated sections of riverbank for the park -- and after a good deal of foot-dragging by County government, a vastly improved 154-acre segment of the park opened for the first time during the July 4th weekend of 2010. Located at the end of Challenger Road in the Village of Ridgefield Park, it offers many recreational facilities, from soccer fields to boat launches. Importantly for hikers, there are five miles of walking and bike trails together with an observation deck and nature overlooks.
This newest section on the western side of Overpeck Creek joins several other areas on the eastern bank to comprise the park. A bridge for pedestrians and cars to connect the western area with the rest of the park in Leonia has been installed. It is a double wooden cable-stayed structure.
All trails in the section are paved and are generally quickly cleared of snow and ice after winter storms. The numerous trees that have been planted will need some growing time to fill in, but the trail network with its long loops and gentle slopes makes for a pleasant place to hike.
A lagoon within the park is often used for sculling races; Bald Eagles may be seen on occasion just outside park boundaries.
For a now-dated news account of the opening see: The Record, July 3, 2010.
Trails Overview:
For links to an overview map and individual maps of the park's multiple, separated areas use Contact Information on this site.
Hikers will want to focus on the Ridgefield Park Area (Area III) and the Teaneck Creek Conservancy (Area I)
- The Ridgefield Park Area features a five-mile loop trail along the western bank of Overpeck Creek – a wide, long body of water more like a lake than a creek in this location. The smooth, paved pathway is open to hikers and bikers. Use the Web Map link on this site to view Area III, its loop trail and other amenities.
- The nearby Teaneck Creek Conservancy, a 46-acre tract that was once used as a dump for debris generated during the construction of the nearby interstate highways, has been rehabilitated and a 1.3-mile trail network constructed.
- Click for more information about the Conservancy as well as a trail map. Here is a detailed hike description.
Park Acreage:
805.00 acresMunicipality:
Leonia, Ridgefield Park, Palisades Park, Teaneck, Englewood,Overpeck County Park consists of several discrete areas along the western and eastern banks of Overpeck Creek, near the junction of I-80 and I-95 in Bergen County.
Nearby DeKorte Park [Hackensack Meadowlands] was once a dump [or "landfill" as we prefer to say now] but currently is, by some credible accounts, a park with very attractive trails. Overpeck County Park, by contrast, was conceived a half-century ago to rival New York's Central Park, but alas became a dumping ground. As a result of...
Park Acreage:
805.00 acresMunicipality:
Leonia, Ridgefield Park, Palisades Park, Teaneck, Englewood,Contact Information
Web Link:
Bergen County Department of ParksPhone:
(201) 336-7275Fees:
NoneDogs in park:
Not available
Hike Checklist:
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
The Essentials
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
The Leave No Trace Seven Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- Repackage food to minimize waste.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
- Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
- Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Directions to Trailhead
Public TransportationDirections to Trailhead :
Ridgefield Park [Area III]:
- GPS coordinates, entrance at 199 Challenger Rd, Ridgefield Park, NJ: 07660: 40.853238, -74.011930. For written directions use the park’s website, linkable from Contact Information on this web page.
- GPS coordinates, entrance further north off Fort Lee Road, Leonia NJ: 40.865387, -73.995364.
Teaneck Creek Conservancy [Area I]
- GPS coordinates, location at 1 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ: 40.874194, -74.011116.
Public Transportation – Ridgefield Park Area
- For the southern entrance at Challenger Road: Take NJ Transit Route 167 [Harrington Park/Teaneck] from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in mid-town Manhattan to the bus stop at "Overpeck Corp/AGFA Building"
- For the entrance along Fort Lee Road: Take NJ Transit Route 182 [Hackensack] from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal. The route runs along Fort Lee Road near the park area's entrance, ask driver to let you off at nearest stop.
Click on "Bus Timetables" for map and schedule.
TRAIN TRANSPORT :
Not availableBUS TRANSPORT :
Public Transportation – Ridgefield Park Area
- For the southern entrance at Challenger Road: Take NJ Transit Route 167 [Harrington Park/Teaneck] from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in mid-town Manhattan to the bus stop at "Overpeck Corp/AGFA Building"
- For the entrance along Fort Lee Road: Take NJ Transit Route 182 [Hackensack] from the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal. The route runs along Fort Lee Road near the park area's entrance, ask driver to let you off at nearest stop.
Click on "Bus Timetables" for map and schedule.
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