Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary - Rockleigh, NJ
Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary – Dog-Friendly Hiking in Rockleigh, New Jersey
Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and their canine companions in northern New Jersey. This beautiful and rustic destination features well-marked hiking trails winding through serene woodlands, alongside picturesque streams where dogs love to splash and cool off. While there are no traditional off-leash dog park amenities, the hiking experience is very dog-friendly and perfect for pet owners seeking a natural outing.
Dog owners should be aware that park regulations require dogs to be kept on leash at all times. However, reviewers report many visitors let their dogs off-leash despite posted signs, so those with reactive or timid pets may want to prepare accordingly. With ample shade and a genuine wooded atmosphere, Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary provides a great getaway for those searching for pet-friendly trails in Rockleigh, New Jersey, just a short drive from several Hudson Valley and Bergen County communities.
FAQ – Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs are required to be leashed at all times according to park regulations, though enforcement appears inconsistent.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on leash throughout the park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the sanctuary offers several well-marked hiking trails through wooded areas and along streams.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a parking lot available for visitors near the trail entrance.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The wooded setting provides plenty of natural shade along the trails.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is open year-round, but closes at 9 PM daily.
Reviews
Been coming here for years. Great trails , but the amount of off leash dogs has grown to entirely unacceptable levels. Literally packs of 4-5 dogs with one owner off leash. Inconsiderate owners who refuse to leash their dogs when you walk past them. Having random dogs swarming you with no owner in sight. I’ve had my dog nearly attacked twice and dog owners just chuckle and keep walking. The town does absolutely nothing to enforce the regulations outside of a large sign that everyone disregards.
I take my family and friends to enjoy the hiking trails here. Dog friendly. A couple of streams that our pup enjoys splashing in.
This is a beautiful, serene, well-marked trail. What’s not so beautiful are all of the folks who allow their dogs off-leash despite all of the signs ordering the opposite. Some people are afraid of dogs and seeing an unleashed one could ruin their hike. Or…you could be like me and have a leashed dog who is going to react to an unleashed one…especially if said dog comes close. That was my experience today all along the trail, and it was 100% ruined. This was my first time being annoyed after a hike. I urge folks to be more considerate.
As a former Alpine area Boy Scout in the 1960’s, this was my first hike at this location in over half a century!!! Oh yeah! And to m surprise, the landscape remained close to what it had been decades before,and only because of those who have donated their time and resources to preserve and maintain it. Of course, the jamboree field we missed, and the lean to’s are long gone, but the spirit of the troop leaders and the BSA remain. And the old fire engines are still parked in the old borough hall! God bless America!
Great short hike (about an hour) by a beautiful stream. Hilly enough for a workout but very manageable. Well marked trails. Great place to go to reconnect with nature. Highly recommend.