Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve - Ridgefield Park, NJ
Welcome to the Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve, a peaceful escape nestled in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. This pet-friendly destination features scenic hiking and walking trails surrounded by vibrant wildflowers, wetlands, and tall reeds—a perfect stop for dog owners looking to enjoy the fresh air alongside their furry companions. The preserve is well-maintained by dedicated volunteers, offering clean gravel paths, boardwalks through picturesque wetland areas, and plenty of benches for quiet relaxation.
Unique to this dog-friendly hiking destination are educational signs, some of which are presented in Braille, making the space welcoming for all. While not a traditional dog park with fenced or off-leash areas, leashed dogs are welcome to join their people on the trails. Nature lovers will enjoy sightings of local wildlife including deer, foxes, and a variety of birds. Convenient on-site parking, free admission, and open daily hours make this a go-to nature getaway just moments from the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed on the trails? Yes, dogs are welcome at the preserve but must remain on-leash at all times.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there are no fenced areas or off-leash zones for dogs at this park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and seating available along the walking paths and trails.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, many portions of the trails are shaded by trees and vegetation.
- Is there parking at the preserve? Yes, convenient on-site parking is available for visitors.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? No, entry to the Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve is free for all guests.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open daily throughout the year.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the preserve is well-maintained by volunteers and is kept clean and inviting.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve consists of short loop trails and boardwalks through wetlands and wooded areas.
Reviews
1. Walkability – A lovely spot for a short and peaceful walk. Surrounded by flowers and rich vegetation, it’s the perfect mini escape into nature.
2. Photography – A hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers. You’ll find plenty of beautiful details to capture.
3. Maintenance – The preserve is clean, quiet, and clearly well cared for.
4. Parking – Convenient on-site parking makes visiting easy and stress-free.
5. Admission – Free entry makes it an ideal spontaneous nature stop.
6. Hours – Open daily, so you can visit whenever you feel like recharging outdoors.
Overall: A calming and inspiring place to reconnect with nature. Full of charm, flowers, and fresh air—definitely worth exploring!
1. Walkability – A lovely spot for a short and peaceful walk. Surrounded by flowers and rich vegetation, it’s the perfect mini escape into nature.
2. Photography – A hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers. You’ll find plenty of beautiful details to capture.
3. Maintenance – The preserve is clean, quiet, and clearly well cared for.
4. Parking – Convenient on-site parking makes visiting easy and stress-free.
5. Admission – Free entry makes it an ideal spontaneous nature stop.
6. Hours – Open daily, so you can visit whenever you feel like recharging outdoors.
Overall: A calming and inspiring place to reconnect with nature. Full of charm, flowers, and fresh air—definitely worth exploring!
1. Walkability – A lovely spot for a short and peaceful walk. Surrounded by flowers and rich vegetation, it’s the perfect mini escape into nature.
2. Photography – A hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers. You’ll find plenty of beautiful details to capture.
3. Maintenance – The preserve is clean, quiet, and clearly well cared for.
4. Parking – Convenient on-site parking makes visiting easy and stress-free.
5. Admission – Free entry makes it an ideal spontaneous nature stop.
6. Hours – Open daily, so you can visit whenever you feel like recharging outdoors.
Overall: A calming and inspiring place to reconnect with nature. Full of charm, flowers, and fresh air—definitely worth exploring!
It’s nice as a nearby escape but it is close to the freeway so you can hear and even see the cars at certain points of the walk. That said the wetland areas are picturesque and we enjoyed the short loop. We didn’t see much wildlife but did see a female blue jay which was nice.
It’s nice as a nearby escape but it is close to the freeway so you can hear and even see the cars at certain points of the walk. That said the wetland areas are picturesque and we enjoyed the short loop. We didn’t see much wildlife but did see a female blue jay which was nice.
It’s nice as a nearby escape but it is close to the freeway so you can hear and even see the cars at certain points of the walk. That said the wetland areas are picturesque and we enjoyed the short loop. We didn’t see much wildlife but did see a female blue jay which was nice.
Really, really cool, beautiful hidden gem. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, it totally feels like stepping into another world. It’s a nice trail that sort of loops (if you walk the last part down a residential street). Goes through cool swampy wetland areas with beautiful tall reeds, pretty gravel paths through the woods, etc. Really well maintained, has benches and seating throughout along the trail, and lots of very cute, educational signs to read throughout as well. So glad I gave this place a try, will definitely be coming back! So peaceful and unique.
Really, really cool, beautiful hidden gem. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, it totally feels like stepping into another world. It’s a nice trail that sort of loops (if you walk the last part down a residential street). Goes through cool swampy wetland areas with beautiful tall reeds, pretty gravel paths through the woods, etc. Really well maintained, has benches and seating throughout along the trail, and lots of very cute, educational signs to read throughout as well. So glad I gave this place a try, will definitely be coming back! So peaceful and unique.
Really, really cool, beautiful hidden gem. Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood, it totally feels like stepping into another world. It’s a nice trail that sort of loops (if you walk the last part down a residential street). Goes through cool swampy wetland areas with beautiful tall reeds, pretty gravel paths through the woods, etc. Really well maintained, has benches and seating throughout along the trail, and lots of very cute, educational signs to read throughout as well. So glad I gave this place a try, will definitely be coming back! So peaceful and unique.
The Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve is a hidden gem. In one visit I saw a deer, red fox and three bald eagles – as well as dozens of other birds.
It is also impressive that this preserve has Braille signage for guests with visual impairments.
Highly recommend going on the guided tours! Incredibly informative and fun.