This is the main route and every 10th of a mile they have mile posts. There are also many spurs which go off into the woods that dirt bikers enjoy. This bike and pedestrian path travels from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park and is approximately 6 miles in length. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. There are many hikers along the route, and so be mindful that you are just sharing this path with them. Not far from the Garden State Plaza mall. My wife and I did this path for the first time today. Orioles, rabbits, geese and mallards are plentiful as are all the wonderful dogs that people walk. When I was done riding ever part of the path, back and forth, my Strava said 18+ miles. I have been using this path for 27 years and enjoy it even more now that it has been expanded! This path has a number of high risk areas with blind spots and steep inclines, especially the two route 4 underpass sections. Albeit I do not understand why cyclist race up and down this short path when they can go under the GWB and get a real workout that's ideal for cyclist. (The parking lot is called "Saddle River Bike Path Parking 2" on Google Maps and the singletrack is called "Trail") I rode it! End to end from Rochelle Park to Ridgewood it's 6 miles, and one can tack on a bit with a detour to Glen Rock Pond. There were a good number of people, but not too bad. Soon, you’ll hear the Garden State Parkway on the left, across the river (if there are no leaves on the trees, you’ll also be able to see it). South from Ridgewood Duck Pond: lovely! Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Just be careful if you are walking. There are benches all along the route to stop and enjoy the scenery. The paved bike path is 6.87 miles, and training wheel-friendly. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink. The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. My favorite activity on this trail is running. I ride a bike for exercise and to enjoy the quiet of the trail. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. Open and well marked so you don't have to worry about getting lost. The trail crosses a bridge over a tributary stream at 1.6 miles and reaches a T-intersection. Its the easiest trail to bike ever. The trail is 6 miles each way. Add to or improve this map // Share this map on your website. Been riding this path for a few months now and I think it's great. But I knew I couldn't continue to walk my 8 miles when the temperatures started to climb. Many forgo the bikers' decorum of announcing their approach from behind. " Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. If you stop by Dunkerhook Park, you’ll be able to see a beautiful waterfall, and the trail passes by three other ponds. Not too crowded during weekdays but on weekends it becomes an obstacle course. Local Info. Yet these posers act like they are crossing the alps. Homes can be seen through the trees on the opposite side of the river, but the trail soon begins to traverse a more pristine section, with parkland on both sides. (Exceptions are loop hikes.). VERY scenic for an urban park with the Saddle River (a stream really) and several large ponds, lots of forest. http://njurbanforest.com/2010/08/04/saddle-river-county-park/, The Reopening of the Hasenclever Iron Trail, Jungle Habitat Trail Revitalization Project Begins, Seven More Miles of the Long Path Permanently Protected, Invest in Nature With Twice the Impact During the December Challenge, Invasives Strike Force EcoQuest Challenge: December 2020 | New York and New Jersey. Is daylight fading? As time went on they paved it. My wife and I have rode this trail and agree that some bicyclist think that its a lap race. Located in Bergen County New Jersey, the Saddle River County Park bike path is a multi-use pathway and is approximately 7 miles long. The trail is is very dangerous. Big mistake. Look forward to riding this gem again. Turn left onto Essex Street, then turn right at the next traffic light onto Rochelle Avenue. Temperatures were hovering around 80 degrees, and although it was a little rainy on Saturday, a bright and beautiful sky graced us on Sunday. "It was a pleasure biking the full length of this path from Rochelle Park's Railroad Avenue to Ridgewood's duck pond and back. I would like to take my daughter for a bike ride and do the whole path. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. (hiking) Fred", "The best multi-use trail in New Jersey is about to get better.With the completion of highway improvements at the SR4/208 interchange, the Saddle River bike path will be joined with the Rochelle Park/Saddle Brook path, creating a continuous corridor from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park (about 8 miles one way).This multi-use trail gets a lot of use. The park is located along the Saddle River and consists of five sections, all of which are connected by a paved path that is open to both pedestrians and bicyclists. 683 Maple Ave (Harding Plaza) The Rock of Glen Rock. Me and my boyfriend loved it. With the exception of my experience today this trail is one of my favorites for a leisurely family outing. The Saddle River is often in sight, and there is a point where it turns into a small waterfall. The trail, however, did roll, although there were no long grades mounting steep hills. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. Except for busy weekends there is usually plenty of parking at the different parks that anchor the trail. Great for families with big play areas every mile or so. Club Sponsor-Local Bike Shop. I've run it one day after major snow storms, so they waste no time plowing it. With this trail you'll never actually cross a road you are away from motor vehicular traffic. I liked how the trail followed the river and the parking was great; it gave immediate access to the trail. MAP. This bike and pedestrian path travels from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park and is approximately 6 miles in length. Stay away. The Saddle River Pathway extends along the Saddle River from Wild Duck Pond, just north of East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, to Railroad Avenue in Rochelle Park, a distance of six miles. Multiple places to park and multi-use areas such as playgrounds and ball fields along the path make it a winner as well. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. On weekends, some people tend to walk three or four across taking up the entire width of the path. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Saddle River bike path with Ami!!! If there were detour signs I sure had missed them and the detour route itself. Well maintained, it is re-paved on a regular basis. The path provides straight-aways and easy uphill climbs over the bridges. They bear the ultimate responsibility, regardless of the poor behavior of others. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! It's a Micro size geocache, with difficulty of 3, terrain of 1.5. It was wonderful; cool and not too crowded. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. Saddle River County Park is a 596-acre county park in Bergen County, stretching from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park. The trail circles a pond at mile 5. There are many benches along the route, another great place to take a rest. Be prepared to see lots of young children biking and joggers. I am so grateful for this beautiful bicycle path which is within easy riding distance of my home. Unfortunately, the roads outside the park are not exactly bike friendly and hazardous in many areas with traffic and narrow roads. However, a half mile in from the Ridgewood parking lot the trail was closed due to construction. Thankfully with the mountain bike I can jump off the pavement and avoid people in most sections. Cyclists should go slowly and carefully in the few narrow or blind spots, as well as announcing or ringing a bell when passing anyone from behind. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Most of the trail runs through moderately dense suburban development, with residential and commercial buildings along the length of the trail. (Which was a little over ten miles RT.) The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2001 or early 2002. Add to another list. Lots of walkers on this path make it to be great for those that are willing to be considerate bikers. Do not follow or approach them. Sights along the trail included river views of all types, small lakes, and many benches upon which to rest and take it all in. A lot of trees, so you get a nice shadow all the time. My advice would be to hit this on off peak days/hours, but if you do go on a weekend or holiday, and your on a bike, just make sure you announce yourself and advise those in front of you that you are passing on the left. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. The Saddle River County Park consists of a string of five recreational locations along the Saddle River, from Ridgewood south to Rochelle Park, linked together by a paved path. It does pass through a busy suburban area with few street crossings, and the river, bridges, and adjoining parks are pleasant for casual walking or combining with park or picnic activities. Nice to have a safe paved path available so close to home. It's well-used, which is nice for safety, but makes courtesy very important. We're leisure riders, so we didn't have a problem with anybody really blocking our way. Personally, not worth the risk. Farnum's Top Pick: Saddle River Bike Path. Suburban development can be seen along the trail for much of its way (especially when there are no leaves on the trees), and it certainly does not offer a wilderness experience. Thanks New Jersey. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Wednesday afternoon September 16, 2020 Weather: Glorious mid 70's and dry I usually ride trails, but this linear park was just wonderful. saddle river road dunkerhook rd. At various sites, there are picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds, and facilities for sports, including shuffleboard, softball, tennis, basketball, and roller hockey. If you have two cars, you will want to park one at each end of the hike. However, that said, I do have to agree with some of the other posts on this site...the path can get a bit congested in areas (like the trail head by the duck pond, and as you ride through the parks). Just beyond, turn left, following the sign for “Saddle Brook.” The trail now runs close to houses on the right (a path which leads to the right provides access for local residents, but you should continue ahead along the river), then traverses a more pristine area. saddle river bike path - Distance: 26.25 km - Elevation: 1151 hm - Location: Paramus, New Jersey, United States of America Map - Know where you are and where you are going. But very scenic path along the creek and around the pond. Truly mayhem on the path. Tag Archive | Saddle River bike path Bear Mountain with the Pups. After approaching Saddle River Road, the trail passes behind homes and reaches several ballfields. Scenic views, lots of parks, long road to enjoy. The trail is a paved multi-use path, open to walkers, joggers and bicyclists (although, on a recent weekday visit, most of the users were walkers). This path also follows the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and passes by the Historic Easton Tower at Route 4. Great biking path for those who want moderate exercise and to enjoy nature. It is excellent for training for marathons or bike racing (earlier in the mornings before the path gets busy) and has several restroom facilities along the trail as well as public water fountains.The path does not cross over public roads (there are overpasses), so it is perfect for young children on bikes.". Could get really busy on the weekends but still beats riding in the street. Continue for one mile and turn left onto Route 17 north. I believe many people just do not realize how much of a danger they are presenting to themselves and others. I think cyclist should be fined for traveling at excessive speeds. Loved the Tower and Water Wheel. Now, it's one of Bergen County's nicest accomplishments. Here, you should turn left, following the sign to “Dunkerhook/Fair Lawn.” After passing a small dam in the Saddle River, the trail turns left and crosses a bridge over the river. They will ride side by side and if you are walking, you have to walk on the grass to avoid being hit. Everyone was considerate of each other so we had a pleasant ride. Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. An ingeniously engineered 1.3-mile long paved path, which includes two bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning the Saddle River and two walkways built along the River's edge, now connects this path with the Rochelle Park/Saddle Brook Area Bike Path to the south. Mainly flat and most of the trail is covered by nice tree canopy to keep you shaded. Altering a site is not necessary. At the next T-intersection, go left and follow signs for Saddle Brook/Rochelle Park. Be courteous. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. It’s also easy to keep track how far you have gone, as there are small mileage signs along the trail each tenth of a mile. Be especially careful if you are wearing headphones - this makes it harder for you to hear anyone approaching from behind. Hopefully the entire trail will be open by this spring. The path goes through open spaces and narrow spaces, all of them visually pleasing. without helmets and in many cases just learning to ride. The path starts in Ridgewood at the duck pond and travels along the river. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Just beyond, at 4.0 miles, the path ahead leads to the historic Easton Tower, built In 1899 on the site of a former gristmill. From Rochelle Park, just one minor driveway crossing at mile 1.4, and a perimeter road around a parking lot at 3.7-4.1 (albeit minimal, very slow moving traffic here). Near pond parking lot, Well cleaned bathrooms bring this to a 4 star for me. I love cycling here in the winter and off peak times. 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. Below, see his top five Bergen bike trails, and why. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, or ruminate if you wish. Top to bottom back up to the right. `` busy with riders. 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