Top 10 Trails
We're excited that you will be joining us for the Paterson Partners for Life Virtual 5K Run/Walk. Because this event is virtual, you can do your 5K run or walk anywhere you want. Need a suggestion on where to run or walk? Bergen and Passaic counties offer many pedestrian pathways suitable for runners, walkers and families. Most of the list below are flat paved or gravel pathways, and many are stroller-friendly. If you prefer, you can run or walk at a nearby park or high school track, in your neighborhood, or at home on your treadmill.
Here are 10 of our favorite pathways:
- Saddle River County Park Trail
Ridgewood south to Rochelle Park
This paved, 6-mile pathway – complete with markers at every tenth-mile – is a mecca for runners, walkers and bicyclists. Accessible at five points throughout Bergen County, the mostly flat, tree-covered trail is shady in the summer and colorful in the fall. - Saddle River County Park Duck Ponds
Ridgewood and Glen Rock
These paved, flat loops offer gorgeous pond and park views, and both the half-mile Ridgewood path and third-mile Glen Rock loop are stroller-friendly. Seasoned runners who crave a more challenging route run the roadway circling the Glen Rock pond. - Overpeck Park – Ridgefield Park Area
Ridgefield Park
Five miles of smoothly paved, mostly flat pathways wind through this green area. Runners, walkers, bicyclists and families all enjoy these trails, parts of which course along the meadows of neighboring Overpeck Creek. - Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Mahwah
Though rocky in places, the 2.4-mile, dirt-and-gravel loop around Scarlet Oak Pond is great for an exhilarating run or a peaceful stroll. The fall foliage from the overlooking Ramapo Mountains provides a colorful backdrop. Walkers can also choose from four other nearby loop trails. - Goffle Brook Park
Hawthorne
This finely landscaped, 103-acre park features nearly 2.75 miles of mostly flat and gravel pathways suitable for both challenging runs and mellow family walks. Run or walk the park from north to south, do loops around the Goffle Brook waterfall, or check out the Eight Acres Woods dirt trails adjacent to the park. - Garret Mountain Reservation
Woodland Park
The hilly, 2-mile roadway around the mountain is sandwiched between two walkways that challenge seasoned runners and recreational walkers alike. Need a break from the uphill treks? Check out the dirt trails, picnic areas and scenic lookouts throughout the preserve. - Van Saun County Park
Paramus
Amid this 146-acre park is a flat, 1.5-mile, paved pedestrian pathway that is runner-, walker- and stroller-friendly. Several smaller trails and loops throughout the park are equally inviting. - Orange & Rockland Pathway
Ramsey
This flat, 1-mile paved path through Ramsey's backyards might be North Jersey's best kept secret. The entrances at the Ramsey Pool and Interstate Shopping Center are obscure, but the path in between offers a relaxing run or stroller-friendly walk. - Milton Votee Park
Teaneck
Three laps on this 1.16-mile paved loop around the park are more than enough for a 5k. Part of the path is uphill, but it's smoothly paved and a popular go-to for serious runs and leisurely walks. - Veterans Field
Ridgewood
The nearly half-mile loop around the baseball and soccer fields are a haven for anyone who loves fitness and fresh air. The smoothly paved, circular pathway is great for both fast 5k runs and soothing stroller walks.
