The spring is the perfect time to get the family outdoors for a nature walk or an easy hike when trees are green and colorful and temperatures are just right. These easy hiking trails in Northern Bergen Pascack Valley are perfect for families and children. Pick the right trail, pack some snacks and water, and allow extra time to allow a break for their little legs, and you'll have a great few hours soaking up the scenery and the beauty around Northern Pascack Valley. Enjoy!

Emerson Nature Preserved (Woods), 350 Main Street, Emerson
This 2.1-mile loop trail in Emerson, behind the ShopRite. It is an easy route, it takes an average of 44 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude. The reservoir is on the path but gated, and bikes are good if the kids are more advanced on their bikes. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Atkins Glen Park, 26 Bear Brook Rd, Park Ridge
This non-loop hike is easy and about 1.7 miles.  For a small walk or hike, you can see beautiful scenery with large rocks and surroundings made up of beautiful forests and streams. Although the sign indicates that the trail is for residents only, don’t be discouraged. The residents are welcoming. Kids love this hike because it has water, and rocks for hopping and skipping over the stream. Check it out in the winter for sledding as well.

Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary, 26 Rockleigh Rd, Rockleigh

This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.  There is a little park at the entrance and a nice hike over water with fallen trees to walk over plus well-behaved dogs are welcome off-leash. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This 1.9-mile trail is looped. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 51 min to complete. 

Bonnabel Nature Path, Bonnabel Nature Park, Old Tappan

This trail is great for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring mid-day. Nice water stream to the right when walking. You will come across an old rusty car. It takes an average of 57 min to complete if you do the whole thing. It's not a loop. It's a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Celery Farm Mayor Fitzpatrick Nature Trail, The Celery Farm, Allendale

Check out this 1.2-mile loop trail near Allendale, New Jersey. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 25 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Flat Rock Brook Nature Association, 443 Van Nostrand Ave, Englewood 

Experience this 2.0-mile loop trail near Englewood, New Jersey. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 51 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.

Ravine Trail and Yellow Dot Trail Loop, Alpine

Explore this 2.8-mile loop trail. It takes an average of 1 h 12 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running. Be prepared for a more adventurous walk with the kids, it is not difficult, but it is a bit longer. Some have complained of not clear markings for trails. It's a nice trail with many things to explore. Bring water.

Beechwood Park, Hillsdale Ave, Hillsdale

This one is a path that sits right next to the park. If you wanted a park with a small hike, you might like this one. A lovely small path through the woods with expanded walking trails that run through the park. There are some wildlife and birds to view.

For more parks with walks, there are also some great county parks that have paved walkways for walking, strollers, and bikes, including Pascack Brook Park on the border of Rivervale and Westwood on Emerson Road, Saddle River County Park starting at the Wild Duck Pond in Ridgewood, Van Saun Park in Paramus, and Wood Dale County Park on Prospect Avenue in Woodcliff Lake. And don't forget the hiking trails at Ramapo Reservation are great for families and dogs too. 

WANT MORE FAMILY FUN? 

Be sure you are receiving our FREE emails for weekly event listings and also check out our events calendar!

Macaroni Kids Northern Pascack Valley is proudly serving Northeast Bergen County area families in Closter, Harrington Park, Northvale, Norwood, Old Tappan, Emerson, Hillsdale, Montvale, Park Ridge, River Vale, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake. 

Please follow us on social media @MacaroniKidNPascack on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.