The best cycling routes in Saddle River County Park
4.6
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244
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Touring cycling routes in Saddle River County Park are primarily characterized by a linear design, following the Saddle River and its tributary brooks. The park features a continuous, well-maintained multi-use pathway, approximately 6 to 7.6 miles long, that links five distinct park areas. This paved, car-free trail offers a smooth riding experience through low-elevation terrain, with varied scenery including wooded sections, open green spaces, and several ponds. The routes generally have minimal elevation gain, making them accessible for various skill levels.
Best touring cycling routes in Saddle River County Park
- The most popular touring cycling route is Saddle River – Saddle River Pathway loop from Ridgewood High School, an 11.6 miles (18.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 16 minutes to complete. This route follows the continuous multi-use pathway, offering a smooth ride along the Saddle River.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Saddle River County Park Path – Saddle River loop from Saddle Brook, an easy 11.0 miles (17.8 km) path. It features a paved, car-free trail winding through varied scenery, including wooded and open areas.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Wild Duck Pond loop from Paramus, a 5.7 miles (9.1 km) trail leading through wooded areas and past the Wild Duck Pond, often completed in about 32 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Saddle River County Park is defined by the meandering Saddle River, picturesque ponds, and a mix of wooded and open spaces. The network offers options for different ability levels, primarily featuring easy, paved routes.
- The routes in Saddle River County Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. More than 700 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Saddle River County Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(1)
12
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9.13km
00:32
10m
10m
The Wild Duck Pond loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a mix of wooded and open areas alongside the peaceful Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. This easy 5.7-mile (9.1 km) route, with a mere 48 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly flat and paved, making it perfect for a relaxed ride. You'll enjoy tranquil water views and the charming Wild Duck Pond itself, where you might spot turtles, all within an estimated 32 minutes of cycling.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Wild Duck Pond area is a central part of the Saddle River County Park's extensive multi-use path system. The park is well-equipped with family-friendly amenities like picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable outing. The entire path is car-free, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
This loop is a highly-rated segment of a continuous multi-use path stretching for 6 to 6.8 miles, connecting various towns and offering excellent opportunities for longer rides if you choose to explore further. Its natural setting provides chances for birdwatching and observing local wildlife, making it a popular choice for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature without venturing too far from Paramus.
9
riders
7.73km
00:34
10m
10m
The Saddle River loop from Saddle Brook offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding alongside the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus Brook. You'll enjoy a mix of wooded sections and open suburban areas, with notable features like the waterfall at Dunkerhook Park and the serene Wild Duck Pond. This easy 4.8-mile (7.7 km) route, with only 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, is predominantly paved and takes about 34 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed ride.
This family-friendly route is car-free due to overpasses, ensuring a safe environment for all riders. Remember that e-bikes are prohibited, and a 10 mph speed limit is enforced. The path is well-serviced with restrooms, public water fountains, and picnic areas, so you can easily make a day of it. It's a great option for beginner touring cycling or anyone looking for an easy, accessible outing.
The Saddle River County Park bike trail is part of a larger 577-acre linear park system, connecting several towns and offering a continuous multi-use path. While this specific loop is short, the broader network allows for longer rides, extending up to 13 miles (21 km) if you explore the various linked park areas. It's a fantastic resource for easy cycling routes in the Saddle River area, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities.
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9
riders
8.19km
00:36
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
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7
riders
9.47km
00:40
20m
20m
The Saddle River – Saddle River County Park Path loop from Fair Lawn offers a wonderfully smooth and accessible touring cycling experience. This easy 5.9-mile (9.5 km) route follows the Saddle River, providing a pleasant journey through a mix of wooded sections and open spaces. You'll find yourself on a well-maintained asphalt path, with notable features like the picturesque waterfall at Dunkerhook Park offering a scenic break.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the path is well-signed and features amenities like benches and picnic areas. While it's a popular cycling trail in Bergen County, NJ, especially on weekends, an early morning start can help you avoid the busiest times. Remember there's a 10 mph speed limit, and e-bikes are prohibited, ensuring a consistent experience for all users.
This multi-use path is a true local gem, connecting several towns and offering a continuous, flat route that's suitable for year-round use, even being plowed after snowstorms. Its connectivity and accessibility make it a favorite for family cycling or anyone seeking a relaxed ride without significant elevation changes, with only 60 feet (18 metres) of gain over its 39-minute duration.
4.7
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19
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41.6km
02:28
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Many people enjoy coming here for a peaceful break. You might see families having picnics by the water or people simply sitting on benches, enjoying the quiet. The pond and the pathway are good for seeing local wildlife. Besides ducks, you might spot turtles sunning themselves or different kinds of birds flying overhead.
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The Saddle River County Park Path stretches from Duck Pond to Rochelle Park, traversing several parks along the Saddle River. Along the way, there are numerous spots to pause and relish the river view, with some areas even allowing you to dip your feet in the water.
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They constructed Wild Duck Pond around 1927 as a man-made feature. Previously, they would flood this area to create a winter ice skating rink. It's now a lovely park area where you can take a break and unwind by the water.
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The majority of the river courses through popular suburban areas. It earns its name from a river in Scotland near Saddell. This section of the river winds its way through several parks, offering a delightful view of the flowing waters from this point.
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The Glen Rock Duck Pond section of the Saddle River Pathway is a small section of trail with accompanying park amenities. There is a decent amount of parking here, too.
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Saddle River County Park encompasses over 500 acres as it follows the banks of the Saddle River and a few of its branches. There is a great bike path that travels right through the middle of the park.
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The Red Mill, according to Wikipedia has the following story: “Easton Tower is a historic building located in the Arcola area of Paramus, New Jersey, and originally used as the housing for a water pump on the estate of businessman Edward D. Easton.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Saddle River County Park?
Saddle River County Park offers over 60 touring cycling routes, with options ranging from easy to difficult. The majority of these routes are considered easy, making them accessible for various skill levels.
What is the typical terrain and difficulty level for cycling in Saddle River County Park?
The park features a continuous, well-maintained multi-use pathway that is primarily paved and car-free. The terrain is generally low-elevation with minimal gain, offering a smooth and safe riding experience. Most routes are rated as easy, making them suitable for a wide range of cyclists.
Are there any family-friendly cycling routes in Saddle River County Park?
Yes, the park's paved, car-free multi-use pathway is ideal for families and young children. It features underpass bridges to avoid road crossings and offers a safe environment with a 10 mph speed limit. Amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas are also available along the route. A good option for families is the Wild Duck Pond loop from Paramus.
What natural features and landmarks can I see along the cycling paths?
As you cycle through Saddle River County Park, you'll follow the meandering Saddle River and its tributary brooks, passing picturesque ponds like the Wild Duck Pond. A notable natural attraction is the Dunkerhook Waterfall. For historical interest, you can also spot the Historic Easton Tower in the Dunkerhook Area and the Yitzhak Rabin Tree Grove in the Otto Pehle area.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Saddle River County Park?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Saddle River County Park are designed as loops. For example, you can enjoy the Saddle River – Saddle River Pathway loop from Ridgewood High School or the Bike loop from Arcola, both offering varied scenery through wooded and open areas.
Where can I park when visiting Saddle River County Park for cycling?
Saddle River County Park offers numerous parking areas conveniently located along its linear path, serving the various sections of the park across the six municipalities it spans. These parking lots provide easy access to the multi-use trail.
What amenities are available along the cycling routes in Saddle River County Park?
Along the continuous multi-use pathway, cyclists will find numerous amenities to enhance their experience. These include benches for resting, water fountains, and restrooms within each of the five distinct park sections. There are also tree-shaded picnic areas, some with pavilions, and playgrounds.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about cycling in Saddle River County Park?
The touring cycling routes in Saddle River County Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained, car-free paved path, the serene views along the Saddle River, and the varied scenery that includes both wooded and open spaces, making for a pleasant and accessible ride.
Is Saddle River County Park suitable for beginner touring cyclists?
Absolutely. The park's multi-use pathway is largely flat with minimal elevation changes and is entirely paved, making it very welcoming for beginners. The car-free environment and clear signage contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for those new to touring cycling. Routes like the Bike loop from Rochelle Park are excellent starting points.
Are e-bikes allowed on the cycling paths in Saddle River County Park?
No, e-bikes are prohibited on the multi-use pathway in Saddle River County Park. This rule is in place to ensure a pleasant and safe environment for all users, maintaining a consistent experience for traditional touring cyclists and other park visitors.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Saddle River County Park?
Saddle River County Park is enjoyable for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while shaded sections of the trail provide relief during warmer summer days. The paved path generally remains accessible, though conditions may vary with winter weather.
Can I bring my dog on the cycling paths in Saddle River County Park?
While the park is generally pet-friendly, specific rules regarding dogs on cycling paths may apply. It's always best to check local park regulations for the most current information on leash requirements and permitted areas to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
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