The best waterfall hikes and walks in Bergen County

The Vista Loop Trail in Ramapo Valley County Reservation offers a dynamic hiking experience, winding through quiet forests, past tranquil water features like MacMillan Reservoir, and up rocky ascents. You'll be treated to multiple panoramic viewpoints, including the notable Hawk Rock and Cactus Ledge, which provide sweeping vistas over Bergen County and, on a clear day, the New York City skyline. The terrain is varied, featuring wooden steps, wide dirt roads, and sections with steep climbs and rock scrambles, ensuring a constantly engaging journey.

This moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) loop, with 733 feet (223 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It's a well-rounded trail that provides a rewarding challenge without being overly strenuous, making it ideal for hikers looking for a solid half-day adventure. Given its popularity and scenic highlights, arriving early, especially on weekends, is advisable to secure parking at the trailhead.

Blazed by volunteers in 2016, the Vista Loop Trail was specifically designed to highlight the natural beauty and diverse features of the Ramapo Reservation. It's considered a prime example of how a trail can pack numerous visual rewards and varied terrain into a manageable distance, offering a fantastic natural escape right on the edge of suburbia in Bergen County, New Jersey.

The Vista Loop Trail in New Jersey is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature, offering a dynamic hiking experience across varied terrain. You'll traverse quiet forests, navigate moss-covered rocks, and discover tranquil water features like Scarlet Oak Pond and the peaceful MacMillan Reservoir. The route culminates in panoramic viewpoints such as Hawk Rock and Cactus Ledge, providing stunning vistas of Lake Henry, Campgaw Mountain, and even the New York City skyline on a clear day.

This 3.6-mile (5.8 km) loop, with an easy difficulty rating and 522 feet (159 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 41 minutes. While generally accessible, the trail includes some steep, rocky sections, so proper footwear is highly recommended. For the best chance at those far-reaching views, plan your visit for a clear day.

Established by volunteers in 2016, this trail was specifically designed to connect three major panoramic viewpoints, making it a true highlight of the area. You'll also encounter unique features like a beautiful stone step section leading to a waterfall, built by an AmeriCorps trail crew, and diverse flora including prickly pear cactus.

Escape the city bustle on this loop from Central Park's 86th Street west entrance to The Pool, where manicured parkland gives way to a surprisingly rugged environment. As you venture into the North Woods, you'll find yourself amidst lush tree canopies, steep inclines, and rock outcrops, feeling miles away from Manhattan. The tranquil Pool, fed by Montayne's Rivulet, and the cascading waters of The Loch in The Ravine offer serene natural beauty.

This moderate 5.7-mile (9.1 km) hiking route involves 232 feet (71 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes. Starting from the 86th Street west entrance, you'll transition from paved paths to unpaved, uneven surfaces, including some stairs, so good fitness and appropriate footwear are recommended. Public transport to Central Park West 86th Street is convenient for accessing the trailhead.

This trail is notable for offering an authentic "hiking" experience within Central Park, intentionally designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to evoke the Adirondack Mountains. You'll encounter historical features like The Blockhouse and impressive stone arches such as Huddlestone Arch, which stands out for its unique mortar-less construction, adding a layer of history to your natural escape.

The Riverside Park – The Pool, Central Park loop from 103rd Street offers a unique urban hiking experience, seamlessly blending the structured beauty of Riverside Park with the wilder, forest-like terrain of Central Park's North Woods. You'll traverse paved paths with stunning Hudson River views before diving into dirt trails that wind past The Pool and through The Ravine, complete with waterfalls and dense tree canopies. This route provides a diverse visual journey, from riverfront promenades to secluded woodlands, making it feel like two distinct hikes in one.

This moderate 5.5-mile (8.8 km) hike involves a gentle 198 feet (60 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes to complete. It's easily accessible via public transport to the 103rd Street entrances of both parks. While the route is enjoyable year-round, consider visiting in the fall for vibrant foliage around The Pool or in the spring to catch the cherry blossoms in Riverside Park. No permits are required, and the trail is well-suited for a leisurely exploration of Manhattan's green spaces.

What makes this loop truly stand out is its ability to offer such diverse natural environments within a bustling city. Designed by landscape architects like Frederick Law Olmsted, both parks are scenic landmarks, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, especially birdwatching. The contrast between Riverside Park's riverine ecosystem and Central Park's