Best lakes around Northvale are found in the surrounding areas of New Jersey and New York, as Northvale itself has minimal water within its municipal limits. This Bergen County borough serves as a gateway to various recreational water bodies. These nearby lakes offer diverse outdoor activities for residents and visitors. The region provides access to both natural and reservoir lakes, catering to different interests.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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The Oradell Reservoir is an important source of clean drinking water to around 750,000 people. Built up over the early 1900s and completed in 1923, it’s now protected as a Category 1 water source, meaning it’s some of the purest in the state. It is a critical part of the region’s infrastructure and a reminder of how closely nature and community are connected.
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This peaceful pond is surrounded by trees, making it a lovely spot to take a break off of the bike. There's often fishermen you could watch, or simply look out for the local wildlife.
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The road runs directly next to Lake Tappan, giving excellent views. Lake Tappan, a reservoir formed by the Tappan Dam on the Hackensack River, spans the boundary of New Jersey and New York. Within New Jersey, it flows through River Vale and Old Tappan in Bergen County, extending into Orangetown in Rockland County, New York, to the north.
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I hope you won't need it, but it's good to know where to find tools and air pump.
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In the middle of nowhere, this small pond appears and invites you to take a break. You can watch the fishermen...
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The reservoir is beautiful, but completely fenced! A rest on the shore is unfortunately not possible... But the gravel road writer north is a pleasure and absolutely recommendable.
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On Lake Shore Drive, you get to ride along the reservoir. It's quiet and pretty.
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The komoot community frequently visits and appreciates several lakes near Northvale. Among the most popular are Woodlands Lake, known for being family-friendly and a historical site, and Oradell Reservoir, which is an important source of clean drinking water and offers scenic views. Another favorite is Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park, which provides facilities like benches and picnic tables.
Beyond the most popular, you can explore other significant lakes in the vicinity. Darlington Lake in Mahwah, NJ, is excellent for swimming with a sandy beach and Wibit splash zones. Rockland Lake State Park in Valley Cottage, NY, offers fishing and swimming. For a larger experience, Wawayanda Lake in Wawayanda State Park, NJ, is a deep glacial lake suitable for boating, kayaking, and fishing, though it's a bit further afield.
Yes, several lakes near Northvale are great for families. Woodlands Lake and Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park are both categorized as family-friendly in our guide, with the latter offering picnic tables. Darlington Lake in Mahwah, NJ, is also a popular family spot with a sandy beach and splash zones.
Yes, swimming opportunities are available at some lakes near Northvale. Darlington Lake in Mahwah, NJ, is a popular spot featuring a sandy beach and Wibit splash zones. Rockland Lake State Park in Valley Cottage, NY, also offers facilities for swimming.
Many lakes in the region offer excellent fishing. Rockland Lake State Park in NY is known for Largemouth Bass, Panfish, Tiger Muskie, and White Perch. Woodcliff Lake, NJ, has Carp, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Trout, and Yellow Perch. The Oradell Reservoir is also a destination for anglers, with species like Carp, Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Pickerel, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, and Yellow Perch.
Yes, Woodlands Lake is recognized as a historical site. Additionally, the Oradell Reservoir, completed in 1923, is a critical part of the region's infrastructure with a rich history as a protected Category 1 water source.
The area around Northvale's lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and running. For example, there are easy to moderate MTB Trails around Northvale, including loops around the Oradell Reservoir. You can also explore Gravel biking around Northvale and various Running Trails around Northvale.
While specific hiking trails directly around every lake aren't detailed, the region offers many opportunities for walks and runs. The Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park area provides a scenic spot to stop and watch waterfowl, and the gravel road north of Oradell Reservoir is recommended for pleasant walks. For dedicated trails, consider exploring the Running Trails around Northvale guide, which includes routes like the Long Path Loop.
Some lakes offer convenient facilities for visitors. Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park has benches and picnic tables, making it a good spot for a rest or snack. Darlington Lake in Mahwah, NJ, features a sandy beach and Wibit splash zones, along with ample picnic areas.
Visitors appreciate the serene beauty and recreational opportunities. For instance, the Oradell Reservoir is noted for its beauty, even if fenced, and the pleasant gravel roads nearby. Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park is loved as a pretty, scenic spot to watch waterfowl. The Lake Tappan area offers excellent views directly from the road, and Small Water Jewel is cherished as a peaceful pond surrounded by trees, perfect for a break and wildlife watching.
Yes, the area provides various cycling options. You can find guides for both MTB Trails around Northvale and Gravel biking around Northvale. Routes like the Wild Turkey Trail loop near the Oradell Reservoir are popular for mountain biking, and there are several moderate to difficult gravel biking loops available, some passing by scenic water bodies.


Still not found your perfect lake around Northvale? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.