Top 6 Lakes around Ridgewood

Around Ridgewood, you'll find a mix of man-made ponds, reservoirs, and natural waterways. These include peaceful spots like the Ridgewood Duck Pond, significant drinking water sources such as the Oradell Reservoir, and larger bodies of water like Lake Tappan. The area also features smaller brooks and rivers, offering diverse aquatic environments.

Yes, several spots are great for families. The Wild Duck Pond, part of Saddle River County Park, offers a peaceful setting with a circular path, picnic areas, and a children's playground. Graydon Park in Ridgewood also provides a swimming pool, sports fields, and playgrounds, making it ideal for active families.

For easy walks, the Wild Duck Pond features a circular path and connects to a 6-mile multi-use pathway within Saddle River County Park. Additionally, Garret Mountain Reservation, home to Barbour Pond, offers hiking trails along its banks. You can find more options for easy hikes in the area by visiting our guide on Easy hikes around Ridgewood.

Fishing is a popular activity in the region. The Ridgewood Duck Pond permits fishing with a New Jersey state license. The Ho-Ho-Kus Brook and Saddle River are known for trout fishing, especially in the spring. For a broader experience, the Ramapo Valley County Reservation also features 'fishing lakes'.

While some local ponds are not suitable for paddling, the nearby Passaic River provides opportunities for paddle sports, catering to canoe and kayak enthusiasts with both calm and more challenging stretches. For larger lake experiences, Shepherd Lake in Ringwood State Park offers boating, with rentals available in summer.

Yes, the Wild Duck Pond is excellent for spotting local wildlife like ducks and turtles. Gypsy Pond and Kings Pond, on the Ridgewood/Hawthorne border, are significant wildlife refuges and flyover areas for migrating birds, offering a serene escape for nature observation.

Many lakes provide picturesque views. Lake Tappan offers excellent views directly from the road that runs alongside it. The Oradell Reservoir is also noted for its beauty, and there are viewpoints along the trails around Barbour Pond in Garret Mountain Reservation.

Yes, the area offers cycling opportunities. The multi-use pathway connected to the Ridgewood Duck Pond is suitable for bikes. For more dedicated cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Wild Duck Pond – Saddle River loop' or the 'Oradell Reservoir – Oradell Reservoir loop'. Find more options in our guide to MTB Trails around Ridgewood or Running Trails around Ridgewood, which often include bike-friendly paths.

The Oradell Reservoir is a critical part of the region's infrastructure, serving as an important source of clean drinking water for approximately 750,000 people. It is protected as a Category 1 water source, known for its purity and symbolizing the close connection between nature and the community.

For more extensive water sports, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey's largest lake, is accessible with a short drive. It offers a wide range of activities including wakeboarding, wake surfing, water skiing, and fishing, along with dinner cruises and lakeside restaurants.

Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for relaxation. Many enjoy taking a break by the water, having picnics, and observing local wildlife. The pathways around spots like the Wild Duck Pond are popular for quiet strolls and enjoying nature.