Closter Nature Center Short Hike

Overview

The Closter Nature Center, a 136-acre forested tract located on Ruckman Road in Closter, offers the opportunity for a short, level hike of about three-fourths of a mile.

Details
Time:
1 hours
Difficulty:
Easy
Length:
0.75 miles
Route Type:
Circuit
Dogs:
Allowed on leash
Features:
Woods
Location
Park:
Closter Nature Center
Region:
Palisades Region
County:
Bergen
State:
NJ
Maps/Books
Publication
First Published:
11/11/2010

Updated/Verified:
11/11/2010
Submitter:
Daniel Chazin

Photo

Trail at Closter Nature Center. Photo by Daniel Chazin.

Parking


View Closter Nature Center Parking in a larger map

Trailhead GPS Coordinates
40.974985,-73.951566

Driving Directions

Closter Nature Center is located at 145 Ruckman Road, Closter, NJ 07624.  From Route 9W in Alpine, proceed west on Closter Dock Road for 2.7 miles to Oakland Avenue.  Turn right onto Oakland Avenue, which merges into Ruckman Road in about 0.1 mile.  Continue on Ruckman Road for another 0.2 mile to the parking lot for the Nature Center, on the right. 

Description

From the nature center building, where parking is available, follow Ruckman Road east for about 600 feet. A short distance beyond the driveway to 190 Ruckman Road, you will notice a sign for the Closter Nature Center on the north side of the road. Enter the woods, following the Red Trail.

Just beyond a huge fallen tree, turn right onto the Green Trail, which soon crosses Willow Brook on a substantial wooden bridge. The trail immediately turns sharply left and parallels the brook. When the Green Trail ends, turn left and recross the brook on another wooden bridge, following both blue and white blazes.

Soon, the Blue Trail turns right to cross Smith Brook, but you should continue ahead on the White Trail, which parallels the brook. When you reach Ruckman Road, turn left to return to the parking area where the hike began.

For more information about the Closter Nature Center, or to download a map, go to www.closternaturecenter.org.