Overpeck County Park

The nearby Hackensack Meadowlands [DeKorte Park] was once a dump [or "landfill" as we prefer to say now] but currently is, by some credible accounts, a park with some very attractive trails.  Overpeck County Park, by contrast, was conceived a half-century ago to be a park to rival New York's Central Park, but alas became a dump.  As a result of lawsuits from neighboring towns -- which had donated sections of riverbank for the park -- and after a good deal of foot-dragging by County government, a vastly improved 154-acre segment of the park opened for the first time during the July 4th weekend of 2010.  Located at the end of Challenger Road in the Village of Ridgefield Park, it offers many recreational facilities, from soccer fields to boat launches [yes, two of them].   Importantly for hikers, there are five miles of walking and bike trails together with an observation deck and nature overlooks. 

This newest section on the western side of Overpeck Creek joins several other areas on the eastern bank to comprise the park. A bridge for pedestrians and cars is planned to connect the western area with the rest of the park in Leonia.  

For a news account of the opening see: The Record, July 3, 2010.  An overview map is included. 

Click on Map Tab at top of page

The newest section in Village of Ridgefield Park:

• From the South:  Take the Turnpike north to exit 18, local lanes and continue north on Rte 95. From Rte 95 north take exit 68, Challenger Road. At the end of the ramp turn left onto Challenger Road and proceed into Overpeck Park
• From the North and local: Take Teaneck Road south. Make a left onto Winant Avenue and follow signs to Challenger Road. Make a left onto Challenger Road. Overpeck Park is at the end of the road.
• Public transportation: Take NJ Tranist Route 167 [Harrington Park/Teaneck] from Port Authority Bus Terminal to bus stop at "Overpeck Corp/AGFA Building."  Click on "Bus Timetables" for map and schedule.

Henry Hoebel/North Area, Leonia:

• From the South:  Take the Turnpike north to exit 18, local lanes and continue north on Rte 95. From Rte 95 north take exit 70A to Fort Lee Road.  Pass over Overpeck Creek and turn left into the park. 
• From the North and local: Take Teaneck Road south. Make a left onto Degraw Road [at Teaneck Creek Conservancy], proceed over Route 95, the road name changes to Fort Lee Road, pass over Overpeck Creek and turn left into the park.
• Public transportation: Take NJ Transit Route 182 [Hackensack] from George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal.  The route runs along Fort Lee Road near the park area's entrance , ask driver to let you off at nearest stop.  Click on "Bus Timetables" for map and schedule.