We had substantial flooding here due to thunderstorms one Thursday in June, (Much of the path is adjacent to the saddle River) and yet the all the affected areas had been completely cleared of silt and sand within two days.
Multiple places to park and multi-use areas such as playgrounds and ball fields along the path make it a winner as well.

The path crosses no roads, except for the parking lot in Ridgewood. You don't have to worry about cars. There are a few split offs to go to a few towns parking lots. The trail is 6 miles each way. That's from the Ridgewood Duckpond to Paramus road/route 4. This is the main route and every 10th of a mile they have mile posts. If it rains heavily the day before Ridgewood leg gets dirty because it's right next to the river,all the other parts are fine. They have plenty of benches if you need to rest,but the trail has no lighting.

I would like to take my daughter for a bike ride and do the whole path. Although I can view the map just fine and can see the general route, sometimes it's not quite so clear from the ground. Can anyone let me know if the trail is clearly marked? Particular when it crosses car roads or turns off in another direction? Thanks!

I've been running this trail for at least 5 years now during training for marathons. If you go from end to end (Ridgewood to Saddle Brook), as well as do the Glenn Rock cutout...the whole loop is about 14 miles long. When it snows, the path is usually cleared the next day and very well kept. Definitely recommend this to anyone in the area! Many different entrances you can start from.

I feel truly lucky to live so close to a beautiful place to walk/ride or skate. I have been using this path for 27 years and enjoy it even more now that it has been expanded! Yes, it gets a little crowded on the weekends but after all there are a lot of people in Bergen County and we all like to get out and enjoy the scenery of this beautiful path. We just have to remember to be patient and courteous! :)

I watched this path being built in the wooded area that I explored as a kid behind my house. That was in the mid-'70s. At first it was a dirt path. As time went on they paved it. No one really knew about it and I was one of the very few who used it. Little by little it got longer and longer. I knew it was only a matter of time until my well kept secret would be discovered. Now, it's one of Bergen County's nicest accomplishments. Yes, it's crowded on the weekends, but I've learned to share (or wait 'til Monday). It's very clean and full of wildlife. Orioles, rabbits, geese and mallards are plentiful as are all the wonderful dogs that people walk. There are people fishing along the banks and in the water. A very peaceful and beautiful place to get some exercise. It's great when the ducks have their little babies and you see the duck families walking along the side of the path, close to the water. I treasure this place and hope others will continue to respect its wildlife and cleanliness.

With this trail you'll never actually cross a road you are away from motor vehicular traffic. Running along side the Saddle River in the middle of nature so close to NY this trail is a must for joggers, bicyclists, inline skaters, or just those who want to explore a little relaxation and get back to nature in the middle of the busy Paramus area.

I am so grateful for this beautiful bicycle path which is within easy riding distance of my home. Over the winter I was walking/running on this path and it was perfect; not too crowded and very well maintained. But I knew I couldn't continue to walk my 8 miles when the temperatures started to climb. So I tuned up my bicycle and I was out riding at 7:30 am Saturday morning. It was wonderful; cool and not too crowded. The people I did see were friendly but focused. I felt like I'd been given a free membership to a gym. I went out an hour later on Sunday morning. Big mistake. Generally speaking, it's definitely a more leisurely crowd after 9 o'clock, with less consideration for 'the other guy'. I encountered several groups of 3 walking side-by-side chatting, monopolizing the path, oblivious of who was coming up from behind. Even when I would politely say 'on your left' they grudgingly moved over just enough for me to get by. When there was oncoming traffic, I had to stop behind them, in order to avoid a collision. So to all of you people who are serious about your workout, take my advice and get out there early. It's beautiful and stress-free!

"It was a pleasure biking the full length of this path from Rochelle Park's Railroad Avenue to Ridgewood's duck pond and back. My odometer read 15.8 miles including some meandering around the ponds of Glen Rock and Ridgewood. The path is very well marked for directions and mileage. There are several bridges to cross including a wooden platform snaking under Route 4. There are adequate cautionary signs for head clearances and narrow passages, but nothing to be worried about. There are many hikers along the route, and so be mindful that you are just sharing this path with them. The path goes through open spaces and narrow spaces, all of them visually pleasing. There are plenty of places to stop and rest, or ruminate if you wish. The Saddle River is often in sight, and there is a point where it turns into a small waterfall. The path provides straight-aways and easy uphill climbs over the bridges. There is one somewhat steep hill to contend with but shifting gears takes a way the work. All in all, it's a great bike path, and you should check this one out if you are into biking or hiking. "

"This trail is completely paved extending 18 miles and connects Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn and Saddle Brook. It is excellent for training for marathons or bike racing (earlier in the mornings before the path gets busy) and has several restroom facilities along the trail as well as public water fountains.

The path does not cross over public roads (there are overpasses), so it is perfect for young children on bikes."

South from Ridgewood Duck Pond: lovely! Here the trail is right next to the river. The pavement is in great condition and the shoulders are in good shape for runners who want to spare their knees.

" I review this trail as a hiker. I am sure this is a wonderful trail for bikers, skaters, joggers, dog walkers, baby strollers, etc, but for hikers it is too heavily used. It does pass through a busy suburban area with few street crossings, and the river, bridges, and adjoining parks are pleasant for casual walking or combining with park or picnic activities. It is well paved, wide, and well-maintained. There is plentiful parking at most road crossings, and access from parallel roads. As a hiker, I find this path most useful in the winter, when the cold and/or snow keeps the other users to a minimum. I do not mind sharing, but in warm, sunny weather, I feel too crowded on this popular path.

Rates a 5 out of 10!(hiking)

Fred"

"The best multi-use trail in New Jersey is about to get better.
With the completion of highway improvements at the SR4/208 interchange, the Saddle River bike path will be joined with the Rochelle Park/Saddle Brook path, creating a continuous corridor from Ridgewood to Rochelle Park (about 8 miles one way).

This multi-use trail gets a lot of use. My favorite activity on this trail is running.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2001 or early 2002."

"Already a fine linear park, the northern section will soon cross under Route 4 and connect to the Saddle Brook section of the county park system adding another 6 miles. (a three mile long figure 8 which goes to Railroad Ave in Rochelle Park.) With the exception of some really rough spots of short duration, most of this trail is paved well-enough for skating, my first love. There are also many spurs which go off into the woods that dirt bikers enjoy. If you haven't been there, it's worth the trip to check it out."

This is the premier paved bike trail in Northern NJ.

No street crossings and wonderful views from the banks of the Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus brooks.

Plenty of free parking at the connected Bergen County Parks Department facilities.

E-mail if in area for further details.