7 Fall Hiking, Birdwatching Spots To Explore Near Teaneck

TEANECK, NJ — Cooler fall days can be a good excuse to trade some indoor time for a walk, and Teaneck residents have several nature spots in town and nearby.

The Hackensack River Greenway stretches 3.5 miles through Teaneck, with a pedestrian walkway and nature trail. The Greenway runs through three municipal parks and the Fairleigh Dickinson University campus, while interpretive signs placed along the route highlight the area’s flora, fauna and historic attractions. Native vegetation is also encouraged along the Greenway, creating a natural buffer between Teaneck’s developed areas and the Hackensack River. For residents looking to spend some time outdoors, the route combines recreation with opportunities to learn more about the natural surroundings right in Teaneck.

Teaneck residents have two more places in town to spend time outdoors. Teaneck Creek Conservancy offers 46 acres of natural area featuring art installations. Located east of Teaneck Road between Fycke Lane and Degraw Avenue, the conservancy gives residents a local option for combining time outdoors with art.

Another option is the Senator Matthew Feldman Nature Preserve, a 15-acre natural area with walking and biking paths. The preserve is located between Roemer Avenue and Winthrop Road along River Road, giving residents another place to get outside without leaving Teaneck.

Maria Andreas Memorial Park offers another 23 acres to explore at River Road and West Englewood Avenue. Along with natural areas and walking paths, the park has playground equipment and one tennis court. Parking is available opposite Grenville Avenue.

Along the Hackensack River, Clarence W. Brett Park consists of 11 acres of natural areas. The park is located at the intersection of Riverview Avenue and River Road.

For a bigger outing, Overpeck County Park spans more than 805 acres and includes five miles of trails, along with picnic and fishing areas. Visitors can also find athletic tracks and fields, playgrounds, a canoe and kayak launch and an amphitheater, giving Teaneck residents several ways to spend time outdoors beyond hitting the trails.

Birdwatchers can also head to Tenafly Nature Center, where a 0.4-mile Bird ID Trail challenges visitors to find 11 hidden metal silhouettes representing nine native bird species. Visitors start at the Visitors’ Center before heading to the bird feeders to learn which trail to follow. Along the way, signs and QR codes provide more information about each species, while links to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology let visitors listen to bird calls. The self-guided experience also encourages visitors to keep an eye out for the real birds that inspired the silhouettes. The trail is open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset.

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, fall migration sends birds south toward wintering grounds, with many species migrating at night. Cornell also notes that Broad-winged Hawks are long-distance migrants that can travel in flocks, or “kettles,” ranging from several birds to thousands.

Together, the seven spots give Teaneck residents options ranging from an in-town nature walk to a dedicated birdwatching outing this fall.

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