CityBuddy
Hackensack RiverWalk
Best time to visit
Late afternoon in spring or fall offers mild temperatures and golden light for photos; mornings are quieter for birdwatching.
Budget tips
Most sections of the RiverWalk are free to access, though nearby parking lots may charge fees; use NJ Transit buses or the Pascack Valley Line to avoid parking costs and bring a picnic to save on food.
Recommended for
Walkers and joggers, Families, Photography enthusiasts, Birdwatchers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Long waterfront stretches alternate between reclaimed industrial brick, rusted rails, and grassy parks, offering skyline views alongside quiet wildlife pockets. Kayakers, anglers, and birders regularly share the route, and benches with interpretive signs make it easy to pause and watch great blue herons and kingfishers hunt along the water.
Highlights: Step down onto the boardwalk and the air shifts to a brackish tang, tidal reeds rustle underfoot and great blue herons hold statue-still on exposed mudflats. Local photographers and families time visits around golden hour to frame the river between weathered brick warehouses and bright marsh grass, a contrast that pops in photos while distant train horns add a low, rhythmic soundtrack.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy shoes, some stretches are boardwalk while others are uneven gravel.
- Bring binoculars for herons and egrets that frequent the marsh sections.
- Head to the Main Street bridge for river reflections and try the painted murals along the western stretch for colorful close-ups.
- Avoid weekends midday near downtown if you want quieter trails, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons.
Where to Stay in Hackensack
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