Saddle River County Park Dunkerhook Area

This little nook of nature is a nice place to have a nice walk and relax. Personally I like to walk on the woodsy side path’s with less people. The joggers and constant bikes zipping past overwhelm me a bit. Also don’t like being in certain areas in warmer times of the year because of all the mosquitoes. I also thought it was sad the amount of trash I’ve seen in that river as well as the park. Certain areas of that river also smell like god knows what and that is also kind of sad. Other than those factors I do generally enjoy coming here. It’s peaceful when you find a nice quite spot in a more secluded area off the main paths. Just pick up your trash please!

I’m really fortunate to have this park close to me. It is a perfect place to run, bike or dog walk.

The Dunkerhook Area of the Saddle River County Park system is probably the most beautiful, owing to an attractive waterfall, some well landscaped bridges, and gorgeous, well-​established trees.
This «zone» of the park features picnic areas, a pavilion, a playground, two medium-​sized parking areas and one small one, and a clean restroom. Licensed fishing is allowed, and the river is stocked in this area. There are both paved and unpaved trails, which are generally clear of dog debris.
Everything about this park would be 5 stars, but I just can’t stand the people. First, Dunkerhook is the most heavily used area, and trails are frequently crowded. Second, the visitors are generally wealthy, privileged Paramus types. And they are sometimes rude. Not always, probably not even often, but there are just so many people that even if a small number of them are jerks, you are bound to encounter a couple. Expect to have to walk in the mud to pass groups walking 4 – 6 abreast on the trails. Worse, the trail merges with the exit road to the park, and no one gets out of the way of the cars. Expect to take at least 15 minutes to exit the park, as you crawl behind a group (again, walking 4 abreast).
Minor irritations aside, Dunkerhook is lovely. Unfortunately though, it was hit badly by Sandy, with many trees down. Though they have been cleared from the paved paths, the historic trails (the unpaved ones) are blocked all over, and have become unusable. (As I say this it’s 5 months after the hurricane). Hopefully, they can clear away the rest of the debris, as the trails were the main attraction for me to Dunkerhook.

For all those who have the misconception that Jersey is all armpit without any of the beauty of the rest of the body have yet to visit the Saddle River County Park System in Bergen County.
The park system is a vast network of interconnected park which begins in Saddle Brook, NJ and spreads for miles throughout the upper Bergen County region.
Dunkerhook sits within Paramus and is a thing of beauty. The area is perhaps my favorite of the park system for the fact it has many wonderful trails, creeks, small waterfalls and plenty of shady spots and wild life.
For photographers their are plenty of birds, ducks, geese, fish, trees such as birch, maple and pines n plantlife to snap wonderful shots.
For bike riders, joggers and walkers their are plenty of trails to ride, jog and walk about.
Their are plenty of areas for children to enjoy as well.
All in all it s a wonderful park system that as residents of the area one should nt take for granted and really shoud take advantage of.

Dunkerhook Area Great Shade In This Section Of The Saddle River Park System
This is my personal favorite in the collection of parks that dot the Saddle River as it meanders through Bergen County. Tall Maple’s, Oaks and some nice Birch trees abound in this area, the addition of a few clusters of assorted Pines give this park great character. I will put lots of photos up for this one.
Tennis courts (3)
Picnicking — pavilion w/​electric (permit required)
Athletic fields (by permit)
Playground
Fishing (NJ State Fishing License Required)
Keep The Parks Clean And Your Dog On A Leash!