Passaic County About
A County of Diverse Offerings
Passaic County was created on February 7, 1837, from portions of neighboring Bergen and Essex Counties. Based on numbers from the 2000 Census, Passaic County, NJ has a population of approximately 490,000. The total square mileage of the county is 197 with 12 square miles of that being water. The highest point is any one of six areas on Bearfort Ridge in West Milford Township at approximately 1,480 ft above sea level. The lowest elevation is approximately 30 ft along the Passaic River in Clifton.
The southern portion of the county is primarily flat or mildly hilly and more populated. The northern regions are mountainous and rugged in areas, with the majority of the northwestern area in the towns of Bloomingdale, Ringwood, Wanaque and West Milford protected from further major development by the 2004 Highlands Act. These towns are in the highlands preservation area because they protect the watershed. They are subject to rules in the act and the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council which is a division of the NJ DEP.
Visit www.nj.gov/dep/highlands/faq_info.htm to learn more about the Highlands Act.
NJ Transit offers rail and bus service in much of the county.
Passaic County Parks
Abram S Hewitt State Forest (Hewitt) - A section of Bearfort Ridge reaches into Hewitt State Forest, offering hikers a challenging climb with a rewarding view. The forest is isolated and untouched, accessible only on foot. Marshes and wetlands are scattered throughout the forest with several brooks and streams crisscrossing the lower areas. Hemlock and oak are the dominant species of this relatively undisturbed forest.
njparksandforests.org/parks/abram
Apshawa Preserve (West Milford) – Overseen by the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, this preserve offers more than 500 acres of diverse Highlands habitats, including four blazed trails totaling seven miles and plenty of opportunities to create loop hikes.
njconservation.org/html/gfa-heart
Garret Mountain Reservation (Woodland Park, formerly West Paterson) - a 568-acre recreational area, situated more than 500 feet above sea level provides sweeping views of northern New Jersey and the New York City skyline.
This beautiful park, operated by the Passaic County Parks Department, offers park visitors a wide range of recreational activities and facilities. These facilities include an equestrian center, athletic fields, fishing, picnic grounds, jogging paths, and trails for cross country skiing, hiking and running.
passaiccountynj.org/parkshistorical/parks/garretmountainreservation
Goffle Brook Park (Hawthorne) – This 103-acre park is adjacent to Goffle brook and offers a duck pond that is stocked with trout for summer fishing, open fields, softball and soccer fields, a playground, a dog run, and picnic areas. In the winter, enjoy sleigh riding and ice skating. Located on Goffle Road in Hawthorne, open everyday from sunup to sundown.
Long Pond Ironworks State Park (Ringwood) - The old stone walls, furnaces and other remnants of the once industrious ironworking community now sit tranquilly next to the swiftly flowing Wanaque River. The village is undergoing research and restoration and one waterwheel has been reconstructed. Future plans call for additional restoration work.
njparksandforests.org/parks/longpond
Norvin Green State Forest (Bloomingdale) - The undisturbed forest and rugged terrain of Norvin Green offers sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area, the forest is near Wanaque Reservoir and is home to an extensive trail system built from old logging roads. Several trails link up with public and private facilities, including the Weis Ecology Center and reservoir property. The existing trails, either old forest roads or new trails constructed by volunteers, are perfect for nature walks and other outdoor classroom activities. With hills ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet in elevation, Norvin Green provides the avid hiker with scenic vistas, including the New York skyline, Burnt Meadow Brook and Lake Sonoma. The property is accessible by foot only.
njparksandforests.org/parks/norvin
Ramapo Mountain State Forest (Ringwood) - This hilly forest is a sanctuary for wildlife. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy miles of challenging trails. Many trails offer a view of the New York City skyline. Birdwatchers are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams and marshes that provide the perfect habitat for bird and other wildlife species. The forest borders the Ramapo Mountain Reservation, which is part of the Bergen County Park System.
njparksandforests.org/parks/ramapo
Ringwood State Park (Ringwood) – Includes the beautiful 96-acre state Botanical Gardens, the grounds of Skylands Manor, the historic Ringwood Manor which is open for tours and the spring fed Shepherd Lake Recreation Area. Both hiking and biking trails are available.
njparksandforests.org/parks/ringwood
Wawayanda State Park (Hewitt) - The quiet charm of Wawayanda appeals to hikers, campers, swimmers and boaters. Forested hills surround Lake Wawayanda creating a restful backdrop for canoeists, boaters and fisherman, while steep mountains challenge casual as well as serious hikers. A twenty-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail runs through the park, while the top of Wawayanda Mountain offers sensational views. More than forty miles of trails are marked in the park.
njparksandforests.org/parks/wawayanda
Weasel Brook Park (Clifton) – An urban neighborhood park with a meandering brook, two softball fields, basketball courts, regulation horseshoe pits, two playgrounds and a summer toddler wading pool. Located on Gregory Avenue.
There is an adjacent 4.3 acre skate park called the Clifton Skatezone that offers a roller hockey rink, extreme skateboarding and inline skating area, and a 1,000 foot long perimeter skate path. Visit cliftonnj.org/skatezone/index for information on fees and membership requirements.
Environmental Centers
Weis Ecology Center (Ringwood) – Weis’ 160 private acres offer a visitor center, nature store, aviary, bird feeding viewing station, and trail heads that access over 24 miles on these private grounds and the surrounding Highlands and Norvin Green State Forest. Enjoy the flowing water of Chikahoki Falls or enjoy a scenic view of the Wanaque Reservoir from Wyanokie High Point. In February and March, witness the maple sugaring process. From May through September, enjoy birds and butterflies in the butterfly garden/model backyard habitat. Educational programs and nature day camps are available. Visit the website to learn more about this wonderful learning center located right in our own backyards!
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