If you live in northern Bergen County, there are several places nearby where your dog can get outside, burn off some energy, and spend some time around other dogs.
Some are simple neighborhood dog parks, while others are part of larger county parks where you can combine some off-leash time with a longer walk. Here are seven dog parks around northern Bergen County to put on your list.
1. Wood Dale County Park Dog Run in Woodcliff Lake
Prospect Avenue, Woodcliff Lake, NJ
For dog owners in the Pascack Valley, this is one of the closest and most convenient options. Wood Dale County Park includes a designated dog run along with a pond, walking areas, picnic areas, playgrounds, and other recreation. Bergen County currently lists Wood Dale as one of its official county dog-run locations.
It’s an especially easy option if you’re coming from Woodcliff Lake, Hillsdale, Park Ridge, Montvale, or River Vale.
Why check it out: A convenient Pascack Valley option with plenty to do outside the dog run, too.
2. Westvale Park Dog Park in Westwood
Harrington Avenue and Sand Road, Westwood, NJ
Westvale Park has a dedicated dog park with separate spaces for small and large dogs. The surrounding park also has a 0.6-mile paved walking path, playground, fields, fitness area, parking, and other amenities.
That makes it a nice option if you want to give your dog some off-leash time and then take a walk afterward.
Why check it out: Separate small- and large-dog areas right in the Pascack Valley.
3. Wild Duck Pond Dog Park in Ridgewood
East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ
The Wild Duck Pond area of Saddle River County Park includes an off-leash dog park along with a pond, picnic areas, playground, and access to the larger county park system.
One of the biggest advantages here is the surrounding Saddle River County Park. Its different sections are connected by a roughly six-mile pedestrian and bicycle path, so there’s plenty of room for an on-leash walk before or after visiting the dog park.
Why check it out: A good choice when you want a dog park and a longer walk in the same trip.
4. Old Mill Woodlands Dog Park in Franklin Lakes
740 Old Mill Road, Franklin Lakes, NJ
Old Mill Woodlands has separate areas for large and small dogs, along with a dog water fountain and waste-bag station. The borough lists the park as open from dawn to dusk.
Dogs need a current New Jersey dog license tag, and owners are required to clean up after their dogs and carry a leash. Puppies must be at least four months old.
Why check it out: Separate play areas plus some useful dog-specific amenities.
5. Jill Schwertfeger Memorial Dog Park in Oakland
Great Oak Park, Oakland, NJ
Oakland’s dog park is located inside Great Oak Park and opened in 2021 after a community fundraising effort that began with an eighth-grade student’s idea for a local dog park.
This one works differently from some of the county parks because registration is required. Oakland currently lists annual access at $10 per dog for residents and $20 per dog for non-residents, with proof of a current dog license required.
Why check it out: A community-built dog park that’s also open to registered non-Oakland residents.
6. Van Saun County Park Dog Run in River Edge
Continental Avenue Entrance, River Edge, NJ
Van Saun is a little farther south for Pascack Valley residents, but it’s worth knowing about. Bergen County includes the Continental Avenue dog run on its official list of county dog parks.
The larger Van Saun County Park is one of Bergen County’s biggest recreation destinations, with walking areas, playgrounds, picnic areas, the Bergen County Zoo, carousel, train, and other attractions.
Why check it out: Easy to turn the dog-park trip into a larger day at the park.
7. Overpeck County Park Dog Run in Leonia
Henry Hoebel Area, Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ
If you don’t mind heading farther east, Overpeck County Park has another official Bergen County dog run in its Henry Hoebel Area.
This is farther from the Pascack Valley than the first few options on our list, but it’s another useful option for Bergen County dog owners who want to explore somewhere different.
Why check it out: Another county-operated off-leash option when you’re willing to venture outside the immediate Pascack Valley area.
Which Dog Parks Are Closest to the Pascack Valley?
If you’re in Hillsdale, River Vale, Westwood, Emerson, Park Ridge, Montvale, Woodcliff Lake, or Washington Township, we recommend Wood Dale County Park in Woodcliff Lake and Westvale Park in Westwood as the two most convenient local options on this list.
Wild Duck Pond in Ridgewood isn’t too far away either and has the added advantage of the larger Saddle River County Park trail system.
Before heading to any dog park, check posted rules when you arrive. Registration requirements, operating hours, dog licensing rules, and other policies can change.
Keep Your Own Yard Ready for Playtime
A trip to the dog park is great for getting your dog out of the house, but most dogs still spend plenty of time running around their own backyard.
We’re Pet Waste Pickup, a local, family-owned business providing recurring service and one-time yard cleanups throughout the Pascack Valley area of Bergen County. PWP is run by David, a Bergen County native, father, and lifelong dog lover.
Service is currently available in Hillsdale, River Vale, Westwood, Emerson, Washington Township, Park Ridge, Montvale, and Woodcliff Lake.
Spend more time enjoying the yard and less time cleaning it.