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Darlington Park

2.8 (36 reviews)

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Claudia S.

I'm usually not a fan of lakes but this was very clean. There is a separate lake where they have inflatables. It's a kids paradise. So much fun! $10 per hour. You can also bring grills and they have picnic areas.

Celia P.

This place was great. It was our first time there and the kids had a blast. The water was clean and although there were a lot of people it was not nearly as crowded as the shore. Great for little ones because they have a designated space to swim safely. The only down side is that there is nowhere to grab a snack.

Brian R.

I've been to this park a few times and think it's a great spot! You can go have a BBQ and swim in the lake. The first time I went I'm pretty sure a couple was having sex in the water. That's not cool, I'm not gonna fault the spot, but some people have to ruin everything. There's a trail around the park if you want to go for a little stroll. There's a beach volleyball court, a basketball court, plenty of picnic tables and public bathrooms. I just rode my bike around while they were closed so I can't tell you how good their snacks are. I had no idea they had a splash park and I can't wait to go back when they open. Check out their website for prices and more information

1st lake
Christine G.

We used to go here often 20 years ago. For those coming for the 1st time w kids under 14 there is a kids section at other end of lake (drive farther in to be closer to it.) In order for children to be in 1st section that goes over 5 ft they must take a swim test w a lifeguard. I believe 1st lake is manmade. 2nd lake is natural. 3rd lake is for fishing? I was so impressed going here today 7-11-23. Everything is clean. Not sure what procedure or dye they use to make the water in 1st lake Caribbean blue but it makes your mind feel like you're not in a lake. When you cup the water in your hands and bring it up out of the water the water is clear. Walking on lake floor is comfortable lined w sand & pebbles. Not sure their filtration system but it's not a slimy lake. We weren't grossed out or sorry we forgot our water shoes. Water from recent rain probably contributed to welcoming coolness and clarity. If you go behind the previous bathroom building you'll find a raised air conditioned clean new modern trailer bathroom with 5 private stalls with full doors. The food snack bar is no longer open for the last 10 yrs but the prices would probably have be really high to cover overhead or an outside vendor. Many places in town or Ramsey to pickup food or bring charcoal & food to grill there. Radios were kept at a decent decibels. Things to improve on: Big clear signs should be placed on the back of each lifeguard chair saying children under 14 must be tested to go in this section. This would save clueless parents/children from being whistled & lifeguards time & concentration to focus on area. When u enter into 1st lake water through ramp there is a faded barely readable crooked black marker writing on ledge saying "step down" this should be a clear sign placed on railing right b4 drop to avoid any accidents. Years ago their was a sheriff or Bergen County police who would patrol on horse/foot now he rides in a car. You can't control concealed alcohol in thermos but clear party cups on ledge of lake with "ginger ale" colored liquid & louder patrons who don't seem like they should be swimming in water or watching kids should be questioned & it probably shouldn't be done by a 16 yr old lifeguard. Lifeguards were wonderful - there was a missing child they were quick to get everyone out of the water and perform a human linked walk through. Heard 2nd hand that the child was in front of the parents the whole time but the parents were impaired by "ginger ale"

Disgusting. Swimming pool covered with litter.

The lack of maintenance is evident everywhere; litter and trash scattered across the ground, even reaching the swimming pools, road potholes resembling moon craters, fallen branches, and trees. Did I mention loud music nds?!

Dave O.

My review is for the lake in this park. Im aware of other activities in this park but I've only gone swimming in the lake. This is a great alternative to going to the beach in North jersey. Its only 4$ for Bergen county residents and the water is clean and very refreshing. This is a lake and doesn't get too crowded on the weekdays. There is a deep end and a shallow end for kids. They Also have a diving board in the deep end. I think this lake is a gem in Bergen county and I suggest you come here instead of your local community pool.

Anrana S.

As a place to go for a walk, this place totally sucked. I found this place on AllTrails. The 1-1/2 mile walk around the lake was just along the road. Even on a late October Saturday afternoon there was enough traffic to be annoying and made me fear for my safety. The 2 man made ponds were drained so they were not very pretty to look at. I won't bother coming back.

Beach
Peter Q.

Large park. . One lake for Bathers and two lakes for fishing . You can bbq , sit at the beach , fish , relax . Very good for families . Lots of parking , great attentive life guards . Beautiful nature trail around the lakes . Save money by filling the Bergen county parks card ..then your price is 5 bucks.. Tips for fishermen : Lots of vegetation on top of lake find clear areas by going around the lake . Put a heavier sinker to break through the vegetation .

For some reason whenever I go there, rain clouds always love to pass through

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Love the area I like to go with my kids there you can bring your own barbecue your own food

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Ask the Community - Darlington Park

Is this park open to people who do not live in NJ?

Yes

Are dogs allowed?

No, dogs are not allowed in the park.

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Review Highlights - Darlington Park

I have only seen like a few kids day camps, which doesn't even bother me because they all go to the shallow end of the lake on the other side of where i usually set up.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Ramapo Valley County Reservation - Waterfall

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

4.6(109 reviews)
1.1 mi

Nice park for the beginner or more experienced hiker or just someone who wants to have some peace…read moreand quiet outdoors for a couple of hours. The parking lot is big and there is a bathroom, which is appreciated. I took a look at the trail map before I left to find one of a decent length, so check out options, but the trails are well-marked. Once you get past the main train next to the lake, you can find yourself pretty alone except for another occasional hiker, but you can vibe with nature, see a waterfall, and just breathe in the fresh air. Some of the trails are long, but I paced one that was only a couple of miles and still got some nice scenery and a lot of steps in. It's great this park isn't too far from the urban areas of Northern NJ and there are many trail options so you can visit again and experience something new. There's also a sign for trout fishing if that's your thing. Check it out if you want to get away for the day.

This was my first time and what a blast! What I love about…read morehiking is that there's so many cool and magical places that you can't get to by car. For decades I've driven up 287 and wondered what was in all the hills and mountains and today I finally got to see. I met up with my local plus size hiking group for our last hike of the year and Ramapo was a first for all of us despite being longtime New Jerseyans. We did the Macmillan trail and clocked about 3.5 miles total. We went the long trail around the reservoir and then dipped back down the waterfall trail. Very thankful we did it that way - I think all the stairs on the waterfall trail would have been treacherous given the conditions and a bit demoralizing. Getting the big hills out the way first and enjoying the lake made the waterfall that much sweeter. So many dogs and kind people on the trail. Trash was almost non-existent. Tons of rocks and logs to sit a spell - but at below freezing temps we kept it moving lol. Highlights: -ample parking (bc it was cold) -giant rocks -waterfalls -exposed slabs -gorgeous vistas -the swan!!

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Ramapo Valley County Reservation - Lmao the gloves in my pants pocket gave me a dumpy

Lmao the gloves in my pants pocket gave me a dumpy

Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Ramapo Valley County Reservation - :swoon:

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The Celery Farm

The Celery Farm

4.4(16 reviews)
3.3 mi

No celery is being grown, it's actually a nature preserve. There's no dogs or bikes allowed…read more Sections are fenced off to keep you on the trail. The trail is about a mile and goes around the lake. Some of it is boarded and much of it is in the shade. If it rained recently, than it may be muddy, otherwise sneakers or shoes are fine. It stays level and is good for elderly or kids. There's a lot of benches and a few lookouts as you go around. The preserve is exceptionally clean. I saw one plastic bottle, so I picked it up.

Today it is called the Celery Farm mainly a result of the fact that in 1888 Swiss emigrant Henry J…read more Appert and his wife Ella bought the 107 acre-property and converted the land which was an excavated peat bog into a farm which grew mainly celery and onions. The land has a rich history has seen this parcel of land transition from a glacial land to a peat bog, to a farm and now a nature preserve. The Wolf Clan of the Lenni Lenape gather here to hunt the abundant game in the area. Later in colonial times Founding Father John Fell took possession of the. In the 1080's the borough of Allendale bought the track of land and converted it into a nature preserve. The Celery Farm is an important site for migratory birds and thus bird watchers. There are several areas where birds can be observed including a raised platform overlooking the small lake. There are trails which run about a mile through the preserve. The trails are very wet in spots after any kind of precipitation. Roots and rocks jut up along the path making hiking uncomfortable. When I visited there were numerous hikers who wore masks and observed social distancing. Dogs are not permitted on the trails.

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The Celery Farm
The Celery Farm
The Celery Farm

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James McFaul Environmental Center - Entrance

James McFaul Environmental Center

4.6(8 reviews)
4.1 mi

Great place for a stroll, jog or hike w friends and family. Awesome learning center and wild life…read moreexhibits to explore.

Part of the Bergen County Park System, the J.A. Mcfaul Envirinmental Center is an education and…read morewildlife oasis in an otherwise suburban community. The center features both an indoor and outdoor experience. The outdoor experience offers well maintained nature trails which circumvent a large duck pond where you wild find swans, turtles, waterlillies and other wildlife. A beautiful gazebo overlooks the pond and is surrounded by flowerbeds. Hiking along the lake trail will take you to a two story observation deck. Many people use the paved entrance road to walk or jog. It is a one mile go-around with many joggers the day I visited. For those interested in an up close look at a red-tailed hawk, owls, pigeons and a red fox, the center has caged environments especially for that purpose. The indoor environmental center is a good sized facility designed to educate visitors about native fauna and flora. There are two main rooms. The room off the looby has a variety of fis tanks displaying turtles, snakes, frogs, etc.. Educational displays feature charts, photos, taxidermy and artifacts. I particularly liked the bear display. Adjacent to this room is the observatory room. Large windows give you an opportunity to view the duck pond and wildlife. This room has displays ranging from bats, bees, trees, etc.. Well maintained restrooms are available. In summary. While this is not comparable to a large zoo. it has many things to look at and experience for a well spent morning or afternoon. The facility is free of charge.

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James McFaul Environmental Center
James McFaul Environmental Center
James McFaul Environmental Center - Gazebo & Flower Display

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Gazebo & Flower Display

Darlington Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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