Attractions and Places To See around Demarest - Top 20

Demarest offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly cycling and running. You can explore extensive trail systems like the Putnam Trail, which is part of the Empire State Trail, or the South County Trailway, a popular cycling route. For more specific routes, you can find numerous options for running trails, road cycling routes, and gravel biking in the area.

Yes, Demarest has several family-friendly attractions. The Putnam Trail and South County Trailway are suitable for families, as is the Entrance to the Van Cortlandt Park Greenway. Beyond these, Demarest Nature Center offers trails and programs, while Demarest Farms provides seasonal activities like fruit picking, a farm market, and an ice-cream parlor, making it a great family destination.

Demarest is rich in history. You can visit the historic Demarest Railroad Depot, built in 1872, which now serves as a senior center. The Sautjes Tave Begraven Ground Cemetery is an early Dutch cemetery with graves of some of Bergen County's first colonists. Additionally, the Samuel R. Demarest House, a beautiful sandstone colonial home from 1816, stands on County Road, and a quaint Historic Stone Bridge from 1875 crosses the Tenakill Brook.

For nature and scenic views, explore the Demarest Nature Center, a 19-acre oasis with trails through woodlands and meadows. The picturesque Duck Pond offers walking paths and picnic areas, and the Oradell Reservoir, though fenced, provides a beautiful backdrop, with a recommended gravel road nearby for cycling. The Van Cortlandt Park Greenway also offers a paved trail through nature and forest.

Demarest fosters a vibrant cultural scene. The Demarest Art and Cultural Center hosts various events, including art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and workshops. The Art School at Old Church, housed in a 125-year-old church, offers educational and cultural programs. The town also celebrates with annual gatherings like the Holiday Tree Lighting, Summer Concert Series, and Community Day.

Popular cycling trails include the Putnam Trail, which is part of the Empire State Trail and connects to the South County Trailway. The South County Trailway is an asphalted route with bike service stations, serving as a gateway from New York City. Another option is the Entrance to the Van Cortlandt Park Greenway, offering a long, uninterrupted paved path through nature.

The Demarest Nature Center is a 19-acre natural oasis featuring well-maintained trails through woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. It's an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, birdwatching, and nature appreciation. The center also hosts various programs, including family hikes, bird watching, and scavenger hunts.

Yes, Demarest features unique landmarks and architecture. The Demarest Railroad Depot, designed by J. Cleveland Cady, is a historic stone structure from 1872. You can also admire two beautifully preserved Victorian homes with stained glass windows on Van Horn Street, and the Samuel R. Demarest House, a sandstone colonial home built in 1816.

The Oradell Reservoir is an important source of clean drinking water for the region. While the reservoir itself is completely fenced and direct access to the shore is not possible, you can enjoy scenic views along Lake Shore Drive, which offers a quiet and pretty ride. A gravel road writer north of the reservoir is also highly recommended for cycling.

Demarest Farms, founded in 1886, is a popular attraction known for its seasonal activities like peach, apple, and pumpkin picking. It also features a farm market offering fresh produce and baked goods, along with an ice-cream parlor, making it a delightful destination for families and visitors seeking local flavors.

Yes, the town itself is named after the Demarest family, and several sites are tied to their history. The Demarest Railroad Depot is a monument to the family and the town's past. The Sautjes Tave Begraven Ground Cemetery contains graves of prominent early families, including Demarest. Additionally, the Samuel R. Demarest House, a beautiful sandstone colonial home built in 1816, is still standing on County Road.

The Cloisters, located in Fort Tryon Park in New York City, is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a museum of medieval art built using architectural fragments from French monasteries and houses a significant collection of medieval artworks. It's a world-renowned site for those interested in medieval history and art, offering a unique cultural experience within a reasonable distance from Demarest.