Top 15 Lakes around Closter

For diverse outdoor activities, consider the Oradell Reservoir, which offers hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Lake Tappan is excellent for fishing, boating, and kayaking. The Closter Nature Center provides opportunities for hiking, catch-and-release fishing, and nature photography.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Wild Duck Pond is a peaceful park area where families can picnic and observe local wildlife like ducks and turtles. Woodlands Lake - V. E. Macy Park also offers benches and picnic tables, perfect for watching waterfowl.

The lakes around Closter are rich in wildlife. At Wild Duck Pond, you can spot ducks, turtles, and various birds. The Oradell Reservoir is known for bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons, while Lake Tappan hosts wintering bald eagles, common mergansers, and ring-billed gulls.

Absolutely. The Closter Nature Center features over three miles of marked trails. The Oradell Reservoir has a 6.7-mile loop trail for hiking and biking. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the "Oradell Reservoir Lake Shore Drive Trail" or the "Long Path and Shore Trail Loop." You can find more hiking options in the Easy hikes around Closter guide.

Fishing is a popular activity at both the Oradell Reservoir and Lake Tappan. It is generally permitted from March to November with a New Jersey fishing license. Both reservoirs are part of a watershed recreation program managed by Veolia, which requires a permit for access to designated areas. Common catches include various bass species, northern pike, and catfish.

Boating and kayaking are popular on Lake Tappan, which even has a full-service marina offering boat rentals. While boating is allowed on the Oradell Reservoir with a permit, swimming is not permitted due to its role as a drinking water source.

The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for visiting, offering pleasant weather for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Summer is also popular, especially for boating and fishing. Winter can be beautiful for spotting specific bird species like bald eagles.

The Closter Nature Center is generally dog-friendly, allowing leashed dogs on its trails. For other lakes like Oradell Reservoir and Lake Tappan, access is often restricted to designated areas through a watershed recreation program, and specific dog rules should be checked with the permit provider.

Closter and its surrounding towns offer various cafes and accommodation options. For instance, you can find amenities near the Closter Nature Center in Closter itself, or near the Oradell Reservoir in towns like Emerson or Harrington Park.

The Oradell Reservoir is a critical component of the region's infrastructure, serving as an important source of clean drinking water for approximately 750,000 people in Bergen County. It is protected as a Category 1 water source, signifying its high purity. Beyond its utility, it's also valued for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

Yes, there are several cycling routes. The Oradell Reservoir area offers a 6.7-mile loop trail suitable for biking. You can also find various road cycling routes, such as the "Oradell Reservoir – Blauvelt to West Nyack Road loop," and gravel biking options in the Road Cycling Routes around Closter guide and Gravel biking around Closter guide.

The Closter Nature Center is a 136-acre natural oasis within Closter, featuring ponds, brooks, meadows, and forested wetlands. It's special for its commitment to conservation, environmental education, and recreation. It offers over three miles of trails, catch-and-release fishing, birdwatching, and a variety of educational programs for all ages, providing a peaceful escape and fostering a connection with nature.