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Trail Guides
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Fort Lee Road, Leonia, NJ 07605
Phone: (201) 336-7275
www.co.bergen.nj.us/Parks
Bergen County Parks Department
Exit DeKorte Park via Valley Brook Avenue. After 1.5 miles, turn Right onto Polito Avenue. At the second traffic light, turn Right onto Rutherford Avenue – Route 17 North. Proceed with caution around the curve. After 4/10 of a mile, bear Right onto the Route 3 East entrance ramp. After 1.5 miles, take Turnpike entrance on Right. Get ticket and stay Left for New Jersey Turnpike orth, which becomes Interstate 95 North after toll plaza. Follow signs for exit 70 A-B Leonia – Teaneck. After 5.2 miles take exit 70 A – Leonia. Merge onto Fort Lee Road. After 7/10 of a mile turn
Left into Overpeck Park (before traffic light). Map
New Jersey Transit Bus Line No. 182 Teaneck/Glenpointe Office and Hotel Complex. Leave the complex and walk southeast on DeGraw Avenue towards Overpeck Creek. Walking distance less than 1 mile. No. 182 also stops at Leonia/Broad Avenue and Fort Lee Road. Walk west on Fort Lee Road to Overpeck County Park. Walking distance less than 1 mile.
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| Double-crested Cormorants | Lloyd Spitalink |
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Overpeck County Park is a popular recreational area that offers four picnic areas, a playground, baseball/softball field, a bike path,
running path and volleyball and basketball courts. The path on the far side of the athletic fields takes you along the banks of Overpeck Creek, which is reliable for wading birds, waterfowl and shorebirds.
Bald Eagles are always a possibility in this area so make sure you scan the skies and tree lines often. Ruddy Duck, Northern Pintail and Gadwall are a few of the species that may be seen, along with Hooded and Common Mergansers.
The perimeter of the recreation area has plenty of mature trees that may attract warblers on migration. The presence of water, both Overpeck Creek and the small stream that runs through the park could attract Northern Waterthrush, Common Yellowthroat, Palm, Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-white
Warblers. Tree and Barn Swallows will be
returning in early spring — a sure sign winter is over.
Shorebirds and wading birds such as Lesser Yellowlegs, Great Blue Heron, Snowy Egret and Great Egret can be found in Overpeck Creek. Resident summer birds such as Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird and Gray Catbird are all busy raising their young. Red-tailed, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Northern Harrier and the increasingly rare American Kestrel take advantage of the open expanse of field that the park offers. The strikingly beautiful Belted Kingfisher will delight you with its raucous chatter and its diving feats.
Migration season brings with it the unique opportunity to see uncommon species. Keep your eyes peeled for returning Bald Eagle, migrating Broad-winged Hawk, Merlin and Osprey.
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