Picture a Saturday that starts with sandhill cranes calling over a quiet wetland and ends with kids cannonballing off lake docks at sunset. If you are looking at Allendale, that rhythm can be your normal. The borough’s nature preserve, beaches, and nearby county parks make outdoor time simple to plan and easy to enjoy. In this guide, you will learn where to go, what to expect, and how to plug into the routines that make Allendale feel outdoorsy year-round. Let’s dive in.
Why Allendale feels nature-forward
Allendale blends a compact downtown and commuter access with meaningful green space. You are minutes from a 107-acre nature preserve for quiet walks and a members-only lake with beaches for summer. Add county parks a short drive away and you get a lifestyle that shifts smoothly with the seasons.
Celery Farm: a quiet preserve
What it is
The Celery Farm is a 107-acre freshwater wetland and nature preserve maintained by the Borough of Allendale with volunteer support from the Fyke Nature Association. It is open to the public during daylight hours. You can review site details and hours on the borough’s page for the Celery Farm nature preserve.
Wildlife and experience
The preserve is a regional birding hotspot, with roughly 240 to 248 recorded bird species and more than 50 breeding species documented. A simple loop and boardwalk with three observation platforms invite quiet watching and short, unhurried walks. For background, seasonal checklists, and guided programs, explore Fyke’s page on the Celery Farm and its stewardship.
Access and rules
You will find two main entrances on Franklin Turnpike and Green Way. The preserve is intended for passive recreation only. Borough rules prohibit dogs except service animals, fishing, boating, feeding wildlife, drones or model aircraft, and plant collecting. The main loop is uneven and can be muddy after rain, and it is not generally wheelchair accessible. Read the borough’s posted rules and visitor guidance before you go. Parking is limited, so arrive early or plan to park on nearby side streets where allowed.
When to go
Spring and fall migration bring the most activity. Early mornings and weekdays are best if you want calm platforms and easier viewing. Fyke often leads walks and shares sightings, which is helpful if you are building your local bird list.
Crestwood Park and Crestwood Lake
Park snapshot
Crestwood Park spans about 71 acres around Crestwood Lake. It includes three beaches, multiple sports fields, tennis courts, and the Red Barn pavilion. You can scan amenities on the borough’s Crestwood Park overview.
Lake membership and access
Crestwood Lake is private and members-only. Membership is limited to qualifying residents and specific sending districts, and members may sponsor a limited number of out-of-town families per borough policy. Use of the beaches, docks, diving boards, and swim areas is restricted to members and their guests. Start with the borough’s page to understand how membership works and what is included at Crestwood Lake.
Operations and safety
The borough appoints a Lake Director and staffs lifeguards during the swim season. The Lake Director may close the facility for safety or health reasons. Season dates and daily hours change each year, so the borough site is your primary source for current schedules and updates. Review the Crestwood Lake rules and regulations before planning your summer routine.
Community programs and Red Barn events
Summer at Crestwood includes the local swim and dive team, the Crestwood Cruisers, along with swim lessons, day programs, and town celebrations. The Red Barn pavilion is a popular gathering spot for resident events. It has a posted capacity of 150 guests, rental fees, insurance requirements, and a refundable security deposit policy. If you are hosting a milestone birthday or reunion, check the borough’s Red Barn rental details.
Nearby county parks for day trips
Allendale’s outdoor life extends into Bergen County’s larger park system. These options are close enough for a quick outing and big enough to feel like an escape.
- Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Bergen County’s largest park offers multi-mile trail networks, MacMillan Falls, camping by permit, and canoe or kayak access to the Ramapo River. It is a popular choice for day hikes and leaf-peeping. Check maps and permitted uses on the county’s page for Ramapo Valley County Reservation.
- Saddle River County Park. A linear 577-acre park links Ridgewood to Rochelle Park with roughly 6 to 7 miles of paved path. It is a go-to for family rides, training cyclists, and easy walks. Review features and access points on the Saddle River County Park page.
- Campgaw Mountain Reservation. This neighborhood ski area and recreation spot offers skiing, snow tubing, hiking, and disc golf. It is a convenient winter sports hub for families. Learn more on Bergen County’s page for outdoor activities and campgrounds.
- James A. McFaul Environmental Center. In nearby Wyckoff, this 81-acre sanctuary features a boardwalk, observation platform, and standout spring plant displays. It is ideal for short, family-friendly nature time. See details within the county’s listing of environmental centers.
Note that county parks are managed separately from borough lands. Rules, permits, and seasonal operations come from Bergen County Parks, so verify before you go.
How seasons shape your routine
Spring
- Walk the Celery Farm loop at dawn for migrating songbirds and waterfowl.
- Join a guided bird walk or track sightings with local citizen science lists.
- Mix in short, easy nature time at the McFaul Environmental Center.
Summer
- Build your week around Crestwood Lake swim hours, lessons, and the Cruisers schedule.
- Plan picnics or birthday parties at the Red Barn, following rental rules.
- Add early morning rides on the Saddle River path before the day heats up.
Fall
- Hike Ramapo’s upland loops for foliage and waterfall views.
- Return to the Celery Farm for quiet boardwalk walks during fall migration.
- Pack simple picnic gear to extend after-school time outdoors.
Winter
- Head to Campgaw for skiing or snow tubing when conditions allow.
- Watch for safe, posted ice conditions before any neighborhood skating.
- Use Ramapo trails for crisp, low-crowd hikes or cross-country glides when snow cooperates.
Practical tips for new residents
- Confirm memberships early. If Crestwood Lake is central to your summer, review membership eligibility, fees, and guest policies on the borough site before peak season.
- Learn the preserve etiquette. Keep the Celery Farm quiet, leash-free of pets, and free of food for wildlife. Plan footwear for muddy sections after rain.
- Park with care. Lots at the preserve are small. Arrive early or use permitted side-street parking and be respectful of neighbors.
- Keep a simple gear bin. A modest setup with binoculars, lightweight rain jackets, towels, and a picnic blanket makes spontaneous stops easy.
- Verify dynamic details. Swim hours, Red Barn rentals, and county park permits can change. Always check borough and county pages before you go.
Make the most of Allendale’s outdoor life
If outdoor time is part of what you want from home, Allendale delivers a simple, seasonal rhythm that feels close and easy. From birding mornings at the Celery Farm to long, social afternoons at Crestwood Lake, you can live a lot of your year outside.
If you are exploring a move, we can help you align the right home with the lifestyle you want. For local insight, neighborhood nuance, and a concierge approach to buying or selling, connect with Till Horkenbach. We are here to make your next step clear and confident.
FAQs
Is the Celery Farm dog-friendly in Allendale?
- No. Dogs are not allowed in the Celery Farm, except for service animals, and the preserve is reserved for passive recreation. Review posted rules on the borough’s Celery Farm page.
Can non-residents use Crestwood Lake in summer?
- Crestwood Lake is private and members-only. Some out-of-town families may be sponsored by members under current policy. Check eligibility and guest rules on the Crestwood Lake overview.
When is the best time for birding at the Celery Farm?
- Early mornings in spring and fall migration offer the most activity and calmer viewing. Fyke also posts programs and information on the Celery Farm and stewardship.
Are there paved bike paths near Allendale?
- Yes. The Saddle River County Park has roughly 6 to 7 miles of paved path linking Ridgewood to Rochelle Park. Learn more on the county’s Saddle River County Park page.
Where can you ski or snow tube close to Allendale?
- Campgaw Mountain Reservation offers skiing and snow tubing during the winter season, along with hiking and disc golf. See details under county outdoor activities.
How do you reserve Allendale’s Red Barn pavilion?
- Residents can reserve the Red Barn for events. The borough posts rental fees, insurance requirements, capacity limits, and the security deposit policy. Start with the Red Barn rental details.
