Parks and Farms: Explore Cedar Grove's Green Spaces and Local Farms
Tips on renting in Cedar Grove
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Cedar Grove invites your family to discover northern New Jersey’s woodland sanctuary, where the Peckman River winds through this peaceful township of approximately 12,500 residents. Mills Reservation crowns the town with 157 acres of hiking trails that reward your climb with sweeping Manhattan skyline views across the treetops. Your kids will love spotting wildlife along the marked paths while you breathe in the crisp forest air scented with oak and maple. The reservation’s stone lookout tower stands as a beloved local landmark where families gather for sunset picnics overlooking the valley below.
Memorial Park anchors Cedar Grove’s community spirit with baseball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds where neighborhood children spend summer afternoons. You’ll find the town’s Recreation Department offers seasonal camps and family events that connect visitors with Cedar Grove’s welcoming atmosphere. The nearby Verona Park, just minutes away, features a stunning 54-acre lake perfect for paddle boating and feeding ducks along tree-lined shores that explode with color each autumn.
Cedar Grove’s historic character surprises visitors who explore the Old Cedar Grove Cemetery, where Revolutionary War soldiers rest beneath weathered headstones dating to the 1700s. Local families treasure Gialanella’s Farm Stand for fresh Jersey produce and the authentic Italian bakeries along Pompton Avenue that have served the community for generations.
Nearby cities
Hasbrouck Heights
Explore Hasbrouck Heights and enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline from scenic Woodland Park during your stay.
Berkeley Heights
Explore Berkeley Heights and enjoy the annual Rubber Ducky Festival, a beloved local tradition with family fun and excitement.
Clark
Explore Clark and enjoy a relaxing day at Oak Ridge Park, perfect for picnics, trails, and family fun.
Unionport
Explore Unionport, where you can savor authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and stroll along the scenic Bronx River waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Cedar Grove has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Cedar Grove Park in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, start at the Robert J. O’Toole Community Center, a central hub of the 77-acre park. Explore the farm-themed playground, four bocce courts, and three fitness stations along the meandering walking paths, which include a segment of the 36-mile Lenape Trail. The park is well-maintained, quiet, and semi-level, making it ideal for walking or sitting, with dog-friendly amenities and clear signage; it is best enjoyed year-round, though early autumn offers particularly scenic views.
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For a seamless boat launch experience near Cedar Grove, New Jersey, head to the Elmwood Park Boat Ramp, located at 353 River Drive in Elmwood Park. This ramp offers easy access to the Passaic River and is well-suited for various boat sizes. The area is open year-round, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with no entrance fees for the ramp itself, although some parking fees might apply.
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The Lenape Trail in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, is a segment of the 36-mile urban/suburban trail network that connects 18 parks across 11 municipalities in Essex County. Within Cedar Grove, the trail passes through the Mills Reservation, a 150-acre protected area on the First Watchung Mountain, and skirts the Cedar Grove Reservoir, offering scenic views and unique features like the Bamboo Forest. This section of the trail is part of a larger cultural tour that highlights the area’s natural, cultural, and historic landmarks, making it a compelling day hike or part of a longer trek through Essex County’s diverse landscapes.
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For the best view of the New York skyline in Cedar Grove, head to Mills Reservation, a 157-acre county park straddling Cedar Grove and Montclair. Here, one of the four main trails leads to a cliff offering stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. This scenic overlook is accessible via various walking and jogging trails, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and cityscape admirers, and it is particularly striking during early autumn or clear spring days.
