Best lakes around Rutherford offer a mix of natural beauty and recreational opportunities within urban and park settings. The area features several bodies of water, from large ponds to lake-like sections of rivers, providing diverse outdoor experiences. These locations are often integrated into larger parks, offering amenities like trails, fishing spots, and wildlife observation areas.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
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It's a bit like the Parc de la Tête d'Or
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New York's green lung! ... breathe deeply and enjoy the peace and quiet. 🧘🏼♀️
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Weehawken Cove is a nice, small cove off of the Hudson River. From the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, there is a great view of the cove and the Manhattan skyline.
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Lincoln Park is one of the county's oldest and largest parks. It is a popular spot with plenty of outdoor activities, including tennis and basketball courts, a softball field, a running track, and bike paths. The park includes Edgewood Lake for fishing and a nature trail, part of the Historic Liberty/Water Gap Trail. A wetland restoration project is underway to enhance wildlife observation, making it a great place to spot rare birds like Black Skimmers, Ospreys, and Egrets. There is also a great dog run, so feel free to bring your pup along to enjoy this fantastic urban community park.
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Barbour Pond is the largest body of water in Garret Mountain Reservation. There is a trail that runs along the banks of the pond, so you can get a good view of the water during your run.
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Barbour Pond is the biggest reservoir within the Garret Mountain Reservation. The park features hiking trails that travel on both sides of Barbour Pond and are often utilized by those looking to fish the waters. There are a couple cool overlooks of the pond just off the side of the trail.
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The Overpeck Creek forms a wide branch here, framed in green nature. In addition to taking a break, you can also borrow a kayak or canoe here to distribute the load fairly between your legs and arms.
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Rutherford features a variety of water bodies, including large ponds, reservoirs like Barbour Pond within Garret Mountain Reservation, and lake-like sections of rivers such as the wide branch of Overpeck Creek near the Overpeck Park Kayak Center. These areas are often integrated into larger parks, offering diverse outdoor experiences.
Yes, several lakes and parks are great for families. Lincoln Park is one of the county's oldest and largest parks, offering fishing in Edgewood Lake, nature trails, and a dog run. Branch Brook Park, home to Clark's Pond, is also very family-friendly with trails for walking and jogging.
The lakes around Rutherford offer a range of activities. You can enjoy fishing, walking, cycling, and wildlife observation. For more structured activities, consider road cycling with routes like the 'Wild Duck Pond – Saddle River loop' found in the Road Cycling Routes around Rutherford guide, or explore mountain biking trails like the 'Yellow Trail' from the MTB Trails around Rutherford guide.
Absolutely. Many parks with lakes feature dedicated hiking and walking trails. Lincoln Park has nature trails, including part of the Historic Liberty/Water Gap Trail. Barbour Pond in Garret Mountain Reservation has trails running along its banks. For more options, check out the Hiking around Rutherford guide, which includes trails like the 'Hudson River Waterfront Walkway'.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lincoln Park includes Edgewood Lake, which is suitable for fishing. Barbour Pond in Garret Mountain Reservation also offers opportunities for fishing along its banks.
Yes, Branch Brook Park, which features Clark's Pond, is notable for its historical significance. It was the nation's first county park and was placed on the National Registers of Historic Places in 1981.
You can rent kayaks or canoes at the Overpeck Park Kayak Center. This center is located on a wide branch of the Overpeck Creek, offering a great spot to get out on the water.
Yes, Lincoln Park is known for being dog-friendly and features a great dog run, making it an excellent place to bring your pup to enjoy the park and its lake views.
The wetland restoration project at Lincoln Park aims to enhance wildlife observation, making it a great place to spot rare birds such as Black Skimmers, Ospreys, and Egrets.
Yes, Lincoln Park features a 1.25-mile loop with bike lanes in each direction, offering pleasant views of the water and a quiet place for cycling.
Visitors appreciate the mix of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the easy, pleasant loops for cycling and walking, the opportunities for fishing, and the chance to observe wildlife. The parks also offer a quiet escape within an urban setting.


Still not found your perfect lake around Rutherford? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.