Flat Rock Brook Nature Center

Flat Rock Brook Nature Center At A Glance...

• Home to a permanent Raptor Aviary with live owls and hawks.
• Features a scenic 3.6-mile trail network with a quarry and cascading brook.
• Includes a butterfly garden and interpretive exhibits in the center.
• Todays Sunrise: 7:17 am,   Sunset: 4:35 pm  
• New Jersey Gateway Region Bergen County

• Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Jogging / Running
  • Picnicking
  • Walking

  Amenities:

  • Restrooms/Bathrooms
  • Parking Lot(s)
  • Nature / Environmental Center
  • Picnic / Sitting Area
  • Picnic tables

  Trails:

  • Boardwalks
  • Some are challenging
  • Rugged / Rocky
  • Natural Surface (Dirt/Roots/Rocks)
  • Walking Paths

  Rules/Regulations:

  • Alcohol Not Permitted
  • Dogs Not Permitted

Contact / Location

A Brief History

The center was founded in 1973 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to preserve this unique tract of land on the Palisades' western slope from rapid suburban development. It has since grown into a major environmental education center, managing the land to support biodiversity and providing green space for thousands of visitors annually. In 2013, they added a dedicated Raptor Aviary to house and care for injured birds of prey.

Programs / Education

Flat Rock Brook is a powerhouse for environmental education, offering year-round programs for schools, scouts, and families.

• Summer Nature Camps: Popular weekly camps for children ages 5-12 focusing on outdoor skills and ecology.
• Nature and Me: A program for toddlers (18-48 months) and their caregivers involving stories and hikes.
• Break at the Brook: Mini-camps held during school holidays.
• Raptor Programs: Educational presentations featuring the resident birds of prey.

   

Trail & Path Info

The preserve boasts a 3.6-mile network of self-guiding trails that are generally well-maintained and marked. The terrain can be hilly, as it sits on the slope of the Palisades, offering a nice moderate workout. Trails lead you through varied habitats including wetlands, wildflower meadows, and the dramatic quarry cliffs.

Things to See & Do

• Raptor Aviary: Located near the nature center, this housing structure lets you see "ambassador" birds like the Great Horned Owl and Red-tailed Hawk who cannot be released into the wild.
• The Quarry: A striking geological feature that offers a glimpse into the area's rocky history.
• Macfadden's Pond: A peaceful spot to look for frogs and waterfowl.
• Butterfly Garden: Best viewed in late spring and summer when pollinators are active.

   

Best Time of Year to Visit

• Spring: The best time to see the brook flowing heavily and wildflowers blooming in the meadows.
• Fall: The deciduous forest provides a beautiful canopy of autumn colors, making for excellent hiking and photography.

Tips and Tricks

• Check the map: The trail network is a web of intersecting paths; grab a map at the trailhead or snap a photo of the kiosk so you don't get turned around
• Steep Sections: Some trails leading down to the brook can be steep and rocky—wear sturdy shoes.

Admission & Guidelines

• Trails: Free to the public, open dawn to dusk 365 days a year.
• Nature Center: Free admission, though donations are appreciated.
• Programs: Fee-based (e.g., Summer Camp, special workshops).