Tenafly Nature Center

Tenafly Nature Center At A Glance...

• Home to Pfister's Pond, a magnet for painted turtles, frogs, and ducks.
• The Visitor Center houses live Animal Ambassadors, including snakes and owls.
• Hosts a popular 'Maple Sugaring' season every winter with real tree tapping.
• Todays Sunrise: 7:05 am,   Sunset: 4:29 pm  
• New Jersey Gateway Region Bergen County

• Amenities:

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

  Trails:

  • Boardwalks
  • Some are challenging
  • Rugged / Rocky
  • Dirt
  • Paved
  • Walking Paths

  Attractions:

  • Animals

Contact / Location

A Brief History

from the web:

The seeds for the nature center were planted in 1961 when a group of foresightful citizens formed the Tenafly Nature Center Association to save a "green island" from encroaching development. Over the decades, they have successfully preserved nearly 400 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. The center has grown from a small preservation effort into a robust educational hub that teaches thousands of students and visitors about the environment every year.

Programs / Education

TNC is famous for its hands-on education; they offer incredible opportunities for kids to get their hands dirty and learn about the ecosystem.

• Forest School: An immersive outdoor learning experience for young children.

• Summer Nature Camps: Weekly sessions during school breaks that focus on exploration and science.

• Scout Programs: Dedicated workshops to help Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts earn nature-related badges.

• Public Workshops: Regular events like "Cider Making" in autumn and "Owl Prowls" at night.

Trail & Path Info

The preserve features over seven miles of trails that weave through forests and wetlands. The system is well-marked and generally considered easy to moderate, making it great for families with younger hikers. The trails connect with the larger Lost Brook Preserve, allowing for longer loops if you have the time. The Yellow Trail is a popular main loop that takes you past the floating dock on Pfister's Pond.

Best Time of Year to Visit

While the center is open year-round, each season offers a distinctly different "vibe" that is worth catching.

• Late Winter (Feb-March): Maple Sugaring season is a must-do event.
• Spring: The best time for wildflowers and seeing the pond come alive with amphibians.
• Fall: The hardwood forest turns a brilliant array of colors, perfect for photography.

Trip Ideas

The "Nature & Nosh" Day: Spend the morning hiking the Yellow Trail, then head into downtown Tenafly (just 5 minutes away) for lunch at a local cafe.

Hudson River Loop: Visit TNC in the morning and then drive down to the nearby Palisades Interstate Park for river views.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few insider tips to make your visit smoother, especially if it's your first time.

• Mud Alert: After heavy rains, the trails near the pond can get quite muddy—wear boots!
• Check the Calendar: The Visitor Center sometimes closes for private events or holidays, so check their site before driving over.
• Donation: Bring a few dollars cash for the donation box if you aren't a member; it helps feed the animals.

Facilities

The amenities here are rustic but sufficient for a day trip.

• Restrooms (Indoor at Visitor Center & Outdoor Composting Toilet)
• Visitor Center (Museum & Animals)
• Picnic Tables
• Benches along trails

Parking

There is a designated gravel parking lot at the end of Hudson Avenue. It is generally sufficient, but can fill up quickly during popular events (like Earth Day) or during summer camp drop-off/pick-up times.