Hike of the Week 5/19/2006

Description:

The Teaneck Creek Conservancy is a 46-acre tract that is now a part of Overpeck County Park. Once used as a dump for debris generated during the construction of the nearby interstate highways, the area has been rehabilitated and a trail system constructed. For the most part, the dense vegetation screens the adjacent developments from view, and even the noise from the nearby highways is often drowned out by the chirping birds. At times, it is hard to believe that you are in the midst of densely developed Bergen County!
        All trails in the conservancy are nearly flat, and the Red Trail is handicapped-accessible. The loop described below includes the Green Trail, portions of which have an uneven surface, but it is possible to fashion a slightly shorter loop by combining the Red and Blue Trails, both of which are suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
        Although the trails in the conservancy are designated with different colors, they are blazed in a rather unusual manner. Colored turtle-shaped tags, referred to as “blazers,” are placed along the trails in designated locations, but they are not generally visible as one walks along the trails. Despite the small size of the conservancy, it is easy to lose your way if you are not familiar with the area, so be sure to take a map along.
        After obtaining a trail map from the kiosk on the east side of the parking lot, descend wooden steps to the Red Trail. (To avoid the steps, you can use a path that begins at the end of East Oakdene Avenue.) Turn left onto the Red Trail. To your right, you will notice concrete plaques – formed from rubble that was dumped in the area – on which information regarding various species of migratory birds that frequent the area has been inscribed. Bear right at the next intersection (the left fork leads back to East Oakdene Avenue) and continue ahead along a six-foot-wide trail.
        After crossing a boardwalk over a wetland, you’ll notice a sign for the Labyrinth. To the right, a path leads to a gate, which opens into a fenced area. Here, chunks of concrete (“rubblestone”) have been arranged to form a winding path that leads to a circle in the center. You’ll want to spend a few minutes here, contemplating the surroundings.
        Leaving the Labyrinth, turn sharply left just before reaching the boardwalk. A green “blazer” designated “G1” marks the start of the Green Trail – the only one of the three trails in the conservancy that was constructed by volunteers, rather than by a paid contractor. The treadway is about a foot wide, and the trail is marked by orange and blue ribbons attached to trees, as well as with occasional green “blazers.” The Green Trail winds through a pleasant forested area, with a thick undergrowth of garlic mustard – an invasive species – and loops around the back of the Labyrinth.
        Eventually, you’ll reach the banks of Teaneck Creek and bear left, following the creek. To the left, you’ll notice dense reeds, known as phragmites, another invasive species. You’ll also pass several huge willow trees.
        At the next intersection, turn left onto the Red Trail, passing a posted color map to the left. Just beyond, you’ll reach the Five Pipes – huge sections of concrete piping, left behind during the construction of the nearby interstate highway. This section of the Red Trail follows the route of the Public Service trolley line that operated between 1899 and 1938, connecting Paterson with Edgewater (where a ferry took passengers to New York City).
        Continue ahead on the Red Trail to the next bridge. Here, to the right, is Dragonfly Pond, where you may observe various species of wildlife. Now retrace your steps to the Five Pipes and the map, and turn left, crossing a bridge. Teaneck Creek is to your right, and the Glenpointe development is visible through the trees beyond.
        At the next intersection, there is a bridge to the right, but you should bear left and continue on the Blue Trail, which is surfaced with wood chips. Continue on this trail to its end at East Oakdene Avenue. The parking lot where the hike began is just ahead.

V3 Last updated: August 27, 2006   Copyright © 1996-2006  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.