Nestled in New Jersey’s most populous county is a beautiful sanctuary in an otherwise urban setting just two miles from New York City. Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, and its 150 acres located in Englewood in Bergen County is recognized as one of the state’s best hiking locations year after year. People from throughout the region enjoy the flora and fauna contained within Flat Rock Brook’s borders, and many make this place their regular hiking location and can be seen here enjoying the facility day after day.
There are many discoveries to be made as you walk along Flat Rock Brook’s 3.6 miles of trails. In the summer sun you will certainly see turtles basking on a log in Quarry Pond and, if you walk along the pond’s edge, you will likely see a bullfrog peering back at you. Summer also brings out the rather elusive Pipevine Swallowtail caterpillars who will feed on the Dutchman’s Pipevine plant this time of year. Pipevine is climbing the gazebo next to the parking lot at its headquarters building at 443 Van Nostrand Avenue this time of year. The swallowtail caterpillars will continue their life cycle eventually turning into one of the most beautiful butterfly species, known for their striking bluish color which separates them from other swallowtail species. Dozens of bird species also live or migrate through Flat Rock Brook in summer, and the facility is well regarded by birders as a good spot to see a wide variety of bird species.
Summer flora include various native wildflower species, and in bloom in Flat Rock Brook’s Native Habitat for Wildlife space near the main building this summer are multiple species of butterfly attracting milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, Common Buttonbush, bee balm and Echinacea. Flat Rock Brook is known primarily for its forested areas, with about 140 of the 150 acres being wooded. The preserve contains many hardwood species including Northern red oak, American sweet gum, tulip poplar, and various maple species making up the majority of the wood density within the park.
Hiking throughout the preserve you will find well-maintained narrow trails that will gain over 100’ in elevation from stream to ridge. Trees are marked with colored blazes corresponding to the trails as indicated at the bottom of a recently updated Trail Map. Printed trail maps are available at the Nature Center building, or can be viewed here. You can also pick up a “Self-guided Trail Hike” brochure or Flat Rock Brook’s “Tree Identification Guide” to enhance your exploration of the Nature Center’s trails. For more information about Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, visit www.flatrockbrook.org or contact (201) 567-1265.