Posted in New Jersey Nature January 10, 2017 by

The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Discovered New Jersey’s Best Kept Secret

New Jersey has some spectacular state parks, and we appreciate that. That’s why you’ll often find us hiking their trails, swimming in their lakes and boating on their rivers. Sometimes, it can get pretty crowded. If you’d like to enjoy nature in a more secluded space, look no further than Greenbrook Sanctuary.

Greenbrook Sanctuary is a 165-acre woodland preserve on top of the Palisades in Tenafly and Alpine.
Image/NJPalisades.org
Pictured is the brook after heavy rainfall.
It's a wonderful place to visit year-round, but the foliage here is particularly gorgeous.
Flickr/Tom Babich
There's just something about the Palisades - it seems to have a perfect mix to make the colors pop.
Within the park, you'll find streams, a pond, adjoining bog, a wide variety of wildlife, Hudson River views, forest, swampland, over a dozen different trails and a hidden waterfall.
Flickr/Squirrel83
And by hidden, I mean hidden away from the rest of the state... it cascades 250 feet, definitely hard to miss.
Why is the park so peaceful? It's members only.
Ken Habermann/Greenbrook Preserve
And the perks of membership are abundant. Facilities include 6 miles of marked trails, an information center and museum, restrooms and a picnic area. Booklets about the sanctuary’s flora, fauna, ecology, history, and trails are available in the information center.

Members will also enjoy weekend nature programs and occasional weekday morning and evening walks, conducted by a professional naturalist. What does all this cost? $35 per year for an individual or $50 for a family.
The affordable membership fee may actually be cheaper than visiting some state parks.
Ken Habermann/Greenbrook Sanctuary
And it helps support the preservation of the Palisades. Greenbrook Sanctuary is managed by the non-profit Palisades Nature Association.
You never know what sort of wildlife you'll find - be sure to bring a camera.
Ken Habermann/Greenbrook Sanctuary
This buck was snapped in the spring. You'll also find raccoon, snakes, rabbits, chipmunks, birds and butterflies. Bald Eagles are even found in colder months.
Don't wait until winter is over to join.
Ken Habermann/Greenbrook Sanctuary
Upcoming events include a "Wolf Moon Hike," a guided evening hike on January 12th and a "Winter History Hike" on February 4th.

Did you know about this hidden sanctuary tucked away in Palisades Interstate Park? To visit, head to Green Brook Road in Tenafly, off Route 9W. For more information, head to NJPalisades.org/Greenbrook. Guests are welcome, but frequent guests are encouraged to join. Thanks to Ken Habermann for many of these gorgeous photos. Take your own and share with us.