There are plenty of incredible state parks in New Jersey, many of which allow kayaking. Wharton State Forest is a favorite and should not be missed but there are smaller, local parks that don’t get the attention they deserve. One of the best may surprise you…

Overpeck County Park is an 811-acre park in Bergen County with major sections in Leonia, Palisades Park, Ridgefield Park, and Teaneck.
Image/Author's Own
The beautiful park offers walking and biking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, baseball, soccer, and football fields, and a 46-acre eco-art park. You'd never guess that it was a landfill not too long ago...
One of the best parts of the park is Overpeck Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River.
Facebook/Overpeck Park Kayak Center
The calm, protected waters are perfect for kayaking. There's a public boat launch, which I love, but you don't need to BYOB (bring your own boat). Overpeck Park Kayak Center offers affordable rentals and is open from late April-October. While rentals are daytime only and you must bring a buddy, there are special sunset and group paddles available. Children 5 and up are welcome but must paddle with an adult or adults.
Any warm day is perfect but you definitely don't want to miss May 20th.
Facebook/Overpeck Park Kayak Center
May 20th is EarthFest! In addition to kayaking, there will be eco-friendly vendors and food trucks, environmental demos, a fishing derby, children's activities, live music and a recycled regatta! You'll delight in the unique boats on the water.

Have you been kayaking at Overpeck County Park? I’ve had so much fun on the creek! You can find the kayak center at the 50 Fort Lee Road, Leonia entrance. To learn more about kayak rentals, click here. To learn more about the park, click here. For a different kind of boating adventure in New Jersey, check out this ferry boat.

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