Hiking in Bergen County

camp gas hikingWhen I can, I’d rather ride my bike or hike instead of working out at a gym. One nice spot to hike is right here in Bergen County, check out Campgaw Mountain Reservation During the winter months, many families use it for the small ski mountain. It’s easy to get to, has plenty of parking (unlike some hiking spots that only can fit a few cars at the start) and has some pretty views. There’s a variety of hikes–some flat and easy, others with some on a pretty steep incline. I’ve gone twice in the last week: once with my kids, ages 7 and 9 and once with a friend for a workout.

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Karen and Heather hiking

“Staff meeting”

My favorite is the yellow and orange loop. It took Karen and me about an hour and 15 minutes; with my kids, it was 90 minutes. The first 10 minutes is uphill to the top of the ski hill and offers a nice view. Then you head down hill for about 30 minutes and back up again for 30 minutes. The trail is a little rocky and can be slippery after a rain or if there are a lot of leaves falling, so grab a stick to help you walk. When I did it with my friend, we worked up a sweat–perfect hike for a work out. They also have a disk golf course. If you bring a frisbee, you can give it a shot.

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Trails are very well marked so fear of getting lost.

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Here’s the loop I like.

Camp Gaw, 200 Campgaw Road, Mahwah, NJ. (201) 336-7275.

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Author: Heather Zachariah

Former Art Director for Home Magazine, Heather Leahy Zachariah, left her career in publishing after baby number number one. She now works from home as a freelance graphic designer and a chauffeur to her 3 busy kids. "Working on TipsFromTown has been a wonderful outlet for me. It renewed my love of publishing where I can design colorful, enticing pages online and allows me to share the things I love about being a mom." Heather grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a place that still is near and dear to her. " After living in Brooklyn for 18 years and studying Graphic Design at Pratt Institute, she now lives in the Jersey burbs. "I love living so close to NYC, but in my heart, I'm an Ohio girl."

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