the celery farm

It's a nature preserve (just over 100 acres) with a hiking trail. There's a large lake (for ice skating in winter) that many birds and fowl frequent. There are elevated platforms in a couple places around the lake along the hiking path, so you can climb up and see what's happening with the wildlife on the lake. Since it is wetlands, the trail is very muddy/mushy after wet weather/snow, but in dry weather you can have a really nice walk around the lake and not get sucked into the muddy ground. Plan your visit!! BTW: no dogs allowed, not even on a leash. Please respect!

Beautiful trails and lakes!! Birds, wildlife, and more!!! Benches are scattered throughout, if u would just prefer to sit and relax! The trail around the lake near Franklin Turnpike is almost one mile around... There is a life guard chair so u may see the wildlife from a different view!!! When the lake freezes over there is ice skating at your own risk.... It is at this time that the Celery Farm is transformed into a "winder wonderland!" Such a beautiful, tranquil place!!

The Celery Farm is a 107-acre freshwater wetland in Allendale, New Jersey, and is open to the public during daylight hours every day of the year. There is an excellent, level footpath around the perimeter of the main pond, three observation platforms and at least five well placed benches, all with interesting views. Dogs are not permitted, and other prohibited activities include fishing, boating, feeding wildlife, littering and picking plants and flowers.Over 240 species of birds have been recorded here, and more than 50 are known to breed here. The wetlands and deciduous woods provide habitat for many mammals, fish, reptiles and insectsThe paths open up to a number of paths on the northern and eastern sides that go through second growth forest. On the last visit, we saw eight deer in one herd, several ducks and geese, a blue heron, a white egret, and two turtles.I've visited this delightful preserve dozens of times in many different weathers -- it can be safe to skate on the southern end when cold enough -- but the walk was always interesting.The walk around the pond is about one mile, with good footing; there are many tree routes in the forested areas that can be quite tricky. Although not really ADA compliant, I was able to push my wife around the pond several times in a wheelchair to both our great delights.Be sure to climb each of the three viewing platforms; all three have distinctly different aspects.