The paddling centers in the Meadowlands region are officially open, with plenty of events at three locations coordinated by the Hackensack Riverkeeper and taking place on the Hackensack River. Aside from boating, people can visit any of the parks to explore acres of natural areas, walk along the wooded paths, or learn about volunteer opportunities. Two paddling centers offer rentals of canoes, single and tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
Registration is mandatory for special events. However, reservations and registration are typically not required to paddle at any Hackensack Riverkeeper locations. Beginners are always welcome, but should check which areas are best suited for novices.
Special Events, What to Know
Sunday, June 21 at Overpeck Creek in Leonia: Register now for the Summer Solstice Sunset Paddle. The evening is planned as a peaceful kayak paddle as the “sun lingers low over the water and the creek glows with golden summer light,” the Riverkeeper said in a press release. Boats for the Summer Solstice paddle launch at 7 p.m., and return about 8:30 p.m. Single and Tandem kayaks are available for rent. Spots are limited, and registration is required. Click here for tickets.
Overpeck County Park, 40 Fort Lee Road in Leonia, operates on a first-come, first-served walk-up basis for standard rentals, which include canoes, single and tandem kayaks, and SUPs. It’s open now through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, Friday–Sunday, plus holidays. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m; last rental is at 4:30 p.m. For up-to-date weather or changes in hours, click here. Overpeck County Park’s main entrance sits just off the Fort Lee Road, near the Overpeck Creek and the local railroad tracks.
River Barge Club, 260 Outwater Lane in Carlstadt, will soon offer moonlight boat tours; dates to be announced. But in the meantime, don’t miss City of Water Day Free Kayaking at River Barge Park, in Carlstadt.
Registration opens July 1 for the popular July 25 event,”City of Water Day,” where people paddle on the Hackensack River and revel in the sun’s beauty as it sinks behind the Meadowlands. After that spectacular show, people can witness the full moon rise over the Meadowlands and Manhattan, casting a bright-lit shadow across the water. The region-wide day is free for the whole family, with events on or near the water.
About City of Water Day
Now in its 19th year, City of Water Day is a region-wide day organized by Waterfront Alliance and New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) to champion a climate-resilient New York and New Jersey harbor.
Dozens of communities across all five boroughs, Westchester and Rockland counties, and New Jersey will host events on and near the water that celebrate the importance of a resilient and equitably shared waterfront. From free kayaking to rowing to hands-on workshops, these events offer community members opportunities for fun, education, and access to their local waterfront.
Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus, New Jersey, is currently closed, probably until the end of the year. The Hackensack Riverkeeper said repairs to the boat ramps and docks are underway. There will be no guided tours or rentals at Laurel Creek in Secaucus this year; see the Laurel Hill Boat Ramp Status. Moonlight Tours usually held at Laurel Hill Park will take place at River Barge Park, Carlstadt.
Van Buskirk Island County Park, 200 Elm St., Oradell, New Jersey. Time: 7:30 pm meetup; 8:00-8:15 pm embark. Return around 10-10:30 pm after the display is completed.
Secaucus’ 2026 Fireworks display will be at Secaucus Swim Center, which is near Mill Creek Point Park just across and up a bit from River Barge. Fireworks will begin at dark, we’re guessing around 9:15 or so. It will be a mid- to incoming high tide. Feel free to bring snacks and water, but alcohol and cannabis products are prohibited.
Adults only please. Our tour will embark by 8:15pm and we’ll return approximately 10:30pm. We’ll be on the water for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Please arrive by 7:30 pm.
$50 per person for rental, or $35 per person if bringing your own boat. This special event will be limited to 10 rentals (8 singles and 2 tandem kayaks are available for rent), or bring your own kayak and join us! This tour will sell out!
Open Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays in May, June, September, and October, from 10 a.m- 6 p.m. (last rental at 4:30 p.m.).
Fireworks Paddle on the Hackensack
:30 pm meetup
8:00-8:15 pm embark
Return around 10-10:30 pm after display is completed.
Secaucus’ 2026 Fireworks display will be at Secaucus Swim Center, which is near Mill Creek Point Park just across and up a bit from River Barge. Fireworks will begin at dark, we’re guessing around 9:15 or so. It will be a mid- to incoming high tide. Feel free to bring snacks and water, but alcohol and cannabis products are prohibited.
Adults only please. Our tour will embark by 8:15pm and we’ll return approximately 10:30pm. We’ll be on the water for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Please arrive by 7:30 pm.
$50 per person for rental, or $35 per person if bringing your own boat. This special event will be limited to 10 rentals (8 singles and 2 tandem kayaks are available for rent), or bring your own kayak and join us! This tour will sell out!Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays in May, June, September, and October Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last rental at 4:30 PM)
Whether you’re a regular on Overpeck or it’s your first time on the water, this is your invitation to celebrate summer close to home.
Reservations only. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Single and Tandem kayaks are available for rent. Spots are limited — Paddle the longest day of the year and come welcome the summer with us!
Here’s a breakdown of spring hours:
Overpeck County Park
Friday–Sunday & Holidays
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last rental at 4:30 PM)
Starting June 19, open 7 days a week through Labor Day
Van Buskirk Island County Park
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays in May, June, September, and October
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last rental at 4:30 PM)
Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays in July and August
Laurel Hill County Park
Currently closed until further notice.
The dock was damaged when the river froze this winter. We’ll share an update as soon as the county begins working on them.
Registration is now open for our exciting lineup of moonlight cruises, guided tours, camps, and exclusive special programs! Visit our website to plan ahead and secure your spot for an unforgettable experience on the water.
