Nestled in the woods along the Hackensack River is a serene and secret location to take a stroll and get some fresh air: Indian Pond.
Indian Pond is part of the larger Hackensack River Greenway Through Teaneck. According to the township of Teaneck website, the greenway is 3.5 miles long. In 1995, the town started the Hackensack River Greenway Advisory Board to support the project of the greenway. Then, in 2000, Friends of the Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck was created, which to this day maintains the trail.
According to the volunteer group’s website, “The mission of Friends is to support and encourage the development, maintenance and use of the Hackensack River Greenway through Teaneck. The 3.5-mile Teaneck Greenway extends from the southern end of Terhune Park to the northern end of historic New Bridge Landing. It presently consists of three nature trail loops.”
The pond itself features a stone path that allows visitors to walk around the pond for a short walk. Birders — It’s a good idea to bring a camera or binoculars, as the area is frequented by a variety of birds like red-winged blackbirds, song sparrows and even the occasional bald eagle. Turtles can also be seen laying on the branches protruding into the water, and the pond is a fishing spot as well. Keep an eye out for chipmunks crawling out of the woodwork and egrets gliding over the water. Whether you have a fishing rod, binoculars or nothing but yourself, be sure to take the scene in and appreciate Hashem’s creations. “Just a nice quiet place to escape the hustle-bustle of life,” wrote Zachary Becker, who enjoys fishing there.
There are a couple of benches along the path as well as a sign listing the different bird species that can be found in the area. By the pond is a tennis court (Teaneck tennis badge required) as well as multiple views of the Hackensack River. Notice the Shops at Riverside mall in Hackensack across the river; it highlights what’s special about the pond as a quiet retreat in between two suburban towns, a short walk or drive that transports the visitor from the hustle and bustle around him/her to a peaceful natural environment, from the honks of cars to the chirps of birds and rustling of leaves. As Teaneck native Samson Bierig put it, “Indian Pond is truly a beautiful part of Teaneck. At the pond you can see lots of wildlife and different kinds of plants such as willow trees and lots of birds. There’s also a lot of turtles, even some snapping turtles. It’s just a really nice, quiet place, serene, really beautiful, especially in the fall. Just a nice piece of nature.”
The pond is accessible from Andreas Park and visitors can drive up to the pond and tennis court areas by entering the driveway that extends from Grenville Avenue. When arriving, one can choose whether to turn left or right to make a circle around the pond. And maybe another.
Daniel Brauner is a summer intern at The Jewish Link. He is an incoming student at Yeshiva University and lives in Teaneck. Contact him at [email protected].
