James J. Braddock Park Guide: North Bergen’s 167-Acre County Park

James J. Braddock Park is a 167-acre Hudson County park in the Woodcliff section of North Bergen, set atop the Palisades with a 16-acre lake, 21 tennis courts, miles of walkways and views of the Manhattan skyline. The park is open to the public 24 hours a day, every day, and admission is free.

Officially known as James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park, it is one of the largest and most loved parks in the county. Whether you are coming for a lap around the lake, a tennis match or a picnic with the kids, here is our team’s guide to everything inside James J. Braddock Park.

Where Is James J. Braddock Park?

The park sits in North Bergen, roughly bounded by 79th Street to the south, Bergenline Avenue to the west, and Boulevard East to the east and north. Because it runs along the top of the Palisades, the eastern side of the park opens up to wide views of the Manhattan skyline. The park is managed by the Hudson County Department of Parks, which you can reach at 201-915-1388 with questions about fields, permits or programs.

• Location: Woodcliff section of North Bergen, between 79th Street, Bergenline Avenue and Boulevard East
• Size: 167 acres
• Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Cost: Free
• Website: Hudson County park page on Visit Hudson

The History Behind the Name

The park was established in 1910 as North Hudson Park, part of the Hudson County park system. It was later renamed for James J. Braddock, the boxer and longtime Hudson County resident who held the world heavyweight championship from 1935 to 1937. Braddock was a resident of North Bergen, which makes the park a fitting tribute, and he was inducted into the boxing hall of fame in 2001.

Woodcliff Lake

The centerpiece of the park is Woodcliff Lake, a 16-acre lake that is the largest in Hudson County. A walk around the water is the classic Braddock Park outing. The park also includes a wildlife sanctuary with a bird viewing platform, so bring binoculars on a crisp fall morning.

In past warm-weather seasons, Urban Paddle has run walk-up kayak rentals on Woodcliff Lake from a spot next to the lake house. Kayaking is seasonal and not running in late fall, so check Urban Paddle’s Hudson County listing next spring for the current schedule.

Walking Paths and Nature Trails

James J. Braddock Park has 8 miles of walkways, plus nature trails and an exercise and cross-country course. That is plenty of room for joggers, strollers and an easy after-dinner walk, and fall is a beautiful time to see the leaves change around the lake.

Tennis, Courts and Fields

Sports are a huge part of the park. In total, the county counts about 45 athletic facilities here, including:

• 21 tennis courts
• 3 basketball courts
• 3 bocce courts
• Handball courts
• 6 volleyball courts
• 3 football fields
• A Little League field

Many league games and field uses require a county permit, so call the Hudson County Department of Parks before planning a team practice or tournament. Looking for pickleball? The county’s official park listings do not currently confirm dedicated pickleball courts here, so check with the parks department before you bring your paddles.

Playground, Fitness Station and Dog Run

Families will find a children’s playground with a variety of equipment, plus picnic areas for a packed lunch. Next to the tennis courts is an outdoor fitness station that opened in 2019 through a partnership that included the Hudson County Department of Parks, the North Bergen Health Department and Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center. It includes a balance walk, an overhead ladder, parallel bars, a cardio walker and benches for push-ups, sit-ups and leg presses. Dog owners can use the park’s dog run.

Seasonal Highlights

Fall is one of the best times to visit, with foliage around Woodcliff Lake, cooler weather for long walks and plenty of birds passing through the sanctuary. In winter the paths stay open for brisk walks with skyline views. Spring and summer bring tennis, ball games, picnics and, in past years, kayaking on the lake. The park also hosts community runs and events through the year, which the county and township announce as dates are set.

Looking for more fall fun this season? See our list of fall festivals in Hudson County and our picks for the best waterfront spots and parks in Hudson County for fall.

Parking and Getting There

NJ Transit buses run along Bergenline Avenue on the park’s western edge, which makes the park easy to reach without a car from Union City, West New York and Guttenberg. If you drive, plan to arrive early on warm weekends when the tennis courts and fields are busy, and follow posted parking signs around the park.

Planning more outings? Find something for the whole family in our guide to things to do in Hudson County in November, or check things to do in Hudson County this weekend. Want to give back while you’re in town? Meet the North Bergen nonprofits and community groups our team rounded up.

Shopping for vintage finds? JC Promotions runs a monthly flea and collectible market along Braddock Park on the first Saturday of each month.

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Featured photo: Jim.henderson, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).