Large regional preserve spanning more than 1,000 acres, with wooded hiking trails and ridge scenery extending through Franklin Lakes and neighboring communities.
Things to Do · History · Parks · Dining · Shopping · Transportation
Franklin Lakes Visiting & Lodging
Franklin Lakes is a spacious, predominantly residential borough in northwestern Bergen County, known for wooded neighborhoods, lakes, large-lot housing, strong schools and an unusually large amount of preserved open space for the county.
This guide focuses on realistic local stops and nearby lodging rather than inventing tourist attractions or hotels that are not actually present.
Things to see & do
84-acre borough park at 500 Parsons Pond Road with ponds, streams, walking paths and athletic fields.
Local open-space destination for walking, nature observation and quiet recreation around former reservoir lands.
Community library with BCCLS resources, programs and local services.
The borough’s many lakes and wooded residential roads create a distinct landscape, though many lakefront areas are private or association-controlled.
Municipal sports, camps and community programming provide year-round local activity.
Historic Franklin Lakes
Franklin Lakes was incorporated in 1922. Its modern character combines older lake communities and historic homes with postwar suburban growth, estate neighborhoods, preserved ridgelines and carefully managed commercial areas.
Visitor etiquette: many historic homes, lakefronts and residential landmarks are private property. Enjoy public spaces and streets without entering private grounds.
Where to stay
NJTGO lists the practical lodging geography without implying that nearby hotels are located inside Franklin Lakes.
A broad selection of chain lodging lies north of Franklin Lakes near Route 17 and I-287.
Nearby lodging serves business and family visitors headed to northwestern Bergen County.
The borough is not a conventional hotel center; visitors generally stay in surrounding Route 17 communities.
Before booking: verify the exact address, parking, cancellation rules, accessibility, taxes and transportation directly with the lodging provider.
Transportation & parking
A car is the most practical way to explore Franklin Lakes. Visitors should plan around Route 208/I-287 access and use nearby rail/bus hubs when combining the trip with New York City travel.
Parking rules, street restrictions and event arrangements can change. Read posted signs and use current municipal/NJ Transit information.
A simple Franklin Lakes day trip
Walk or hike at High Mountain Park Preserve or a borough open-space property, choosing a route appropriate to weather and trail conditions.
Head to Franklin Avenue for Mediterranean, Italian, sushi, pizza or café choices.
Visit Parsons Pond Park, the library or local shopping, then continue to nearby Wyckoff, Oakland or Mahwah if desired.
Plan with current resources
Borough of Franklin LakesOfficial events, recreation, parking and visitor-relevant municipal information.Franklin Lakes Public LibraryPrograms, local resources and community information.Food & Drink GuideCurrent factual restaurant directory and dietary-option guidance.Business & Shopping GuideShopping areas, local services and factual business listings.
Promote a Franklin Lakes business or organization on NJTGO
Enhanced visitor-service placement is available for appropriate lodging, attractions, event providers and local businesses serving Franklin Lakes visitors.
Advertising & Enhanced ListingsFranklin Lakes visitor, recreation, library, transit and lodging-area information was reviewed in September 2026. Hours, events, parking and transportation can change; verify time-sensitive information directly.