Things To Do
in Haledon

Haledon is a small, residential borough in Passaic County, New Jersey, known for quiet tree-lined streets and a close-knit community feel. It sits just east of Paterson and within easy commuting distance of New York City, giving visitors access to urban attractions while maintaining suburban calm. The town has a diverse population and modest commercial strips with diners, pizzerias and family-run shops.

Parks and nearby natural areas make Haledon a useful base for exploring northern New Jersey’s outdoor and historical sites.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Haledon's History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Haledon Historical Society and Museum to delve into the town's rich heritage. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Haledon’s historic district, taking in its charming architecture and local artwork. Don’t forget to grab a coffee at a nearby cafe to fuel your exploration.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby deli, head to Haledon's parks, such as the scenic Goffle Brook Park, to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful landscapes. Consider bringing a picnic or simply taking a stroll along the trails to appreciate the natural beauty. You might even spot some local wildlife as you explore the area's lush greenery.

evening
:

As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner at one of Haledon’s local restaurants that offer delicious home-cooked meals. After dinner, take a leisurely walk in the park to enjoy the tranquil evening atmosphere. Consider ending your night with a sweet dessert from a beloved local bakery.

day 2
Outdoor Adventures
morning
:

Spend your morning visiting nearby hiking trails, such as the Ramapo Valley Reservation, where you can enjoy stunning views and the beauty of nature. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the lookout points while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes for this invigorating adventure.

afternoon
:

After your hike, head back to town and relax at one of the local coffee shops, where you can unwind and chat with locals. Enjoy the cozy ambiance while sampling some artisanal pastries or seasonal treats. This afternoon is perfect for charging your energy for the evening ahead.

evening
:

As night approaches, check out any live music events happening at a local venue or community center. Engage with the vibrant local arts scene as musicians fill the air with energy and creativity. Wrap up the night with a late bite at a neighborhood food truck for some tasty street food.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2.50-4.50
🚗Local bus fare / short rideshare$1.60-15 (bus to NYC or short rideshare)
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$90-160
🍺Beer at bar$5-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to major urban centers (Paterson, New York City) while retaining suburban calm
  • Access to notable outdoor and historical sites like Garret Mountain and Paterson Great Falls
  • Affordable dining options and classic New Jersey diners
  • Short drives to a variety of cultural offerings in nearby towns
  • Limited nightlife and dining options within Haledon itself
  • Some commuter traffic during peak hours
  • Smaller town amenities — may require travel to neighboring towns for specialty services
  • Weather can be variable with winter snow and summer humidity

Places to Visit in Haledon

Visit one of these nice places.

Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park

Dramatic industrial-era waterfalls and brick mill buildings—excellent for dramatic landscape and historic urban photography about 10–15 minutes from Haledon.

Garret Mountain Reservation

Wooded trails, ridgeline views of the New York skyline on clear days, and seasonal foliage—great for panoramic shots and nature scenes.

Haledon Borough Park and Main Streets

Neighborhood parks, older homes and everyday community scenes that capture suburban New Jersey life and local architecture.

Passaic River Views

Riverfront locations near Paterson provide industrial and natural contrasts—ideal at sunrise or sunset for reflections and moody skies.

Culinary Guide

Food in Haledon

Haledon’s food scene reflects classic New Jersey suburban tastes: diners, pizzerias, bakeries and family-owned American and ethnic eateries. Because Haledon is small, many standout options are in neighboring Paterson, Hawthorne and Wayne—where you’ll find expanded international choices. Expect hearty portions, comfort food, and convenient takeout for picnics or park visits.

Haledon Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Classic Diner Breakfast

Eggs, pancakes, home fries and bacon at a local diner—available across Haledon and nearby towns; great for an affordable, filling start to the day.

Must-Try!

New Jersey-style Pizza

Thin- to medium-crust pizza sold by the slice or pie at neighborhood pizzerias in Haledon and Paterson—look for coal-oven or brick-oven style options nearby.

Italian-American Classics

Pasta dishes, meatballs and sub sandwiches at family-run restaurants reflecting the region’s long Italian-American culinary influence.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Farmers’/Street Markets (nearby Paterson)

Seasonal farmers’ markets and street vendors in Paterson and surrounding towns offer fresh produce, baked goods and prepared items—ideal for picnic supplies and sampling regional specialties.

Neighborhood Delis and Bakeries

Small delis and bakeries in Haledon and adjacent communities serve sandwiches, pastries and coffee for grab-and-go meals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Haledon has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers; cool-to-cold winters with occasional snow; and mild spring and autumn periods. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed year-round, with summer thunderstorms and winter Nor’easters possible. Temperatures can vary widely between winter lows around freezing and summer highs in the 80s–90s °F (27–35 °C).

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Politeness and Courtesy

A friendly hello and basic politeness go a long way; people tend to be direct but helpful. Hold doors and respect personal space on sidewalks.

Community Respect

Keep noise levels reasonable in residential neighborhoods—particularly evenings—and follow local parking rules and trash/recycling guidelines.

Public Transit and Queues

Stand to the side when allowing boarding/alighting and be considerate on buses; commuters expect orderly behavior during busy times.

Safety Guide

Safety

Haledon is generally a safe, residential borough but, like many urban-adjacent areas, it’s wise to remain aware of your surroundings—especially at night. Take common-sense precautions: lock your car, keep valuables out of sight, avoid poorly lit streets late at night, and park in well-traveled areas. Keep an eye on weather alerts during winter storms and flooding-prone conditions near rivers and low-lying areas. For emergencies dial 911; non-emergency police contact and local precinct information are available through the borough website.

Tipping in Haledon

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard restaurant tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down meals; $1–2 per drink at bars, $1–2 for coffee shop counter service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares or tip 10–15% for rideshare or taxi drivers; tip hotel staff (housekeeping $2–5/day) and valet or bell staff a few dollars per service.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small purchases, tips, or at very small vendors. ATMs are available in nearby towns and banks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot and humid with summer thunderstorms possible; parks and reservations are busiest—bring sun protection, water and insect repellent for hikes and picnics.

Autumn

Crisp, comfortable days with colorful foliage at nearby preserves—great for hiking, photography and outdoor activities; pack layers for variable temperatures.

Winter

Cold with periodic snow; roads and trails can be icy—dress warmly and check local conditions before heading to parks; some outdoor sites may have limited access after heavy storms.

Spring

Mild and wet with budding trees and blooming parks—muddy trails are common early in the season, so wear appropriate footwear and expect rapidly changing weather.

Nightlife Guide

Haledon at Night

Haledon itself has a quiet, low-key nightlife with a few family restaurants and bars; for livelier evening options, residents head to nearby Paterson, Hawthorne and Clifton where there are more bars, ethnic restaurants and late-night eateries. Expect most local venues to close earlier than in big cities; weekend community events and diners are popular late-night options.

Hiking in Haledon

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Garret Mountain Reservation

Short trails, scenic overlooks, picnic areas and views of the New York skyline; family-friendly and close to Haledon.

Ramapo Valley County Reservation

Larger network of trails, forests and streams that provide moderate hikes and natural scenery about 20–30 minutes away.

High Mountain Park Preserve / Pyramid Mountain

Preserves with rocky outcrops and varied trails offering panoramic views and a more rugged hiking experience in nearby towns.

Paterson Great Falls area trails

Short riverfront walks and historical paths near the falls for photography and easy exploration of industrial heritage.

Airports

How to reach Haledon by plane.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

Major international airport about 20–35 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and good ground transportation into the NYC/NJ region.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Located in Queens, NY, roughly 35–60 minutes by car (traffic dependent); primarily domestic flights—accessible by car or public transit connections.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Major international gateway in Queens, NY, about 45–75 minutes by car depending on traffic; offers many international routes and ground transit options.

Teterboro Airport (TEB)

Small general aviation airport located in nearby Teterboro for private and corporate flights—handy for private arrivals and departures.

Getting Around

Walkability

Haledon is moderately walkable within residential neighborhoods and near the borough center; sidewalks exist on main streets but destinations are spread out and many visitors rely on a car. For extended exploration or to reach larger attractions, driving or public transit to nearby towns is common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hispanic / Latino Community

A significant portion of Haledon’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to local culture, food choices and community events.

White (non-Hispanic)

Longstanding residents and families, some with multi-generational ties to the borough and nearby industrial towns.

African American and Asian Residents

Smaller but important communities contributing to the borough’s cultural and civic life; diversity is reflected in local schools and businesses.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

High School Football and Baseball

Local high school sports are community focal points—football and baseball games draw residents to weekend events and local fields.

Soccer

Soccer is popular among youth and adult leagues, reflecting the area’s diverse communities and immigrant traditions.

Running and Recreational Sports

Parks and reservations host runners, cyclists and recreational athletes enjoying trails, open fields and community leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours toward commuter corridors to New York City and along regional routes; local streets are typically calm outside peak times. Public transportation options include NJ Transit buses serving the borough and nearby train stations in Paterson and Hawthorne for commuter rail into New York. Driving is the most convenient option for reaching many attractions, but allow extra time during morning and evening peaks.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Haledon.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available at diners (omelettes, salads, sides) and many pizzerias (cheese or vegetable pizzas). Nearby towns and Paterson offer more dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants—ask staff for modifications and look for cafes with salads and grain bowls.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free choices are limited in smaller diners but increasingly available in nearby larger towns and chain restaurants. Call ahead to bakeries or pizzerias if you need GF crust or bread.

Food Allergies

Most restaurants can accommodate common allergies if notified—double-check cross-contact concerns in older diners and bakeries where equipment may be shared.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical care and urgent care clinics are available in the area, and larger hospitals—such as St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in nearby Paterson—provide emergency and specialized services within a short drive. For major medical needs or specialists, residents often travel to regional medical centers in Paterson, Wayne or Paramus; plan ahead for appointments and insurance coverage.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide