The Saddle River flows south through much of Bergen County, New Jersey. The river runs through densely populated suburban areas for much of its course. The river takes its name from the river near Saddell in Argyll and Bute in Scotland.

The headwaters of the Saddle River are in the piedmont terrain of Rockland County, in southern New York state. Streams from this area flow south, forming the Saddle River at their confluence, two miles south of the New York state border, in the town of Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

From its feeder streams in Upper Saddle River and the source in Airmont, New York, the Saddle River continues south for 16.3 miles, passing through the towns of Saddle River, Waldwick, Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Paramus, Fair Lawn, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook, Lodi, Garfield, and Wallington.

The Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, a major tributary, joins the Saddle River at the Dunkerhook area of Saddle River County Park. Their confluence marks the border of four Bergen County towns: Ridgewood, Paramus, Glen Rock and Fair Lawn.

The terminus of the Saddle River is at Garfield and Wallington, where the waterway empties into the Passaic River. The Passaic River drains at Newark Bay and via Arthur Kill and Kill van Kull to the Atlantic Ocean. The northern part of the Saddle River watershed drains an area between the Ramapo River watershed to the west, and the Hackensack River watershed to the east.

​Fish species in the Saddle River include largemouth bass, Brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, longnose dace, white sucker, tessellated darter, blacknose dace, various species of sunfish, American eel, carp and different varieties of trout.[2][3] Most of the trout are stocked by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, although the uppermost reaches of the river and some of its tributaries hold wild brown trout. These wild trout are threatened by increased residential use of lawn fertilizer which contributes to algae and weed growth.


Tributaries

• Ho-Ho-Kus Brook

History of Ho-Ho-Kus

Here are some interesting facts about the towns and areas bordering the Saddle River in New York and New Jersey:

1. Upper Saddle River, NJ: This town is known for its beautiful residential areas and historic sites. The Saddle River itself forms here from streams in Rockland County, NY[1]. Upper Saddle River is also home to several parks and nature reserves, making it a great place for outdoor activities.
2. Saddle River, NJ: One of the wealthiest towns in New Jersey, Saddle River is known for its large estates and historic homes. It's home to some of the wealthiest residents in the state, including billionaire Rocco Commisso[2].

These towns offer a mix of historical charm, affluent living, and natural beauty, making the areas around the Saddle River unique and interesting. Is there a specific town or area you'd like to know more about?

References
[1] Saddle River (Passaic River tributary) - Wikipedia
[2] 16 Richest Towns in New Jersey (2024) - Suburbs 101
[3] 61 Interesting Facts About New Jersey - The Fact File

​NEW JERSEY — Five New Jersey communities are among the Best Places to Live in America in 2025, according to a new ranking from Niche released Monday.

Now in its 11th year, the ranking from the data-driven platform Niche helps everyone from young people just starting their careers or families to retirees decide where they want to live. The report analyzes places of various sizes, including cities with populations of 100,000 or more, suburbs and neighborhoods.

In the Garden State, the following towns were among the top 100 on the list. Here's what Niche highlighted:

34. Ho-Ho-Kus, with an overall Niche grade of A+. This Bergen County community got high marks for its public schools and for being good for families, offering a rural feel while still being close to New York City.

35. Princeton, with an overall Niche grade of A+. The review noted an abundance of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Princeton, and that it is a good place for both young professionals and families. It also got top marks for public schools and being a good place to raise a family.

65. Ridgewood, with an overall Niche grade of A+. The village, which is just south of Ho-Ho-Kus, also got top marks for public schools and being a good place to raise a family. Reviewers highlighted the number of parks and local businesses.

71. River Edge, with an overall Niche grade of A+. The third Bergen County entrant on this list, River Edge was noted for its "small town" vibe and good local restaurants, public school system, and safety.

79. Princeton Junction, with an overall Niche grade of A+. Reviewers highlighted the local parks, public transportation, and ample job opportunities. It also got top marks for public schools and being a good place to raise a family.
​
The rankings are based on a wide range of public data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, combined with millions of resident reviews.
Niche said it analyzed thousands of communities to compile this year’s ranking. Community attributes considered in developing the list included the health of the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, area public schools and walkability, among others. (More on methodology.)

Here are the population and demographic details for the saddle river valley towns:
​
Airmont, NY

• Population: Approximately 10,163 as of 2023[1].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (77.6%), with smaller percentages of Black (7.2%), Asian (2.3%), and Hispanic or Latino (16.0%) residents[1].

Upper Saddle River, NJ

• Population: Approximately 8,480 as of 2023[2].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (74.6%), with significant Asian (16.8%) and smaller Black (1.5%) and Hispanic or Latino (5.3%) populations[2].

Saddle River, NJ

• Population: Approximately 3,382 as of 2024[3].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (74.1%), with notable Asian (12.34%) and smaller Black (5.11%) and Hispanic or Latino (6.27%) populations[3].

Waldwick, NJ

• Population: Approximately 10,105 as of 2023[4].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (79.5%), with smaller Asian (7.5%) and Hispanic or Latino (17.0%) populations[4].

Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ

• Population: Approximately 4,230 as of 2023[5].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (70%), with notable Asian (14%) and smaller Hispanic or Latino (9%) populations[5].

Ridgewood, NJ

• Population: Approximately 26,194 as of 2023[6].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (69.9%), with significant Asian (16.4%) and smaller Hispanic or Latino (10.2%) populations[6].

Glen Rock, NJ

• Population: Approximately 12,082 as of 2023[7].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (76%), with notable Asian (14%) and smaller Hispanic or Latino (5%) populations[7].

Paramus, NJ

• Population: Approximately 26,282 as of 2023[8].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (59.2%), with significant Asian (23.7%) and smaller Hispanic or Latino (13.2%) populations[8].

Fair Lawn, NJ

• Population: Approximately 35,564 as of 2023[9].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (69.2%), with notable Asian (13.4%) and Hispanic or Latino (13.2%) populations[9].

Rochelle Park, NJ

• Population: Approximately 5,833 as of 2023[10].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (62.6%), with notable Hispanic or Latino (25.8%) and smaller Asian (10.4%) populations[10].

References
[1] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Airmont village, New York
[2] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Upper Saddle River borough, New Jersey
[3] Saddle River borough, New Jersey Population 2024 - World Population Review
[4] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Waldwick borough, New Jersey
[5] Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[6] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Ridgewood village, New Jersey
[7] Glen Rock, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[8] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Paramus borough, New Jersey
[9] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Fair Lawn borough, New Jersey
[10] Rochelle Park township, Bergen County, New Jersey - Census.gov
[11] Airmont, NY - Profile data - Census Reporter
[12] Airmont, NY - 10901 - Demographics and Population Statistics ...
[13] Waldwick, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[14] Waldwick borough, New Jersey Population 2024 - World Population Review
[15] Paramus borough, New Jersey Population 2025 - World Population Review
[16] Paramus, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[17] Upper Saddle River Population Statistics - NeighborhoodScout
[18] Upper Saddle River, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[19] Saddle River, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[20] Saddle River, New Jersey - Wikipedia
[21] Ridgewood, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[22] Ridgewood, NJ - 07450 - Demographics and Population Statistics ...
[23] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Glen Rock borough, New Jersey
[24] Glen Rock borough, New Jersey Population 2025 - World Population Review
[25] Fair Lawn, NJ - 07410 - Demographics and Population Statistics ...
[26] Fair Lawn borough, New Jersey Population 2025 - World Population Review
[27] Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey - Wikipedia
[28] Ho-Ho-Kus borough, New Jersey Population 2024 - World Population Review
[29] Rochelle Park, New Jersey - Wikipedia
[30] Census profile: Rochelle Park township, Bergen County, NJ

Here are the population and demographic details for the towns in Saddle River Valley:

Saddle Brook, NJ

• Population: Approximately 14,386 as of 2023[1].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (64.1%), with notable Hispanic or Latino (23.4%), Asian (5.3%), and Black (3.9%) populations[1].

Lodi, NJ

• Population: Approximately 25,832 as of 2023[2].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (52.2%), with significant Hispanic or Latino (40.5%), Black (9.6%), and Asian (8.1%) populations[2].

Garfield, NJ

• Population: Approximately 32,456 as of 2023[3].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (58.5%), with significant Hispanic or Latino (45.4%), Black (6.0%), and Asian (3.9%) populations[3].

​Wallington, NJ

• Population: Approximately 11,825 as of 2023[4].
• Demographics: Predominantly White (73.6%), with notable Hispanic or Latino (19.7%), Black (4.4%), and Asian (3.6%) populations[4].

Would you like more detailed information on any of these towns?

References
[1] Saddle Brook, NJ - 07663 - Demographics and Population Statistics ...
[2] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Lodi borough, New Jersey
[3] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Garfield city, New Jersey
[4] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Wallington borough, New Jersey
[5] Lodi borough, New Jersey Population 2025 - World Population Review
[6] Lodi, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[7] Wallington, New Jersey - Wikipedia
[8] Wallington borough, New Jersey Population 2025 - World Population Review
[9] Saddle Brook, New Jersey - Wikipedia
[10] U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Saddle Brook township, Bergen County ...
[11] Garfield, NJ - Profile data - Census Reporter
[12] Garfield, NJ - 07026 - Demographics and Population Statistics ...

Saddle River Valley

The Saddle River begins in Airmont, New York
. From there, it flows south through several towns in New Jersey, including Upper Saddle River, Saddle River, Waldwick,
​ Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, 
Glen Rock, Paramus, Fair Lawn, Rochelle Park, 
​Saddle Brook, Lodi, Garfield, and Wallington.

Airmont. NY

Upper Saddle River

Saddle River

Waldwick

Ho-Ho-Kus

Ridgewood

Glen Rock

Paramus

Fair Lawn

Rochelle Park

Saddle Brook

Lodi

Garfield

Wallington.

​Saddle River (Passaic River tributary)

​Saddle River County Park: Ridgewood to Glen Rock

​
North Jersey Rapid Transit
​Ho-Ho-Kus Trolley
from late 1909 to 1929

The Ho-Ho-Kus Race Track (Circa 1867)