Discover Clifton
15 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Mount Prospect Park
Hilltop park with wooded trails and a western overlook that frames the Manhattan skyline — ideal for panoramic landscapes, seasonal foliage, and sunset silhouettes. Easy street parking off Mt Prospect Ave; trails are mostly moderate and accessible. Best at golden hour or clear mornings for skyline visibility; quieter on weekday mornings. No entry fee; bring water and layers (wind can be strong on the summit).
Dundee Island Preserve
Small urban preserve on the Passaic River with waterfalls, waterfowl and river vistas — an accessible urban oasis for birding, slow-water long exposures and intimate nature shots. Best at golden hour or early morning for low crowds and soft light. Small parking at Ackerman Ave; mostly flat, easy walking. Note occasional litter—frame carefully and respect wildlife.
Sightseeing Overlook
Small municipal overlook in Clifton with a pond, Weasel Brook waterfall beneath Thy Bridge, meadow, paved loop and recreational amenities. Good for intimate waterscape and landscape shots, seasonal foliage and reflections. No entry fee; street parking and park lots nearby. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; weekdays and early mornings avoid families and splash-zone activity. Note limited safety rail near brook—exercise caution.
Clifton Arts Center & Sculpture Park
Small hidden sculpture garden on historic Clifton grounds—scattered contemporary and period sculptures set among lawns, paths, and mature trees. Best light at golden hour or overcast for even detail; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. Grounds are walkable with paved paths; check center hours for gallery access. Street and on-site parking nearby; friendly staff often willing to discuss pieces—great for both wide environmental shots and close texture studies.
Acquackanonk Gardens
Small riverside park on the Passaic River offering calm water reflections, mature trees, seasonal foliage and informal trails — ideal for intimate landscape and nature shots. Best at golden hour (sunrise for soft east light, sunset for warm backlighting on the river). Easy to access by car with free street/park parking; no entry fee. Expect local walkers and occasional anglers; compact layout makes quick setups easy. Autumn and late spring offer strongest color and bird activity.
Zelenka Park
Small community park with a pond, tree-lined paths and open lawns — good for intimate nature shots, seasonal foliage and calm water reflections. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; fall brings strong color. Easy access from South Pkwy with street or small lot parking, no entry fee, paved paths for gear and wheelchair access. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect local families on weekends.
Ravine Park
Small wooded ravine with winding trails, creek channels, mossy rock outcrops and stonework—good for intimate landscape and waterscape shots. Best in spring and fall for foliage, after rains for flowing water. Visit at golden hour or early weekday mornings to avoid locals. Trails are uneven; bring waterproof shoes. Free entry; limited street parking nearby in Clifton residential areas.
Weasel Brook Park
Small community park with a pond/river, splash pad, playground, trails, picnic areas and sports courts — good for candid family shots, seasonal foliage, water reflections and intimate landscape frames. Best light is early morning or golden hour for soft side-lighting and fewer crowds; weekdays are quieter. Easy street parking near 1 Westervelt Pl, flat paved paths and benches make gear setup simple. No entry fee; bring insect repellent in warm months. The park’s local, family-friendly vibe and a
Main Memorial Park
Small, family-friendly park with a calm lake, playgrounds, sports courts and seasonal cultural events. Shoot lake reflections at golden hour, candid festival scenes on weekends, and intimate portraits on shaded benches. Easy street parking and no entry fee; paved paths and benches make gear transport simple. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for soft light; weekdays mornings are quiet. Accessible from NYC by car or local transit for event photography.
Latteri Park
Small neighborhood park with tree-lined paths, open lawns and pocket wetlands — good for seasonal landscapes, intimate nature details and candid community shots. Visit at golden hour or overcast days for even light; spring and fall offer best color. Easily accessible from Hampton Rd with on-street parking, no entry fee, and paved paths for gear carts. Weekday mornings are quiet; expect dog-walkers and local families on weekends.
Delawanna Memorial Park
Small riverside community park with memorials, tree-lined paths and views across the Passaic River. Good for intimate landscape and seasonal foliage shots, reflective water compositions and detail portraits of memorial plaques. No entry fee; parking is limited to street or small lots on Main Ave. Best at golden hour or overcast afternoons for even light; weekdays/early mornings reduce local foot traffic. Accessible paths but check for muddy banks after rain.
Robin Hood Park
Small community park with mature trees, walking trails and open lawns offering intimate nature scenes and seasonal color close to Clifton neighborhoods. Best at golden hour and during fall for foliage; weekday mornings avoid families and dog walkers. Easy street parking on Broadale Rd, flat accessible paths, no entry fee. Weather varies by season—muddy after rain—so bring waterproof shoes. Great for quiet nature studies and neighborhood landscape frames.
Nash Park
Small community park with mature trees, open lawns and a pond area — good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and casual portrait work. Best light is at sunrise or late afternoon golden hour; weekdays and early mornings reduce family and dog-walker crowds. Easy access from Lexington Ave with street or nearby municipal parking, no entry fee, paved paths and some accessible features. Works well for quick location shoots or as a stop on a suburban nature route.
Gregory Manor Park
Small neighborhood park with open lawns, mature trees and playground areas — good for intimate landscape, seasonal color and candid family/street-style shots. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm sidelight on tree canopy; autumn offers strongest color. Easily accessible by car with street parking, flat paths for tripod use and no entry fee. Weekdays are quieter; expect local families on weekends.
Dunney Park
Dunney Park is a small neighborhood green space ideal for intimate urban-nature scenes: mature trees, walking paths, benches, and local life (dog walkers, parents, seasonal foliage). Photographers can capture close-up nature details, environmental portraits, and golden-hour light filtering through trees. The park is publicly accessible with street parking nearby; no entry fee. Best visited at sunrise or late afternoon for soft side light, or weekdays to avoid crowds. Autumn and after rain bring色