Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Just beyond Highwoods along High Mountain Road, the 120-acre Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve provides one of the neighborhood’s defining outdoor assets. Its reservoir, wooded walking paths, accessible trail, picnic grove, fishing areas, birdwatching opportunities, and seasonal boating create a peaceful natural escape close to homes on Highwoods Drive, Arapaho Trail, and surrounding residential streets.
The Highwoods area benefits from quick access to High Mountain Park Preserve, a large protected landscape reached from the High Mountain Road corridor. Marked trails climb through rocky, forested terrain toward High Mountain’s summit, where hikers can find broad views across Bergen and Passaic counties. It gives the neighborhood an unusually rugged, hike-ready character for suburban Franklin Lakes.
Located at 765 High Mountain Road, High Mountain Road School is a major family anchor near Highwoods. The public school serves preschool through fifth grade and contributes to the neighborhood’s strong sense of community, especially for households on Highwoods Drive and nearby connecting streets. Its location also makes the High Mountain Road corridor a familiar daily route for local families.
The Pulis Avenue recreation area, reached near Vichiconti Way, gives Highwoods residents a convenient place for youth sports, playground time, and informal outdoor activity. Its fields and recreation facilities complement the neighborhood’s wooded setting with organized community space. Because it sits close to the High Mountain Road side of Franklin Lakes, it is especially practical for families living around Highwoods Drive and Arapaho Trail.
For everyday errands and casual dining, Highwoods residents are close to the Franklin Avenue strip, where local destinations include Franklin Lakes Pizza, Naru Restaurant, Gio’s Gelato, Sushi Cocoro, Stop & Shop, and other neighborhood services. The corridor provides a practical commercial counterpoint to Highwoods’ quiet residential streets, letting residents reach groceries, takeout, desserts, and household essentials without leaving Franklin Lakes.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This free, short nature program is especially convenient for Highwoods and Franklin Lakes residents. Join an NJ Audubon naturalist on Lorrimer Sanctuary’s observation deck to watch fall migration, making it an easy weekday outing for birders, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful seasonal activity close to home.
View event details →Families from Highwoods can enjoy a hands-on autumn tradition without traveling far. Participants learn how cider is made with an old-fashioned press, sample the finished cider, and create an apple-stamp craft, making this a relaxed, seasonal afternoon activity for children and adults.
View event details →This nearby evening fundraiser offers local residents live music, ballpark-inspired food, beer, wine, and dancing under a big tent. The event supports the Charlie Landers Foundation, so it combines a lively Franklin Lakes night out with a meaningful pediatric cancer cause.
View event details →A short drive from Highwoods, this free county event features more than 100 visual artists plus live music from Particle Theory. It is a good family-friendly regional outing for browsing artwork, enjoying an outdoor concert, and spending a fall day in one of Bergen County’s major parks.
View event details →This close-to-home Halloween celebration gives local children a safe, festive way to trick-or-treat from decorated vehicles and tables. Families can also enter the costume parade, view the community pumpkin display, and enjoy games and activities without needing to leave Franklin Lakes.
View event details →This Halloween-season hike is an appealing nearby option for families who want something more memorable than a typical evening at home. Guided exploration of nocturnal wildlife, costumes, a bonfire, and optional s’mores create a festive outdoor experience close to Highwoods and Franklin Lakes.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Highwoods
Local characteristics and demographics for Highwoods
