If you want a great view across the valley towards NYC, take the train to Ridgewood. From the station square go west on Ridgewood Ave, but take the second right (quick right) up Corsa Terrace (narrow road up a short, steep hill). Bear right onto Crest and keep bearing right along the top of the ridge. The view is worth the climb.
I like to zig zag thru the residential areas around here, taking the short steep hills. Cross Glen to Upper Ridgewood and you can use Hillcrest and Monroe to get to Waldwick, or over to Upper Blvd and the big hill down to Hohokus (that's a fun one to TRY to ride up)