New JerseyThe country’s autumn foliage offers dazzling shades of red, orange and yellow in its parks and nature reserves.
Even though winter is approaching, day trippers and weekend vacationers have the opportunity to visit some of the stunningly beautiful places in the Garden State.
We researched NJ websites, talked to local hiking enthusiasts, and selected the 8 best places to visit in New Jersey this season.
Allamuchy Mountain State Park
Located in Stanhope, the park straddles Allamuchy Township and Byram Township and has more than 14 miles of marked and 20 miles of unmarked trails in the Allamuchy Mountain area. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback along the winding Musconetcong River and serene Jefferson Lake. There are routes for all skill and endurance levels, ranging from 2.5 to 14 km. Entrance to the park is free.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
The site where the Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington, fought British forces during the American Revolution, attracts history buffs and nature lovers alike. Fall colors are in abundance, while red-tailed hawks and other wildlife can be spotted while strolling through this 1,818-acre Manalapan Township park.
Monmouth Battlefield State Park offers 25 miles of country roads and trails, ranging from half-mile hikes to hilly jaunts of a few miles. Popular browsing walks include Perrine Hill, as well as the Suffin Farm and Craig Farm loops for relatively easy walks. Entrance is free.
Cape May Point State Park
This coastal park in southern New Jersey features 235 acres of colorful foliage, wildlife, and relatively easy hiking trails. For example, the Cape May Point Trail is 3 km long and immerses tourists in one of the best places to admire the annual bird migration, as well as native hawks and seabirds.
There are also remains of weapon batteries dating from World War I and World War II military facilities. Rich in history, foliage, and birdwatching opportunities, Cape May Point State Park continues to provide a beautiful outdoor experience. Admission to the park is free, but there is a fee to enter the historic lighthouse.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
This 70,000-acre park sits on the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border along the Delaware River and is surrounded by the Blue and Kittatinny Mountains. Rolling hills, iconic mountain ridges and lush forests make it a unique location to admire the changing of the leaves.
Visitors can drive along Old Mine Road and take advantage of the parking lots. Viewing locations around the Kittatinny Point Visitor Center and Millbrook Village are particularly beautiful. Hikers usually head to Mount Tammany Trail, Buttermilk Falls and Dingman Falls. Entrance is free.
Speedwell Dam
Located in the picturesque town of Morristown, New Jersey, Speedwell Dam is a hidden gem waiting to be explored, especially during the vibrant fall season. As the foliage turns into a beautiful carpet of red, orange and yellow, this tranquil reservoir becomes an ideal destination for nature lovers.
The acidland mountain reserve
Located in Hillsborough Township, this 63,000-acre nature preserve is a veritable playground with rolling hills, diverse tree species, and popular hiking and biking trails. Central New Jersey’s picturesque landscape is known for its expanses of colorful foliage and fields, especially those along Devil’s Half Acre and Roaring Brook.
Popular browsing trails also include Ridge Trail and Maple Flats. It is also a popular birding location and a true Mecca for photography enthusiasts. Admission and parking are free to the public.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Visiting Barnegat Lighthouse State Park during the fall season offers a peaceful and scenic experience. As temperatures begin to cool and the summer crowds spread, this New Jersey gem becomes an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers. The park’s picturesque landscapes, including maritime forests and dunes, come alive with vibrant autumn hues.
The Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The nature reserve is located in Basking Ridge, less than an hour’s drive from New York City. Known for its ecological diversity, tourists can experience meadows, swamps, and forests filled with hardwoods such as oak and maple.
Comprised of approximately 12 square miles, visitors have access to the Wildlife Observation Center, Overlook Parking Area and more than eight miles of paths. Popular browsing trails include Pleasant Plains Road, Wildlife Observation Center Trail and the Great Swamp Walk.
Parvin State Park
This south-central park is located in Salem County, near Berlin, Bridgeton, Elmer and Pittsgrove. In addition to expansive views of the colorful flora, visitors embrace the beautiful sunsets of Lake Parvin and Lake Thundergust. The 465-acre park was established in 1931 and is currently home to more than 180 species of birds, including wild turkeys. Visitors can walk the five routes and admission is free.
Time is running out for New Jersey residents and visitors to experience the foliage and beautiful outdoor experiences New Jersey has to offer this fall.
