The 19 Best Places To Enjoy New Jersey’s Fall Foliage In Early October

New Jersey has three major foliage zones, peaking throughout autumn. The first zone includes the northernmost portions of the state, and it's currently heading into peak season. The second zone encompasses over half of the state, from north to south. It peaks in mid to late October. Zone three consists of our southernmost counties and will not peak until early November.

The foliage in Northern New Jersey will be peaking between now and October 20th, dependent on weather conditions.

This includes the entirety of Sussex County, most of Warren, Morris, and Passaic Counties, and the northern portions of Essex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Bergen Counties.

This area includes a variety of beautiful state parks and forests where you can enjoy the foliage at its finest.

The best places for viewing, hiking, and photography in the fall include Jenny Jump State Forest, Voorhees State Park, Stephens State Park, Allamuchy State Park...

Hopatcong State Park, Worthington State Forest, Kittatinny Valley State Park, Swartswood State Park, Stokes State Forest...

High Point State Park, Waywayanda State Park, Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Long Pond Ironworks State Park, Ringwood State Park...

Hacklebarney State Park, Farny State Park, Norvin Green State Forest, Palisades Interstate Park, and Ramapo Mountain State Forest.

With so many to choose from, where does one begin? Here are my favorites:

Jenny Jump State Forest, home to the Greenwood Observatory and spooky Shades of Death Road..Palisades Interstate Park, offering a charming cafe, gift shop, castle ruins, and Hudson River Views.Hopatcong State Park, with its gorgeous lake and charming historical museum.High Point State Park, offering a stunning monument and breathtaking views of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.Ringwood State Park, home to two historic estates and the state botanical gardens.

What's your favorite early-autumn foliage destination in New Jersey? Share your fall photos with us in the comments. For foliage updates, visit New Jersey State Parks on Facebook. Click Here.