New Jersey
Nature|Weather & Natural Phenomena

7 Incredible Natural Wonders In New Jersey That You Can Witness For Free

New Jersey offers a variety of natural wonders including waterfalls, cliffs, and unique rock formations that can be enjoyed for free.

Published May 7, 2021

Written by 

Rebecca

You don't have to travel the globe and spend tons of money to seek out natural wonders — New Jersey actually has many natural wonders of its own, from jaw-dropping waterfalls to curious rock oddities to unbeatable mountain views.

Best of all, you can see these wonders for free!

1. Buttermilk Falls

alt
K Fish/AllTrails

It's easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

advertisement

2. Palisades Cliffs

alt
Doug Schneider Photography via Getty Images

These sharp vertical cliffs are certainly eye-catching. Plus, the view from the top is unrivaled, with a beautiful river and glimpses of the New York City skyline.

3. High Point

alt
Jordan Haber

High Point is exactly what it sounds like — the highest point in New Jersey. Go hike up here and marvel at one of the most jaw-dropping views you can find in the state.

advertisement

4. Great Falls

alt
sanju_222323/TripAdvisor

Paterson's Great Falls are absolutely astounding. Move over, Niagara Falls!

5. Tripod Rock

alt
Ben Laufer/AllTrails

We're not really sure how this massive boulder is supported in the air by these two little rocks — hike over to this natural oddity and consider it for yourself.

6. Pinelands National Reserve

alt
CreativeK/TripAdvisor

The Pinelands are THE spot to go to New Jersey to experience nature: The combination of oak forests and swamplands makes it so beautiful and peaceful here. We recommend kayaking and hiking through!

7. Blue Hole

alt
YouTube/Simple Life

No need to travel to the Bahamas to see intensely blue water — there is a series of "blue holes" in New Jersey that have the bluest water around. Just don't go swimming in them — the holes, which are abandoned mines and get their color from sulfur, are quite dangerous.

Which of these will you visit first?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View New Jersey’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Wondering when do leaves change color in New Jersey this year? The interactive Smoky Mountains fall foliage map has you covered for fall fun.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Fall in New Jersey is a truly unique time. Yes, we're a densely populated, crowded state - but when the leaves change color, it feels like all that's a million miles away. There's something incredibly peaceful about taking in the New Jersey fall foliage. If you're like me, you're wondering exactly when do leaves change color in New Jersey - and one of the best tools around has us covered.

advertisement

The Smoky Mountains fall foliage map is an interactive tool that not only shows when leaves change color but gives a week-by-week prediction of the fall foliage season. By toggling the cursor from left to right, you'll be able to see when leaves will start their fall foliage journey in NJ:

Once we know what to expect, it's time to find the very best spots in New Jersey to take in the fall foliage - and there are so many beautiful places to go for amazing leaf peeping in the Garden State.

alt
Fall foliage at Dallabach Lakes in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map is an interactive tool that makes it easy to see when fall colors will be most beautiful across the United States. In New Jersey, the colors start changing as early as the second week of September and hit their peak the weeks by the beginning of October.

One of our favorite places for fall leaf peeping in New Jersey is Monmouth Battlefield State Park. In fact, New Jersey's state parks are an amazing place to see the fall colors, like the Pine Barrens haven of Parvin State Park, or a peaceful retreat into Stokes State Forest, where the trees form a multi-colored canvas come autumn.

Meanwhile, if you want to see the colors from the highest vantage point, you won't do better than Allamuchy Mountain State Park. And High Point National Monument, which has roots in the Revolutionary War, is another incredible vantage point as the colors change.

If you're up for an epic adventure, take the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail, a spectacular 69-mile bike trail weaving from New Brunswick to Trenton with incredible views along the way.

alt
Juan Cabrera/AllTrails

Now that you know when do leaves change color in New Jersey in 2024, let us know all about your fall foliage plans for 2024 in the comments section! The Smoky Mountains fall foliage map will be updated all season long to make planning easier. If you're planning to explore New Jersey's state parks and do some hiking among the fall foliage, you'll definitely want to subscribe to AllTrails+ to gain access to the app's interactive trail maps and other features.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Weather & Natural Phenomena

15 Spots In New Jersey That Will Drop Your Frozen Jaw This Winter

New Jersey transforms into a picturesque winter wonderland, as showcased by stunning photographs of snow-covered landscapes.

Updated Jan 10, 2024

Written by 

Kristen

New Jersey is beautiful year-round, but sometimes it is even more magical covered in ice and snow. Much of our state just experienced its first snowfall, and while I know it can occasionally be a bit of a pain, there is no denying how lovely it looks! Winter in New Jersey is, as it turns out, a gem of a time - check out these amazing photographs and maybe you'll agree.

advertisement

1. A gorgeous winter shot snapped in Hope.

alt
Flickr/Jim Pennucci

Speaking of hope, I hope you have an amazing winter! Okay... I'll show myself out.

2. Fresh snow at the start of a fresh day in Franklin Park.

alt
Flickr/lakewentworth

So refreshing!

3. I love the unique perspective of this snow Statue of Liberty shot.

alt
Flickr/captainmcdan

Everyone always seems to get the same shots of it, but not this photographer, and I love it.

advertisement

4. Icy branches in Fort Monmouth.

alt
Flickr/Jazz Guy

It gets a little cold sometimes... but we weather it.

5. A striking shot of the always stunning Manasquan Reservoir.

alt
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

This sums up New Jersey: beautiful!

6. Snowflakes on a window make for a one-of-a-kind shot.

alt
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

What a fascinating pattern.

advertisement

7. A snowy sunset in Hope.

alt
Flickr/Jim Pennucci

There's that gorgeous little town of Hope, New Jersey again.

8. A winter wonderland in Freehold.

alt
Flickr/George Pankewych

Feel free to go walking in this wonderland, but don't forget the snowshoes.

9. The Delaware Water Gap as seen from Mount Tammany.

alt
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli

Beautiful year-round!

advertisement

10. The powerful Great Falls frozen over is a rare sight!

alt
Flickr/Hope Abrams

What's cooler than a waterfall? A frozen waterfall.

Okay, okay, I'm done with the stupid jokes. Maybe.

11. A snowy footbridge in Plainsboro.

alt
Flickr/Khurt Williams

There's beauty afoot! (sorry i had to)

12. A beautiful shot of South Mountain Reservation in the winter.

alt
Flickr/Mike Appel

...but in all seriousness, this scene, like many others, is the perfect idea of a New Jersey winter: chilled and photogenic.

advertisement

13. A Coast Guard cutter in the Cape May Canal.

alt
Flickr/Coast Guard News

The canal never quite freezes over thanks to commerce... most of the time.

14. A view of the Delaware River from Riverton, New Jersey.

alt
Flickr/La Fattina

Riverton is a wonderful little town, and here, you see just how picturesque it is covered in snow.

15. A spectacular sunrise shot of Manasquan Reservoir.

alt
Flickr/Bob Jagendorf

Good morning, New Jersey!

Which photo was your favorite? Share your snowy shots of New Jersey on the official Only In New Jersey Facebook Page. Need a place to stay while you're here playing in the snow? Check out the offerings from our friends at VRBO for an unforgettable time.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Pennsylvania Come From This 300-Acre Family Farm

by Beth Price-Williams
on Sep 18
alt
Travel Goods
Staff Picks

Everything I Packed in My Toddler’s Carry-On for an 18-Hour Travel Day

by Megan Shute
on Sep 18
Nature
Hiking

The 1.5-Mile Hiking Trail in Wisconsin That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Trent Jonas
on Sep 18
alt
Food
Restaurants

Dine For Less Than $10 A Person At This Iconic Hot Dog Shop In Virginia

by Beth
on Sep 17
alt
Experiences
Events

This Tour of a Historic Estate in Massachusetts Was Designed Just for Kids 

by Kim Falchek
on Sep 17
View of the green grass of rolling Castle Hill at the Ipswich Crane Estate. View is from the Great House, and the Ipswich Bay can be seen in the background.