10 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In New Jersey
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Kristen
Author
Fall is in full swing here in New Jersey and we’ve got plenty of autumn activities for you to enjoy! Whether you want to go for a relaxing ride or have an adventure, the Garden State has got you covered. I’ve done some research and discovered some of the best day trips you can take this season – I hope you enjoy!
There are plenty of options, though two of my favorites are Old Mine Road and Henry Hudson Drive. They come alive with color each autumn and offer more than just a drive. If you travel down Old Mine Road, stop at the Walpack Inn for dinner - their greenhouse dining room offers spectacular views. If you opt for Henry Hudson Drive, head down to the Hudson River Waterfront or up to a scenic overlook for a picnic.
For more details about Henry Hudson Drive, click here.
For more details about Henry Hudson Drive, click here.
Almost anywhere will do. Autumn hiking offers cooler, comfortable temperatures and color aplenty. My favorite hikes are through the mountains, with foliage views for miles. Torne Mountain is a wonderful pick. Located in Norvin Green State Forest, it's anything but green in the fall.
For more on hiking Torne Mountain, click here.
For more on hiking Torne Mountain, click here.
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We've got unforgettable Halloween events happening all over the state but some towns have a lot going on. If you want a variety of attractions at your disposal, visit one of our unofficial Halloween towns. Cape May has everything from ghost tours to stage shows and Lambertville offers Zombie walks and wonderful decorations.
To check out the full list of New Jersey's Halloween towns, click here.
To check out the full list of New Jersey's Halloween towns, click here.
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Pumpkin picking is a classic fall activity that's fun for the whole family. From Vernon to Princeton to Medford, the Garden State has no shortage of farms with pumpkins ripe for the picking. Many also offer other activities including apple picking, corn mazes, hay rides and more. You'll also find farmers markets with the freshest fall foods - like apple cider donuts!
To discover a farm near you, click here.
To discover a farm near you, click here.
What is a pumpkin train, exactly? It's a scenic ride, headed straight to a pumpkin patch. For an additional fee, you can add on excursions to a local mine or a corn maze with mini-games that the kids will love. There are also picnic groves, so pack a lunch.
To learn more about Delaware River Railroad Excursions Pumpkin Train, click here.
To learn more about Delaware River Railroad Excursions Pumpkin Train, click here.
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Visit Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon on an October weekend for all sorts of family fun. Their Great Pumpkin Festival offers over 30 activities and attractions including a hay maze, bee barn, farm animals, a dancing robot show and giant sandbox. There's also a giant corn maze (included) and pumpkin picking (of course). Enjoy carnival rides for an added fee or shop all the autumn goodies at their market.
For more on the Great Pumpkin Festival, click here.
For more on the Great Pumpkin Festival, click here.
They're far from barren and offer so much to do and see. There are countless trails, historic villages, mill ruins, monuments, lakes for fishing and rivers for kayaking. They're a nature lover's paradise with an abundance of wildlife (birds, especially). If you're feeling particularly brave, you may even venture to the area at night and hunt for the Jersey Devil (with plenty of supplies and friends who have your back). Batsto Village is another favorite and they'll be offering a twilight hike (4:30-6:30) with tales of local ghosts on October 29th.
If you're unable to attend that hike, check out this haunted Pine Barrens hike you can take yourself.
If you're unable to attend that hike, check out this haunted Pine Barrens hike you can take yourself.
Or breakfast! Charming and festive, this quirky cafe is a gem. Enjoy dishes with creative names like the Hocus Pocus Omelette, VooDoo Eggs, Cauldron Salad and Sand-Witches. But it's not just all fun and names - the food is good. They've also got a "magic potion bar" with fresh-made juices and a market where you can buy treats to bring home.
For more info on Kitchen Witch Cafe in Monmouth Beach, click here.
For more info on Kitchen Witch Cafe in Monmouth Beach, click here.
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Fun all year, this tour is particularly enjoyable during the Halloween season. The Burlington County Prison operated between 1811 - 1965; at the time of its closure, it was the oldest operating prison in the United States. The prison was known for making spectacles out of public hangings and housed notorious inmates including Albert DeSalvo, later known as "The Boston Strangler." It is located at the corner of High and Grant Streets in Mount Holly.
For more info, click here.
For more info, click here.
Not a real haunted house, one staged to be absolutely terrifying. If you're looking for a scare, you'll want to visit one of New Jersey's heart pounding haunted attractions. Brighton Asylum (pictures) ranks among the scariest in the United States. The Cornfield of Terror and Nightmare at Gravity Hill are two others you won't want to miss.
For a list of twelve haunted of our best attractions spread throughout the state, click here.
For a list of twelve haunted of our best attractions spread throughout the state, click here.
There’s plenty more to explore here in the Garden State! What’s your favorite fall day trip in New Jersey? Personally, I like the beach. The shore is so pleasant when there’s nearly no one around. I also find autumn ideal for antiquing, though that can be enjoyed in any season. Head to these towns to start your search for vintage treasures.
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