Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Fall Foliage In New Jersey
August is nearly over and, to some, that’s a tragedy. While I will miss the summer (especially at the shore), I look forward to fall. You might find me sipping cider, hopping on hayrides and perhaps picking an apple or two but there’s one thing that I’ll definitely do – watch the show. What show? The leaves changing from green into beautiful shades of orange, yellow and red. Here are some of the most beautiful places to take in the fall foliage in New Jersey.
A stop here is a must. The park spans over five miles along the Hudson River, from Fort Lee to the state line (and beyond). There are many trails here, in a variety of difficulty levels, though I personally like to park at Alpine Lookout and...look out. The views are breathtaking. You may also enjoy views along the base of the Palisades Cliffs, in the Alpine Picnic Area.
Spectacular in the summer, this park includes several trails, an interpretive center, lake, marshes, a tidal estuary and white cedar swamp. You will appreciate the diverse landscape even more as it comes alive with color.
In addition to the fantastic foliage, you'll find two historic estates here. Ringwood Manor is open for tours year-round, Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.. The park is also home to the New Jersey State Botanical Gardens which have something special to offer in every season.
In the summer, you'll find a seasonal butterfly house. In the fall, you'll find vibrant colors around the lake. Mostly undeveloped, this is a great place to connect with nature and it also offers a small waterfall to enjoy.
Head north to Mount Tammany, and the Delaware Water Gap. You'll find some of the most beautiful trails in America here (according to USA Today), so now's the perfect time to take a hike. From the summit, you'll see foliage for miles. I'm sure the view across the river into Pennsylvania will be quite picturesque, as well.
At 1.803 feet above sea level, you'll find the highest point in New Jersey at this park. It offers lakes, ridges, a striking monument, multiple hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints, several of which are wheelchair accessible. A hike here is sure to be beautiful, but this makes the list for the views from the monument's base.
Check out the view from Wyanokie High Point. Surrounded by lakes, ponds and the Wanaque Reservoir, you should spot some fantastic foliage here. To get to Wyanokie High Point, park near Highlands Natural Pool and take a moderate hike (around two miles) with some steeper elevation gains. It's worth it, though it isn't the only scenic spot in the park.
Now that you know where to see the foliage, you’ll probably want to know when. Leaves start changing in late September and have mostly fallen from their branches by early November. Peak season for much of New Jersey is late October though Northwest New Jersey (including Mount Tammany) peaks earlier and Southern and Pine Barrens regions peak later. To see shades of yellow, visit these spots early in the season. For vibrant reds, closer to November is better.
Where’s your favorite spot to see the leaves change color in New Jersey? Did you know that New Jersey was named one of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in America by Conde Nast Traveler? Learn more about that by clicking here.
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Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
