Fall foliage in NJ is just starting, and in the next few weeks, the timing is right to gather the fam, head outdoors, and check out all the beautiful fall colors changing across the state. Whether you prefer to take a drive or go by foot, keep in mind that NJ’s northern-most counties reach their full, vivid shades in early to mid-October, central NJ peaks in mid-to-late October and south Jersey gets its Insta-worthy potential later in the month. From Sussex County to Cape May County and everything in between, these 9 beautiful spots are sure to take your breath away. And if you want to see fall foliage in NJ without driving, hop aboard a scenic train ride offered this fall. (feature photo credit: @standing.pine.acres)
Here are the top places to see the best fall foliage in NJ
You can see several states from the High Point monument in New Jersey. Photo Credit: iStock.com/Verducci1
Northern New Jersey
Allamuchy Mountain State Park
You can traverse this park by foot, bike, or boat and will be amazed by the myriad of copper, red, and orange leaves as you enter the park. You’ll also want to scout Waterloo Village, a restored 19th-century canal town that dates back to the Lenape Indians and is rich in history.
Waterloo Road, Stanhope, NJ 07874
High Point State Park
This park is aptly named since it has the highest elevation point in the entire state. For unparalleled landscape views, climb the 220-foot monument, where you’ll be rewarded with the majestic Pocono Mountains, the Catskill Mountains, and the Wallkill River Valley.
1480 Route 23, Wantage, NJ 07461
Stokes State Forest
It’s got some of the best fall foliage in NJ, and hiking a portion of the Maine to Georgia Appalachian Trail (which runs through here) should be high on your list. Make a game of hunting for waterfalls since this forest is home to the beautiful Buttermilk Falls.
1 Coursen Road, Branchville, NJ 07826
Central New Jersey
Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Pack a lunch and plan to spend hours walking through fields and forests filled with magnificent hills, farmland, and hedgerows. Afterward, visit the on-site pick-your-own orchards, where you can bring home apples and pumpkins.
20 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Rent a canoe to get the whole experience of this 70-mile linear park. Play I Spy with the kids along the canal to spot mills, wooden bridges, and other historic structures. And don’t forget to bring your rod and tackle box since fishing is permitted along the entire length of the canal.
145 Mapleton Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Allaire State Park
If you have a train lover in the family, this park is not to be missed. It has antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad and is also home to the historic 19th-century iron-making town, Allaire Village, where you’ll find a blacksmith shop, a general store, a museum, and some of the best examples of fall colors in New Jersey.
4265 Atlantic Ave., Wall Township, NJ 07727
NJ foliage is at its best at Parvin State Park. Photo Credit: @tabernaclemac
Southern New Jersey
Parvin State Park
Located on the Pine Barrens’ edge, this park comprises swamps, lowlands, and hardwood forests replete with oaks and has some of the best fall foliage in NJ. Take along your binoculars to spot the federally protected barred owl in this diverse terrain it calls home.
701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove Township, NJ 08318
Wharton State Forest
An overnight stay is a must if you want to see as many fall colors as possible since this site is the largest single tract of land in the entire New Jersey state park system and has many campsites (you can reserve ahead). The park also includes the historic Batsto Village, where you can see live blacksmith demonstrations and take a tour of the Atsion Mansion, an authentic peek into what it was like to live in 1826 without plumbing or electricity.
31 Batsto Road, Hammonton, NJ 08037
Cape May Point State Park
Cape May Point is a well-known major migratory route for birds, so you can spot many species while exploring this World War II military base and checking out the trees in all their glory. If you time your visit right, you might even witness the Raptor Banding Project at work and see hawks up close before they’re released back to the wild.
303 County Highway 629, Cape May, NJ 08204
Where are your favorite spots to find fall foliage in NJ?
Become an NJMOM Insider! For all the best things to do with your family around New Jersey, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter delivered right to your inbox each week, and don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured on our social media.
