Fall colors in New Jersey are coming, and in the next month, the timing is right to gather the fam, head outdoors, and check out all the beautiful fall foliage 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 12 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 Colors In New Jersey

Northern New Jersey

Allamuchy Mountain State Park
You can traverse this park by foot, bike, or boat, and you 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

Hackelbarney State Park
Anglers, hikers, and picnickers all take advantage of this beautiful park that was once an iron ore mine. While there, see if you can find the rare and endangered plant species of American ginseng, Virginia pennywort, and leatherwood. In the fall, the park comes alive with vibrant colors and is the perfect spot for an autumn picnic or Insta-worthy photos.
119 Hacklebarney Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853

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

Allaire State Park
If you have a train lover in the family, this park is not to be missed. Look for the antique steam trains on the Pine Creek Railroad. The park is also home to the historic 19th-century iron-making town of 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 Avenue, Wall Township, NJ 07727

Cattus Island County Park
This Ocean County park covers 530 acres and 7 miles of trails. Cattus Island is also home to the Cooper Environmental Center, including a live view osprey cam, habitat tree and tunnel, bird viewing area, and a children’s activity corner. There is even a Butterfly Garden to visit. When the fall leaves begin to change and come alive with color, take it all in with the family.
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753

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

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.
20 State Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726

Southern New Jersey

Bass River State Forest
New Jersey acquired this forest in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management, and it was the first of its kind at the time. Stop by Lake Absegami for water activities, and don’t miss the trail that leads through the woods where an Atlantic white cedar bog is on site. 
762 Stage Road, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

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, the park is part of the premier hawk migration route in North America, and it’s an excellent opportunity to see the birds pass through the area.
303 County Highway 629, Cape May, NJ 08204

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
If you want to see as many fall colors as possible, an overnight stay is a must. This site is the largest single tract of land in the entire New Jersey state park system and has many campsites available for reservation. The park also includes the historic Batsto Village, where you can see live blacksmith demonstrations and tour 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

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