Best Fall Events and Trips in New Jersey

In New Jersey, fall colors tend to peak around Columbus Day Weekend, with many of the ridges maintaining their golden shades into November. Fall, followed by dry summer weather, will often see the swamp maples, ash and other shallow rooted trees turn early.

NJ Fall Scenic Drives

Northwest Sussex County - The Skylands.
Take a ride on Jersey's mountainous forested region to view the vibrant colors of Fall. It can be done as a day trip, or as a leisurely weekend getaway for taking some of the many rural stop off points.

Begin your fall scenic drive on road 519 in Belvidere, on the Delaware River just south of Route 4. Start off with a nice country breakfast at Thisilldous Eatery. Continue you journey north to Newton, looking on the right the road you will see many open vistas and on a clear day you might be able to get a view of the New York skyline. The road skirts several state parks as it ventures away from the Delaware.

For wine enthusiast, stop off at Four Sisters' Winery just north of Belivedere. Newton has a historic Revolutionary War past and many colonial-style dwellings and antique shops. Continue on to Halsey, Branchville, Frankford, Beemerville, and Colesville on Rt 23. Continue on to High Point State Park and Monument, the highest point in New Jersey at 1,803' above sea level. The Monument affords a spectacular 360 degree view of three states and the Delaware River valley.

The park entrance is on Route 23. Next, continue north on Route 23 and turn onto Sawmill Road, where you will continue through High Point State Park into Stokes State Forest where you can access the Sunrise Mountain Road to the South.

This excursion through Stokes offers views similar to New England or the Skyline Drive in Virginia. The road journeys along the Kittatinny Ridge with open vistas into neighboring states.

If time allows, extend your trip down Sunrise Mountain Road to Peters Valley via Rt 206. Peters valley is known for its fine crafts workshops and also serves as the northern entrance to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Continue further south to Wallpack Center via Rt 615.

If you have additional time and are slightly adventurous, venture further on to The 90 foot Buttermilk Falls slides down the steep side of Kittatinny Mountain. The water bounces down the hill, spraying froth till it ripples out to a shallow pool, then works its way under the road. It meanders through the woods on its way to the Flatbrook and the Delaware River. To reach the, drive 1 mile straight through Walpack Center, down a hill, and across a bridge to the intersection at the cemetery. Turn right. Continue approximately 2 miles, Buttermilk Falls is on your left. Its parking area is on the right.

Travel the Old Mine Road - A New Jersey Historic and Scenic Treasure, this is a scenic route recorded in the National Register of Historic Places and is considered to be one of the oldest roads in the United States, running 104 miles from the southern most point at Kittatinny Point Visitor Center in Hardwick Township, NJ to Kingston, NY.

Green Sergeant's Covered Bridge
Stockton, New Jersey
A wooden covered bridge over the Wickecheoke Creek near the border between the Hunterdon Plateau and Amwell Valley. It is the last covered bridge in the state of New Jersey, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was first constructed in 1872, but after being damaged in 1960, it was dismantled and rebuilt from the original materials in 1961.

Scarborough Bridge
One of two covered bridges still standing insey, was designed by famed architect Malcolm Wells and built across the Cooper River's north branch.This covered Bridge,joins two sections of the Barclay Farm neighborhood off NJ Route 70 in Cherry Hill. It was dedicated on Valentine's Day in 1959 as 101 couples kissed to mark the tradition of the Kissing or Friendship Bridge

Other Great Fall Things to Do

Pumpkin picking is a great fall activity and a memorable experience for families with young kids?
Spend a day with the kids in New Jersey farm country picking pumpkins, and time permitting, add on a hay ride or a trip to the corn maze.

Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a touch of romance, take a flight package with elegant dining, followed by a comfortable night in a charming country Bed and Breakfast. Sunrise flight, evening flight, dinner before or after - your choice.
In Flight Balloon Adventures
Clinton, NJ
888-301-2383

Halloween
Halloween in New Jersey is a time for many scary, frightful shows, events, attractions, and parades that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Check out the top NJ Halloween activities.

Best Fall Hiking Trails

Buttermilk Falls Loop
Difficulty: Moderate It offers 9.3 miles R/T and includes 3 waterfalls, cascades/slides, views, natural Area, hemlocks, good climb Near: Branchville, NJ Scenery:

Southerly approach to Sunrise Mtn. - Stokes Forest
Difficulty: Easy It offers great views over 7 miles r/t on a well maintained Trail. Near: Branchville, NJ Scenery: Distance: 7 miles round trip Elevation Gain:

Mt. Tammany - Delaware Water Gap
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult. One of the most popular trails in New Jersey. Great views of the surrounding area and Mt. Minsi across the way. Take the Red Dot Trailhead. There are several trails of .5 miles, and 1.3 miles to the summit. Take the more gradual Blue Dot Trail back. Parking: Route 80 west to just before the last exit in New Jersey. On the right there is a sign for Dunnfield Creek Natural Area. There is a parking lot on the right, then a large main lot in the center

Pyramid Mountain – Tripod Rock
Difficulty; Moderate but interesting for experienced hikers. 4.6 miles R/T with a variety of short to medium trail loops with moderate elevation gains, rocky footpaths, several streams, interesting glacial erratics in a beautiful setting. Parking: Rt 287 to exit 45. 472 A Boonton Avenue, Montville Township, NJ

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The Best New Jersey Hiking Trips - NJ is home to some great hiking trips that include hikes over forested trails, waterfalls, ridges, and the Appalachian Trail, with awesome views of the Delaware Water Gap, waterfalls, valleys and the NYC skyline. Read More...