Top 18 New Jersey Fall Trips To Experience Fall Foliage and Adventure
Your Guide to the Best New Jersey Fall Trips
New Jersey lights up in fall. Leaf color peaks around Columbus Day and often lasts into November, especially along the ridges. Northern areas turn first, then color moves south toward the Pine Barrens. Dry summers can push early changes for swamp maples, ash, and other shallow-rooted trees.
Plan an easy day trip or a slow weekend drive. The views, small towns, and trails make it worth the time.
Northern New Jersey Fall Trips and Scenic Drives
Sussex County Color Route
Take a classic Skylands loop with wide-open views and charming stops.
- Start in Belvidere on County Route 519, just south of Route 46, and head north toward Newton. On a clear day, distant skyline views may appear to the east.
- Roll past state parks and rural landscapes. Newton has colonial-era buildings, antique shops, and Revolutionary War history.
- Continue to Halsey, Branchville, Frankford, Beemerville, and Colesville on Route 23. Enter High Point State Park for the 1,803-foot monument and a panoramic view of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
- From Route 23, turn onto Sawmill Road to reach Stokes State Forest. Follow Sunrise Mountain Road south for ridge-top scenery and long vistas.
If you have time, extend the drive:
- Take Sunrise Mountain Road to Peters Valley via Route 206. Peters Valley is a hub for fine crafts and the northern gateway to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
- Continue to Walpack Center on Route 615 for quiet roads and classic valley views.
Buttermilk Falls
New Jersey’s tallest waterfall drops about 200 feet and sits right by the roadside. The full loop hike is 7.5 miles round trip, with stair climbs, cascades, and overlooks. You can also enjoy the falls without a long hike.
- Directions: From Branchville, take Route 206 north past Culver Lake. Turn left on Struble Road, which becomes Dimon Road. Pass the two Tillman Ravine parking areas on the left. At the intersection, turn left on Mountain Road, pass Walpack Cemetery, then look for a large dirt lot on the right. The falls sit on the left and are hard to miss.
- GPS Parking: N41 08.221 W74 53.350
- Restrooms: Tillman Ravine parking lots on Mountain Road
Old Mine Road
One of the oldest roads in the country, this route follows the Delaware River and links historic sites and scenic pull-offs. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and runs from Hardwick Township, NJ to Kingston, NY. Learn more: Old Mine Road
Eagle Rock Reservation and the Lenape Trail
Prospect Avenue and Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange
This 400-acre park along the Watchung ridge has easy-to-moderate hiking, rocky woods, and an overlook with a sweeping New York City view near the Essex County 9/11 Memorial. The Lenape Trail runs 36 miles and links 18 parks and 11 towns in Essex County.
Park info: Eagle Rock Reservation
Great Falls National Historical Park
72 McBride Avenue, Paterson
Formed around the end of the last ice age, the 77-foot Great Falls shaped Paterson’s early industry. View the falls from the Great Falls Lawn, the pedestrian bridge, and the upper overlook. Details: Great Falls
Palisades Scenic Byway
Start in Fort Lee and choose either the 11-mile Palisades Interstate Parkway or the 9-mile Henry Hudson Drive along the river. Lookouts sit atop 500-foot cliffs with striking views of the Hudson River and Manhattan. River-level facilities are linked by a scenic drive. Route info: Palisades Scenic Byway
Watchung Reservation
1160 Summit Lane, Mountainside
Over 2,000 acres of forest, ponds, Blue Brook, and Lake Surprise. Hike more than 13 miles of marked trails. Visit the Deserted Village for a self-guided tour and folklore. In October, the Haunted Hayride runs through the village. Park details: Watchung Reservation
Central New Jersey Fall Trips and Scenic Drives
Clinton
A picture-perfect small town with a tree-lined Main Street, the famous Red Mill, and a broad waterfall on the South Branch. Shops, cafes, and walkable streets make it a classic fall stop. Town guide: Clinton, NJ
The Historic Village at Allaire
4263 Atlantic Ave, Farmingdale
Step into a 19th-century iron-making community with preserved buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on demos. The park holds more than 200 species of plants and wildflowers and runs the Pine Creek Railroad, a vintage train ride. Fall often features seasonal shows and craft events. Info: The Historic Village at Allaire
Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge
Stockton
See New Jersey’s last surviving covered bridge, built in 1872 and rebuilt using original materials in 1961. The bridge spans the Wickecheoke Creek near the line between the Hunterdon Plateau and Amwell Valley. About the bridge: Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge
While in Stockton, explore Prallsville Mills on the Delaware and Raritan Canal, a historic mill complex used today for arts, tours, and community events.
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Hunterdon County
Soar over farms, rolling hills, and river valleys for peak foliage views. Flight info: Balloons In Flight Over NJ
Ironbound Farm
360 County Road 579, Asbury
This 108-acre transitional organic farm is known for hard cider, regenerative agriculture, and wood-fired cooking. Visit the cider garden, see heritage animals, and learn about their growing practices. Farm info: Ironbound Farm
Lambertville
This river town blends art galleries, antiques, indie shops, a brewery, and top restaurants. Stroll the canal towpath or cross the bridge to New Hope for more browsing. Town guide: Lambertville
Southern New Jersey Fall Trips and Scenic Drives
Scarborough Bridge, Cherry Hill
A covered bridge by architect Malcolm Wells spans the Cooper River’s north branch and links parts of the Barclay Farm neighborhood. It was dedicated on Valentine’s Day in 1959. Learn more: Scarborough Bridge
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
24 Kimbles Beach Road, Cape May Court House
One of the largest refuges in the system, created to protect coastal migratory birds. The refuge includes the Delaware Bay Division, Great Cedar Swamp Division, and Two Mile Beach Unit, and continues to grow. Fall brings prime birding and butterfly watching, especially during the Monarch migration from late September into late fall. National Refuge guide.
Estell Manor Park
109 Boulevard Route 50, Mays Landing
Once home to an 1800s glass works and a World War I munitions plant, the land has returned to forest with diverse wildlife. Stop by the Warren E. Fox Nature Center for displays, maps, and programs. Park info: Estell Manor Park
Pine Barrens Foliage and Heritage Drive
Start in Chatsworth at Routes 532 and 563, the heart of cranberry country. In October, the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival celebrates the harvest and Pine Barrens culture.
- Head south on Route 563 to Green Bank and pass bright red cranberry bogs during harvest.
- Turn onto Route 542 and visit Batsto Village in Wharton State Forest, a preserved iron and glass town with many standing buildings.
- Continue to Route 206 north and stop at the Atsion Recreation Area for boating, fishing, and lakeside walks.
For a guided look at cranberry country, sign up for the seasonal tour:
Cranberry Bog Fall Harvest Tour
Pinelands Adventures, Atsion Road, Shamong
This October tour takes you into an active cranberry farm. Learn how the crop is grown and harvested, and how the industry helped protect the Pine Barrens. Tour info and dates: Cranberry Bog Tour
Key Takeaways
- Peak color usually runs from early to mid October in the north, then later in the south.
- Northern New Jersey offers mountain views, waterfalls, and historic roads.
- Central New Jersey brings classic small towns, covered bridges, and farm-to-table stops.
- Southern New Jersey features wildlife refuges, quiet rivers, and the Pine Barrens.
- Weekdays and early mornings mean fewer crowds and easier parking.
FAQs - Best NJ Fall Trips
What is the best time to see fall foliage in New Jersey?
Color often peaks around Columbus Day in the north. Ridges hold their glow into late October. Southern areas, including the Pine Barrens, can show strong color into early November.
Where can I find the best scenic overlooks?
High Point State Park, Sunrise Mountain in Stokes State Forest, Palisades Scenic Byway lookouts, and Eagle Rock Reservation are top picks.
Are there easy walks for families?
Yes. Eagle Rock Reservation, Watchung Reservation, Cape May Point State Park, and Batsto Village all have easy trails and paths.
Is Buttermilk Falls worth it if I do not want a long hike?
Yes. The main falls are roadside. You can add short stair climbs for higher views if you want.
Can I see wildlife during fall trips?
Absolutely. Visit Cape May National Wildlife Refuge and Cape May Point for bird and Monarch migrations. The Pine Barrens also offers great chances to spot birds.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle for these drives?
No. Most routes are paved or well-maintained. Always check park advisories and local conditions before you go.
What should I bring for a day trip?
Pack layers, water, snacks, a map or offline directions, and a camera or binoculars. Parking fills fast on peak weekends, so arrive early.
