ISTOCK.COM/THOMASKLOC / Dallenbach Lake in East Brunswick

New Jersey is called the Garden State for good reason. In October, the fall foliage proves how beautiful and picturesque the landscape here can be. Fall colors will soon be on full display. The best fall hues can usually be seen from October 19-29 so plan a day to drive along scenic roadways or hike through the woods to peep the fall colors at their most spectacular. To track the best fall colors in and around NJ, follow the NJ Forest Service.

Atlantic County

Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve

Estell Manor Park

Bergen County

Ramapo Mountain State Forest

Ringwood State Park

Burlington County

Historic Smithville Park

Rancocas State Park

Hunterdon County

Round Valley Reservoir

Mercer County

Washington Crossing State Park

Middlesex County

Cheesequake State Park

Morris County

Lake Hopatcong

Pyramid Mountain National Historic Area

Passaic County

Rifle Camp Park

Sussex County

High Point State Park

Warren County

Delaware Water Gap

Jenny Jump State Forest

Several Counties

The Pinelands

Wharton State Forest

National Park Sites to Try:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail: A hiker’s dream, 72 miles of the more than 2,000-mile trail runs through the northwestern part of NJ.

Crossroads of the American Revolution: Run by local non-profits, this heritage trail connects battlefield sites from Fort Lee to Red Bank.

Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River:  Expanded in 2000, this is the largest free-flowing river in the Eastern U.S.

New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve: This South Jersey treasure has more than a million acres of forest, wetlands and farms. The gigantic reserve is also home to a 129-mile-long river.

Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail: You’ll spot signs for this trail that stretches from Massachusetts to Virginia in towns like Princeton and Allendale.

Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation. Weekly fall foliage reports can be found online on the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website. The report will be updated every Thursday. Head to visitPA.com to find locations for some breathtaking views.

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