New Jersey is called the Garden State for good reason and soon all the green that gave it its nickname will showcase spectacular autumn colors. Plan a day to drive along scenic roadways or take a hike to peep the fall colors at their most spectacular.
Two spots in NJ were recently named the best sites to see preseason changes. High Point State Park is ranked No. 20, according to The First Fall list released by Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek in Florida. Situated at the highest elevation in New Jersey, this park begins to show early fall colors by mid-September, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is No. 81, with the area along the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border starting to see fall colors in mid-September, with scenic drives and hiking trails offering great views.
And Country Living just named Mountain Lakes in Morris County No. 25 on its list of the 55 best towns in the country for fall foliage, based on its historic district and beautiful Birchwood Lake and Appalachian Trail regions.
To track the best fall colors in and around NJ, follow the NJ Forest Service or check the Fall Foliage Prediction Map from the Smoky Mountains.
Atlantic County
Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve
Bergen County
Burlington County
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Washington Crossing State Park
Middlesex County
Morris County
Pyramid Mountain National Historic Area
Passaic County
Sussex County
Warren County
Several Counties
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:Â Run by local non-profits, this heritage trail connects battlefield sites from Fort Lee to Red Bank.
Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River: Â 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.
You can also sign up for fall foliage boat tours –Â Griggstown Canoe and Kayak in Princeton offers a guided fall foliage tour, or go up to Bear Mountain in New York. Or, ride along the Fall Foliage Rambler train from Woodstown Central Railroad.
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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