Witness vivid colors through the windshield of your car, as fall foliage becomes the perfect setting for a picturesque drive through New Jersey. The roads that wind through the state showcase New Jersey’s diversity in landscape, leading you to some of the most perfect natural backdrops.
Gas up the car, pick your favorite tunes to match those fall vibes and cruise on in search of autumn’s glory. Here are a few options to explore around the state.
Ringwood State Park is a wonderful reward for leaf-peepers traveling through northern New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Savor The Breathtaking Stretches Of The Skylands Region
The natural beauty of autumn in New Jersey can be seen when traveling through this region, as you head deep into its northern depths. Start in Riverdale and head toward Wanaque on Route 511 to see the wonder of the Wanaque Reservoir. Or take the nearby 6-mile stretch of Skyline Drive from Oakland toward Ringwood with views of the nearby Ramapo Mountain State Forest. Each path will meet up and head toward Ringwood, with the breathtaking Ringwood State Park awaiting at the end of the journey. Sit in your car and enjoy the fall foliage or choose to explore it on the hiking trails, through a tour of Ringwood Manor or even on a visit to the New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands.
Expected peak foliage: Oct. 5 to 12*
A trip on Henry Hudson Drive will take your breath away with scenery like this. Photo by Mario Burger
Explore An Elevated Leaf-Peeping Paradise In The Palisades
An awe-inspiring view of Palisades Interstate Park is equally matched by the fiery colors of the autumn leaves on this drive. The Palisades Scenic Byway covers a 10-mile stretch on the Palisades Interstate Parkway as well as 8.5 miles on Henry Hudson Drive, complete with steep cliffs and a stunning view of the George Washington Bridge. Just watch out for the bicyclists and hikers who are also enjoying fall’s splendor. The park has 30 miles of hiking trails if you want to get out of the car and stretch your legs a bit, or check out one of three scenic lookouts with beautiful views of changing leaves, monumental cliffs and New York City across the Hudson River.
Expected peak foliage: Oct. 12 to 19*
The colorful foliage will make you fall in love with Lambertville. Photo courtesy of momcat14c | Flickr
Step Into A Fairytale Setting Within The Delaware River Towns
A trip along the Delaware River fills the air with historical charm, small towns and some prime views of falling leaves. Start at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, the site of George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware in 1776 during the Revolutionary War, with 500 acres featuring hiking trails, nature center and the gorgeous Goat Hill Overlook nearby. From there, drive the 32-mile Delaware River Scenic Byway on Route 29, with the ability to get out of the car to walk the D&R Canal State Park towpath. Scenic exploring will bring you to small towns like Lambertville and Frenchtown, both walkable locales full of whimsy, and each with a bridge across the river to Pennsylvania.
Expected peak foliage: Oct. 12 to 19*
Blueberry bushes that are prominent in the Pine Barrens turn the typically green landscape into a sea of red this time of year. Photo by MNixonPhoto | Flickr
Soak In A Colorful Surprise In The Pinelands
The mystery and majesty of the 1.1-million-acre Pine Barrens is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in New Jersey’s foliage. One of the best drives to do so is along Route 542, part of the Pine Barrens byway with scenery of pines, leaves and rivers all around. A recommended starting point is New Gretna to travel toward Hammonton, passing through the national historic site of Wharton State Forest and Batsto Village, an ironmaking village until the end of the 19th century. As you head north, make a pit stop at Double Trouble State Park to see falling leaves, cranberry bogs and a historical industry town, Double Trouble Village. Other sights in the area include the Wading River, Leektown, Crowleytown and the Mullica River.
Expected peak foliage: Oct. 12 to 19*
Belleplain State Forest in Woodbine features a sandy setting to enjoy the autumnal atmosphere. Photo by Jennifer Bulava
Get A Look At Fall’s Last Gasp Along The Shore
Besides the sights of sand and surf, the Jersey Shore area can offer spectacular views of the changing leaves on a nice drive. One option is taking Route 9 from Cape May and heading north toward Toms River. Along the way, there are more than 21,000 acres in Belleplain State Forest (just a short drive off of Route 9) and Cape May County Park North offers both forest and wildlife views. Heading northward, history and nature intertwine beautifully at Allaire State Park, where hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy the many trails available. The Manasquan River winds through the 19th-century ironmaking town, and it’s a sight to see. Finish the coastal journey with a stop at Hartshorne Woods Park in Atlantic Highlands to see its immense military history (Battery Lewis is a must-visit spot) as well as serene waterfront views of the Navesink River.
Expected peak foliage: Oct. 19 to 26*
*Expected peak foliage dates are approximate, based on this map produced by Smoky Mountains.
What’s your favorite spot in New Jersey to enjoy the fall foliage? Let us know in the comments.
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The ultimate N.J. fall road trip complete with dazzling destinations along the way - Jersey's Best
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