The Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Northern New Jersey

Much of Northern New Jersey is mountainous and forested, making it a perfect place to find breathtaking fall foliage. While there are many more places to go leaf-peeping than those listed here, these are some of the best spots to get gorgeous views of autumn color in Northern New Jersey.

Timing of fall foliage in Northern New Jersey

Fall foliage typically peeks in Northern New Jersey around the middle of October. The second and third weeks are usually ideal for leaf-peeping. Of course, the elevation makes a difference. If you are visiting a mountainous area, you’ll want to go earlier in the month, while lower elevations will see the peek in the later half typically. Sussex and Passaic counties tend to have the highest elevation, hence they have the earliest fall foliage peeks.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

If you are looking to do some challenging hiking with a breathtaking view as a payoff, the Delaware Water Gap is a great option. There are many gorgeous hikes throughout this area. Any of them will provide lovely fall foliage at the right time of year. One of the most famous is the hike up Mt. Tammany. We have done this hike in the summer and are certain it would make for a breathtaking autumn hike. The Stairway to Heaven hike at Pinwheel Vista is also another well-known, stunning option.

The Delaware Water Gap is huge area of land straddling the Delaware River. As such, it is partly in New Jersey and partly in Pennsylvania, cutting through the Kittatinny Ridge. You can find many waterfalls and ravines in the area. The hike to Dingman Falls is one of the most well-loved waterfall hikes, but there are many others. There are no entry fees to access the area.

Fall Foliage in Goat Hill Overlook

If you are looking for an easy family hike with a colorful fall view, this is the hike for you. This overlook can be accessed by a short hike through the woods that turns quite colorful in the fall. It is only about a half mile. The gentle incline makes it an easy hike for families with a lovely view for a payoff. From the overlook, the Delaware River can be seen. You can also see the town of New Hope across the border in Pennsylvania.

The overlook is located in Goat Hill Preserve, a separate parcel of land that is part of Washington Crossing Historic Park in Hunterdon County. It is free and open to the general public during daylight hours. Dogs can be brought on a leash.

Kittatinny Valley State Park

If you are looking for fall foliage reflected in a lovely lake that can be seen with little hiking or elevation, this is the right place for you. This park located in Andover, New Jersey, includes glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, and former railroad lines converted into trails. It can be used for fishing, biking, horse back riding and more. Walk the path just past the Visitor’s Center to enjoy the lake with the colors of fall reflected in its clear waters. Stay to see the sunset over the Eastern corner of the lake. You may also enjoy seeing some planes flying low as the park includes its own small airfield.  

The park is free during non-peak season and open to the public during daylight hours. During the summer months, a small daily fee is charged per vehicle.

Highlands Trail Overlook at Allamuchy

This is a beautiful overlook in Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Sussex County, New Jersey. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, which is across the street from Historic Waterloo Village (another lovely spot to explore.) The hike up is a little over a mile and a half, but includes a good bit of elevation and a bit of rock scrambling, making it more challenging. But the payoff is a beautiful open overlook where you can enjoy Waterloo Lakes and a riot of color in the fall.

If you’re feeling spooky, there’s a creepy tunnel in the woods across the street from the trailhead, too! The park features many other trails, rock climbing, fishing and more.

The Deserted Village at Watchung Reservation

This is a very large nature preserve located in Union County, New Jersey, with many different sections to explore. During October, the Deserted Village of Feltville is a great place to visit for some fall foliage and spooky fun. Historic buildings and cemeteries are decorated for the season, and fall foliage surrounds the dilapidated remains of the 19th century village.

Other areas of the park include a 6 mile history trail, a Trailside Nature and Science Center, Lake Surprise, and more. The reserve is free and open to the public during daylight hours.

A few more options for fall foliage in Northern New Jersey

There are several other parks that are on our list to visit in the fall in Northern New Jersey! High Point State Park in the Northwest corner of the state and boasts the highest point in New Jersey (hence the name.) Ringwood State Park includes a historic estate, a lake where viewers can canoe, and a Botanic Garden to see a variety of fall blooming plants. Finally, Ramapo Mountain State Forest includes the ruins of the Van Slyke Castle, which sounds intriguing, especially during the ghostly month of October! Any of these options will provide beautiful views in the gorgeous month of October in Northern New Jersey.

For more ideas of family-friendly things to do in New Jersey, check out this post.