Fall color in New Jersey runs on a schedule: it starts at the top of the state and works its way south. NJ State Parks and the NJ Forest Service put out a foliage map on Fridays in the fall that rates 49 state parks and forests, and the Friday, October 16 map says the show is on right now in the northwest corner.
Here is what the map shows, region by region, and where we would go this weekend. Color changes fast and a windy rain can strip a ridge in one night, so check the newest map before you go: the state shares it on the NJ State Parks and NJ Forest Service Facebook pages.
At peak: Sussex County and the Highlands
All of Sussex County, the Passaic County highlands and the western edge of Bergen County are at peak on the October 16 map. If you only have one day this weekend, this is where to spend it.
Getting close: Warren, Morris, Hunterdon and Mercer
The next band south is between mid point and near peak. These should keep getting better over the next week or so.
Some change: Central Jersey, the Shore and South Jersey
From Somerset, Middlesex and Essex south to Cape May, the October 16 map shows some change, but not much yet. That is good news: South Jersey's color comes later, so these parks are your plan for the end of October and into November, after the north is done.
Tips for a color day
- Go early. The north's top parks fill up on peak weekends. Morning light is better for photos anyway.
- Pick water or a view. Color looks twice as good reflected in a lake or seen from above. A reservoir walk or a ridge overlook beats a deep-woods trail for color.
- Check before you go. Hours, parking and fees are set by each park. Check the park's own page before you head out.
Make a day of it
Fall color season is also farm season. Pair a morning hike with a stop at a farm for apples, pumpkins or cider on the way home, and look at our calendar for fall festivals near the park you pick.
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County
Location Name
View On Map
Atlantic County,
Burlington County,
Cape May County,
Hunterdon County,
Mercer County,
Middlesex County,
Monmouth County,
Morris County,
Ocean County,
Passaic County,
Salem County,
Somerset County,
Sussex County,
Warren County
Atlantic County
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Throughout Wharton are rivers and streams for canoeing, hiking trails (including a section of the Batona Trail), miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding, and numerous lakes, ponds, and fields ideal for wildlife observation.
- Address
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Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html
Burlington County
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The Atsion Mansion was built in 1826 as a summer home for Samuel Richards. Richards, who a prominent ironmaster from Philadelphia, was the operator of the Atsion furnace along the Mullica River. Today the mansion appears as it was back in 1826.
- Address
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Parkdale Road, Shamong, NJ 08088, USA
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html#atsionvillage
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Formerly known as Lebanon State Forest, visitors are greeted by the fresh scent of pines. Today, hikers can follow the sandy trails and roads that crisscross the forest, sometimes passing near the remains of stone or brick structures.
- Mailing Address
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P.O. Box 215,
New Lisbon, NJ 08064
- Address
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P.O. Box 215,,
New Lisbon, New Jersey 08064
- Phone
- (609) 726-1191
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/byrne.html
Cape May County
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The forested acres of Belleplain include stands of young pine, oak and Atlantic white cedar, reflecting better soil conditions and less damage by fire than found in the Pine Barrens just north of the forest.
- Address
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1 Henkinsifkin Road,,
Woodbine, New Jersey 08270
- Phone
- (609) 861-2404
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/belle.html
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Located on the southern tip of New Jersey, Cape May Point State Park is a key site on the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail, with an environmental center that houses a classroom for interpretive programs and a museum about the park.
- Address
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P O Box 107,,
Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212
- Phone
- (609) 884-2159
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/capemay.html
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Corson's Inlet State Park offers outstanding scenic beauty and endless opportunities for observing a multitude of migratory and residential wildlife species. Corson's Inlet is extremely popular for hiking, fishing, crabbing, boating and sunbathing.
- Address
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County Hwy 619,,
Ocean City, NJ 08214
- Phone
- (609) 861-2404
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsons.html
Hunterdon County
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Bulls Island is part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. It is bounded by the Delaware River to the east and the canal to the west. The main intake for the canal is located at the northern section of Bulls Island. This 80-acre forested isla
- Address
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2185 Daniel Bray Highway,,
Stockton, New Jersey 08559
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/bull.html
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Round Valley Reservoir attracts swimmers, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and campers to its scenic shore, while the advanced trail system pulls in advanced bikers and hikers alike.
- Address
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1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road,
Lebanon, New Jersey 08833,
Hunterdon County
- Phone
- (908) 236-6355
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/round.html
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The Highlands Trail runs through Spruce Run, and there are six picnic areas with grills and a playground around the grounds. The water is the real draw: a boat launch, a separate car-top launch and seasonal rentals on New Jersey's third largest reservoir, with a 10 horsepower cap that keeps it calm enough to paddle. Anglers work 15 miles of shoreline for largemouth bass, catfish and yellow perch.
- Address
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68 Van Syckles Road,,
Clinton, New Jersey 08809
- Phone
- (908) 638-8572
- Website
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https://www.njportal.com/DEP/NJOutdoors/Park/Details?locationId=12
Mercer County
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The open fields where Washington's army fought the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777, with the Thomas Clarke House still standing at the edge of it. The 250th anniversary falls in January 2027.
- Address
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500 Mercer Rd,,
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
- Website
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https://pbs1777.org/
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Both a historic location and just a beautiful place to visit, Washington Crossing State Park has a lot to offer anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy nature.
- Address
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355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road,
Titusville, New Jersey 08560
- Phone
- (609) 737-0623
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/washcros.html
Middlesex County
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Monmouth County
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Monmouth Battlefield State Park preserves a splendid rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows that encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, picnic areas, a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse and more.
- Address
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Manalapan Township, NJ 07726, USA
- Phone
- (732) 462-9616
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html
Morris County
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Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, United States, about 4 square miles in area.
- Address
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Lake Hopatcong, NJ
- Tourism Website
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http://www.lakehopatcong.com
Ocean County
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Bass River State Forest was the first forest acquired by the state of New Jersey in 1905 for public recreation, water conservation, and wildlife and timber management. Lake Absegami, a 67-acre lake created in the 1930's, is the center of the forest's
- Address
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Burlington and Ocean Counties,
New Jersey
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/bass.html
Passaic County
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Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is located in Hewitt, New Jersey. A section of Bearfort Ridge, as well as the Appalachian Trail reaches into Hewitt State Forest, offering hikers a challenging climb with a rewarding view.
- Address
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Hewitt, New Jersey 07421,
Passaic County
- Website
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http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/abram.html
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The undisturbed forest and rugged terrain of Norvin Green offers sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. Part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area, the forest is near Wanaque Reservoir and is home to an extensive trail system built from old logging roads.
- Address
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150 Snake Den Rd,,
Ringwood, NJ 07456
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/norvin.html
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This hilly forest is a sanctuary for wildlife. Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy miles of challenging trails. Many trails offer a view of the New York City skyline. Birdwatchers are attracted to the forest for its ponds, streams and marshes.
- Address
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Passaic and Bergen counties, New Jersey
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ramapo.html
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Ringwood State Park offers so much for people of all levels to do throughout the year, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, shooting range, picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming and more.
- Address
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1304 Sloatsburg Rd,
Ringwood, New Jersey 07456
- Phone
- (973) 962-7031
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwood.html
Salem County
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Somerset County
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Sussex County
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The view from High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level, is a spectacular panorama of NJ/NY/PA. Trails around the entire park will challenge even the most advanced hikers and bikers.
- Address
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1480 State Route 23,,
Wantage, NJ 07461 07461
- Phone
- (973) 875-4800
- Website
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https://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/highpointstatepark.html
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Glacial lakes, limestone outcroppings, former railroads, and a small airport are features of Kittatinny Valley State Park. Lake Aeroflex and Gardner's Pond form part of the headwaters of the Pequest River and are excellent for fishing and boating.
- Address
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Goodale Rd,,
Newton, NJ 07860
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/kittval.html
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Stokes State Forest offers activities ranging from mountain biking, hunting, fishing, hiking camping, and much more. All in an amazing outdoor environment.
- Address
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1 Coursen Road,
Branchville, New Jersey 07826,
Sussex County,
- Phone
- (973) 948-3820
- Website
-
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/stokes.html
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Swartswood State Park offers boating, paddling, fishing, kayaking, swimming, camping, hiking, nature trails, bathrooms.
- Address
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Swartswood, New Jersey 07877,
Sussex County
- Phone
- (973) 383-5230
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/swartswood.html
Warren County
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The Musconetcong River, an excellent freshwater fishing spot, flows over and around boulders through Stephens State Park. An easy walking, but rocky path follows the river with places for picnicking in shaded areas.
- Address
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800 Willow Grove St, ,
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/stephens.html
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Some of the most rugged terrain and splendid views of northern New Jersey are found in Worthington State Forest. A rocky and sometimes steep trail follows Dunnfield Creek from the Delaware River to Mount Tammany or hikers may choose to follow the tra
- Address
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Old Mine Rd,,
Columbia, NJ 07832
- Website
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http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/worthington.html
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