NJ Fall Colors This Weekend: Peak Up North, Just Starting Down South (Oct 16)

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.

High Point State Park - the highest point in New Jersey, with views across three states. The drive in along Route 23 is half the show.
Stokes State Forest - right next door to High Point, with Sunrise Mountain's overlook on the Kittatinny Ridge.
Swartswood State Park and Kittatinny Valley State Park - lakes ringed with color, easier walking than the ridge.
Wawayanda State Park - color reflecting off Wawayanda Lake, plus miles of trail through the Highlands.
Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, Long Pond Ironworks State Park and Ringwood State Park - the Greenwood Lake and Ringwood corner of Passaic County.
Norvin Green State Forest and Ramapo Mountain State Forest - rocky Highlands hikes with long views, a shorter drive from North Jersey towns.

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.

Worthington State Forest - the Delaware Water Gap end of the Kittatinny Ridge.
Jenny Jump State Forest, Allamuchy Mountain State Park and Stephens State Park - the Warren County hills and the Musconetcong River.
Hopatcong State Park - the lake shore at the south end of New Jersey's biggest lake.
Hacklebarney State Park and Voorhees State Park - a rocky river gorge and a hilltop overlook, close together in Morris and Hunterdon.
Spruce Run Recreation Area and Round Valley Recreation Area - two big Hunterdon reservoirs where the color frames the water.
Bull's Island Recreation Area, Washington Crossing State Park and Princeton Battlefield State Park - the Delaware River and Mercer County side.

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.

Central Jersey: Six Mile Run, Cheesequake State Park, Monmouth Battlefield State Park and Allaire State Park.
The Pine Barrens: Wharton State Forest, Atsion Recreation Area, Brendan T. Byrne State Forest, Bass River State Forest and Double Trouble State Park. Red maples, blueberry bushes and cranberry bogs give the Pines their own kind of color.
South Jersey and the Shore: Belleplain State Forest, Fort Mott State Park, Island Beach State Park, Corson's Inlet State Park and Cape May Point State Park.

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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Abram S. Hewitt State Forest

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: Hewitt, New Jersey 07421, Passaic County
Website: http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/abram.html

Allaire State Park

Allaire state park offers biking, a historical village, hiking, railroads, trails, fishing, deep woods, and many acres to explore.

Mailing Address: 4265 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale, NJ 07727
State Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/allaire.html

Allamuchy Mountain State Park

Allamuchy Mountain State Park offers a wide variety of activities, mainly consisting of hiking and mountain biking through miles of scenic single track.

Address: Hackettstown, New Jersey 07820, Warren County,
Phone: (908) 852-3790
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/allamuch.html

Atsion Recreation Area

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: Parkdale Road, Shamong, NJ 08088, USA
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html#atsionvillage

Bass River State Forest

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: Burlington and Ocean Counties, New Jersey
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/bass.html

Belleplain State Forest

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: 1 Henkinsifkin Road,, Woodbine, New Jersey 08270
Phone: (609) 861-2404
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/belle.html

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

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: P.O. Box 215, New Lisbon, NJ 08064
Address: P.O. Box 215,, New Lisbon, New Jersey 08064
Phone: (609) 726-1191
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/byrne.html

Bull's Island Recreation Area

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: 2185 Daniel Bray Highway,, Stockton, New Jersey 08559
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/bull.html

Cape May Point State Park

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: P O Box 107,, Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212
Phone: (609) 884-2159
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/capemay.html

Cheesequake State Park

Cheesequake State Park offers hiking, bike, walking, swimming, camping, and much much more for every who visits.

Mailing Address: 300 Gordon Road, Matawan, NJ 07747
Phone: (732) 566-2161
Pimary URL: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/cheesequake.html

Corson's Inlet State Park

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: County Hwy 619,, Ocean City, NJ 08214
Phone: (609) 861-2404
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/corsons.html

Double Trouble State Park

Double Trouble State Park offers an outstanding example of the Pine Barrens ecosystem and a window into the Pine Barrens history.

Mailing Address: 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
Phone: (732) 341-6662
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/double.html

Fort Mott State Park

Fort Mott was part of a coastal defense system designed for the Delaware River in the late 1800s

Address: 454 Fort Mott Road, Pennsville, NJ
Phone: (856) 935-3218
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/fortmott.html

Hacklebarney State Park

Hacklebarney State Park offers miles of hiking, multiple waterfalls, and fishing access to the great black river

Address: 119 Hacklebarney Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853-9525, Morris County
Phone: (908) 638-6969
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/hackle.html

High Point State Park

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: 1480 State Route 23,, Wantage, NJ 07461 07461
Phone: (973) 875-4800
Website: https://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/highpointstatepark.html

Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park, located in Ocean County NJ, offers beach access, cartop boat launching, walking trails through natural dunes, and much more

Address: Island Beach, New Jersey 08008, Ocean County
Phone: (732) 793-0506
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html

Jenny Jump State Forest

Jenny Jump State Forest offers great views, great hiking, camping and more.

Address: 330 State Park Rd, Great Meadows, NJ 07838
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/jennyjump.html

Kittatinny Valley State Park

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: Goodale Rd,, Newton, NJ 07860
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/kittval.html

Lake Hopatcong

Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, United States, about 4 square miles in area.

Address: Lake Hopatcong, NJ
Tourism Website: http://www.lakehopatcong.com

Long Pond Ironworks State Park

Information about Long Pond Ironworks State Park coming soon. Please visit their site for more information.

Address: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd,, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Phone: (973) 962-7031
Website: http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/longpond.html

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

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: Manalapan Township, NJ 07726, USA
Phone: (732) 462-9616
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/monbat.html

Norvin Green State Forest

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: 150 Snake Den Rd,, Ringwood, NJ 07456
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/norvin.html

Princeton Battlefield State Park

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: 500 Mercer Rd,, Princeton, New Jersey 08540
Website: https://pbs1777.org/

Ramapo Mountain State Forest

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: Passaic and Bergen counties, New Jersey
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ramapo.html

Ringwood State Park

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: 1304 Sloatsburg Rd, Ringwood, New Jersey 07456
Phone: (973) 962-7031
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/ringwood.html

Round Valley Recreation Area

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: 1220 Lebanon-Stanton Road, Lebanon, New Jersey 08833, Hunterdon County
Phone: (908) 236-6355
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/round.html

Six Mile Run Reservoir

Six Mile Run offers amazing singletrack for both hikers and bikers throughout the year.

Address: 597 Canal Rd, Somerset, New Jersey 08873, Somerset County,
Website: http://www.dandrcanal.com/interest.html#sixmile

Spruce Run Recreation Area

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: 68 Van Syckles Road,, Clinton, New Jersey 08809
Phone: (908) 638-8572
Website: https://www.njportal.com/DEP/NJOutdoors/Park/Details?locationId=12

Stephens State Park

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: 800 Willow Grove St, , Hackettstown, NJ 07840
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/stephens.html

Stokes State Forest

Stokes State Forest offers activities ranging from mountain biking, hunting, fishing, hiking camping, and much more. All in an amazing outdoor environment.

Address: 1 Coursen Road, Branchville, New Jersey 07826, Sussex County,
Phone: (973) 948-3820
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/stokes.html

Swartswood State Park

Swartswood State Park offers boating, paddling, fishing, kayaking, swimming, camping, hiking, nature trails, bathrooms.

Address: Swartswood, New Jersey 07877, Sussex County
Phone: (973) 383-5230
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/swartswood.html

Voorhees State Park

Voorhees State Park offers camping, nature trails, overlooks of NYC, a nice observatory, and much more.

Address: 251 County Road 513, Glen Gardner, New Jersey 08826-3214, Hunterdon County,
Phone: (908) 638-6969
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/voorhees.html

Washington Crossing State Park (NJ)

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: 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, New Jersey 08560
Phone: (609) 737-0623
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/washcros.html

Wawayanda State Park

Wawayanda State Park contains miles of amazing trails, a large fishing/swimming/paddling lakes, and so much more.

General Location: Sussex, Passaic and Morris Counties
Phone: (973) 853-4462
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wawayanda.html

Wharton State Forest

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: Atlantic, Burlington and Camden Counties
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html

Worthington State Forest

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: Old Mine Rd,, Columbia, NJ 07832
Website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/worthington.html