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

Updated: Oct 17, 2026 Short URL: gonj.me/a7vxmc

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.


view by: 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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Wharton State Forest

Hammonton, Atlantic County, NJ

Burlington County


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Atsion Recreation Area

Shamong, Burlington County, NJ

Brendan T. Byrne State Forest

New Lisbon, Burlington County, NJ

Cape May County


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Belleplain State Forest

Woodbine, Cape May County, NJ

Cape May Point State Park

Cape May Point, Cape May County, NJ

Corson's Inlet State Park

Ocean City, Cape May County, NJ

Hunterdon County


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Bull's Island Recreation Area

Stockton, Hunterdon County, NJ

Round Valley Recreation Area

Lebanon, Hunterdon County, NJ

Spruce Run Recreation Area

Clinton, Hunterdon County, NJ

Voorhees State Park

Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County, NJ

Mercer County


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Middlesex County


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Cheesequake State Park

Old Bridge, Middlesex County, NJ

Monmouth County


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Allaire State Park

Wall, Monmouth County, NJ

Monmouth Battlefield State Park

Manalapan, Monmouth County, NJ

Morris County


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Hacklebarney State Park

Long Valley, Morris County, NJ

Lake Hopatcong

Lake Hopatcong, Morris County, NJ

Ocean County


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Bass River State Forest

Tuckerton, Ocean County, NJ

Double Trouble State Park

Berkeley, Ocean County, NJ

Island Beach State Park

Seaside Park, Ocean County, NJ

Passaic County


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Norvin Green State Forest

Ringwood, Passaic County, NJ

Ringwood State Park

Ringwood, Passaic County, NJ

Wawayanda State Park

Hewitt, Passaic County, NJ

Salem County


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Fort Mott State Park

Pennsville, Salem County, NJ

Somerset County


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Six Mile Run Reservoir

Somerset, Somerset County, NJ

Sussex County


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High Point State Park

Sussex, Sussex County, NJ

Stokes State Forest

Branchville, Sussex County, NJ

Swartswood State Park

Swartswood, Sussex County, NJ

Warren County


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Stephens State Park

Hackettstown, Warren County, NJ

Worthington State Forest

Columbia, Warren County, NJ

About the author - Jeff C.

 Jeff C.
Jeff C. is a web developer in Central New Jersey that has a passion for helping folks get outside and explore NJ. He works on a few Outdoor-centric sites, including GetOutsideNJ, the NJ Outdoor Map, ExploringAllaire, and more. Please visit getoutsidedevelopment.com to learn more!

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