The best time to get outside in New Jersey is arguably the fall, when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing!
And for the outdoorsy bunch — here are the 9 best hikes you can take to get the best out of those fall colors.
9 Best Fall Hikes in New Jersey – Perfect for Colors & Foliage
Wyanokie High Point (Norvin Green State Forest)
Difficulty: 4 of 5
An NYC overlook which also flaunts fall foliage as far as the eye can see? Count us in. This rocky and hilly hike can be challenging, along with a 8.1 mileage. This is not for a beginner, but your hard work will pay off when you’re rewarded with a great overlook at the end of the Fall Foliage below. – Find on AllTrails
Check out more overlooks and fire tower hikes here.
Mount Tammany (Delaware Water Gap)
We always say to hike Mount Tammany, but fall might be a perfect time — just watch out for bears! Here’s our guide to hiking the iconic peak. Now is the perfect time to catch fall migration at The Gap, too! This is an all-day event if you plan on hiking. – Find on AllTrails
As always, this is a popular hike, so the earlier you get there the better. Expect crowds and difficulty finding that perfect, no humans picture.
Ramapo Valley County Reservation
Difficulty: 3 of 5
You can walk for miles (literally) in this park and never be on the same trail. If you haven’t visited Ramapo, now is the time to catch some of the best fall foliage in North Jersey.
What we love about this park is that you can choose a short, medium, or long hike, depending on your mood. There are some great looping trails and overlook of the pond. – Find on AllTrails
Palisades Interstate Park
Difficulty: 3 of 5
Peek over the Palisades with these hikes along the Hudson. You can visit a waterfall, walk amongst castle ruins, or just hang out at the overlook — all options boast some amazing colors. There’s something for everyone here.
This park offers some great bird-watching spots, along with NYC views. It’s a place where nature and the concrete jungle collide. – Find on AllTrails
Hacklebarney State Park
Difficulty: 2 of 5
Wander through a Hemlock forest on this hike! And stop by Chester for some fall fun on your way home. This spot is great for children and dogs for the easy trails around the river with open spaces. –Find on AllTrails
Check out other state parks nearby on our State Park and forest map, or find another park near Basking Ridge with some amazing fall colors.
Cheesequake State Park
Difficulty: 2 of 5
Central Jersey exists! And you can see it on these boardwalk trails in Cheesequake State Park. Meander through forests, bogs, AND sandy trails. Check out the changing colors of the bog at this spot.
This state park offers something for everyone. From longer hikes, to mountain biking spots, and beginner trails.- Find on AllTrails
Want to find Mountain Biking Trails? Check out our map and top MTB trails!
Batsto Lake
Difficulty: 2 of 5
Explore the fall colors peeking out in the Pinelands and cedar bogs on this historic hike in Wharton State Forest for a unique fall walk through the pines. Check out this other Pinelands hike while you’re down in South Jersey, or wander through the cranberry bogs. – Find on AllTrails
D&R Canal State Park
Difficulty: 1 of 5
Reflections await on a walk through D&R Canal State Park — go on a calm fall day to get the best autumn hue pictures. Or kayak through to get something even more unique for your feed! – Find on AllTrails
Check out Kayak Map for the best spots!
