Best Fall Foliage Hikes in New Jersey

Updated:

The best fall foliage hikes in New Jersey!

Average peak color in NJ is October 19 – 29 but it really depends on variables like temperature and rainfall.

Leaves generally start turning color at higher elevations and near the edge of water first.

For weekly fall foliage reports plus resources for NJ and the surrounding area check our NJ Fall Foliage page.

Need even more hike ideas? Try our Hike Finder map – now with a foliage map overlay in order to choose hikes with the best chance of fall color, updated weekly in season.

Also check out the book Best Easy Day Hikes New Jersey for a nice selection of easy day hikes.

High Point State Park monument on a hill surrounded by early fall foliage.

High Point State Park – Monument Trail

Hike the Appalachian Trail to the highest elevation in NJ, climb an obelisk, enjoy vast views of NJ, PA, and NY. Sussex County, NJ.


Brilliant fall foliage seen from Culver Fire Tower.

Culver Fire Tower

Impressive views over Stokes State Forest and the Kittatinny Ridge from a fire tower and the Appalachian trail. Low mileage and easy navigation to a rewarding view. Sussex County, NJ.


Single bare tree reflected in a blue lake and surrounded by fall foliage.

Stony Lake Loop

Easy 2.5 mile total round trip around pretty Stony Lake and to two small waterfalls. The whole loop that includes the two waterfalls is worthwhile but this hike can easily be shortened to 1.3 miles. Sussex County, NJ.


Fall foliage in the valley below Sunrise Mountain.

Sunrise Mountain

Expansive views of rural Northern New Jersey from Sunrise Mountain and along the Appalachian Trail as it follows a ridge. Sussex County, NJ.


View of orange and yellow foliage covered mountains from a fire tower.

Catfish Fire Tower

Hike the Appalachian Trail to Catfish Fire Tower for tons of views over New Jersey. It’s a short-n-sweet 2.0 miles total round trip to the fire tower and back or extend the hike along the Appalachian Trail.

For a similar variation try the Rattlesnake Swamp – Catfish Fire Tower Loop. Warren County, NJ.


Bright fall color on trees reflected in a lily pad filled lake.

Wawayanda Lake Loop

While this park is filled with rhododendron that blooms in Spring, fall foliage can also be spectacular. Moderately rocky with minor elevation changes, with 5.6 or 3.9 mile options. Sussex County, NJ.


Bright yellow leaves on a tree with a blue lake beyond.

Terrace Pond

Moderately challenging loop combines pleasant forest walking with a few rocky scrambles and passes by pretty Terrace Pond. Passaic County, NJ.


Fluffy white clouds in a blue sky over gold and green foliage covered hills.

Torne Mountain/Osio Rock

Climb Torne Mountain and enjoy view after view before heading up Osio Rock for a 360° panorama of the Wanaque Reservoir, the Ramapos, and the NYC skyline. Passaic County, NJ.


Sunfish Pond.

Sunfish Pond

Hike through some of the prettiest forest in New Jersey to enjoy fall foliage reflected in scenic Sunfish Pond. Warren County, NJ.


Mt. Minsi covered in yellow and rust colored leaves seen from Mt. Tammany.

Mt. Tammany

Short but very steep hike to an amazing view of Mt. Minsi on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap plus expansive vistas over the surrounding area. Warren County, NJ.

Avid hiker? Combine Mt. Tammany with Sunfish Pond during peak foliage for a 10+-mile must-do hike.


Yellow and orange foliage reflected in Ghost Lake.

Jenny Jump – Ghost Lake

Hike along a ridge packed with viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and valleys before arriving at Ghost Lake. 5.5 miles total round trip with an option to extend it a bit to check out the “Fairy Cave”. Warren County, NJ.


Ramapo Mountains and reservoir seen in the distance.

Ramapo Mountain State Forest

See the fall color reflected in Ramapo Lake and continue hiking up to the ruins of Van Slyke Castle for views over the surrounding area. Bergen/Passaic County, NJ.


View of red, orange, and green foliage seen from Wyanokie High Point.

Wyanokie High Point

Norvin Green State Forest’s Wyanokie High Point has 360° views of the surrounding area, including NYC on a clear day. Passaic County, NJ.


Greenwood lake seen beyond rust colored foliage and a lone evergreen tree.

Surprise Lake Loop via State Line Trail

Hike along a ridge for fantastic views overlooking Greenwood Lake before heading to pretty Surprise Lake. Passaic County, NJ.


Bright yellow and orange leaves hanging over a rock filled stream.

Hacklebarney State Park

Fall foliage is stunning along the Black River in this small, easily hiked, but very popular park. Morris County, NJ.


Sunlight streaming through fall foliage along a river.

Black River County Park

Start at the old Cooper Mill and take a pretty hike in the Black River Gorge. Like its neighbor Hacklebarney State Park, peak foliage along the river can be absolutely stunning. Morris County, NJ.


Delaware River, New Hope, and Lambertville covered in fall foliage seen from Goat Hill.

Goat Hill Overlook

Easy but popular hike to a fantastic view over the Delaware River, Lambertville, New Jersey and New Hope, Pennsylvania. Hunterdon County, NJ.


Hikers on a long boardwalk trail surrounded by rust and gold foliage.

Cheesequake State Park

Short, easy hike through beautiful marshlands and pine barrens with the assistance of numerous boardwalks. Middlesex County.


Steep cliff covered with fall foliage.

Palisades Interstate Park

Sweeping views of the huge cliffs of the Palisades and across the river at New York from along the cliffs or below them on a rocky shoreline trail. Good for later season foliage in early November. Bergen County, NJ.


Red, orange, and yellow foliage around Parvin Lake.

Parvin State Park

A short, easy loop around Parvin Lake through South Jersey’s pinelands and an Atlantic white cedar swamp. Foliage varies between late October and early November. Salem County, NJ.


Wide, flat, sand trail with tall brightly colored trees towering overhead.

Belleplain State Forest

Hike a loop from Lake Nummy using the East Creek trail and sand roads in Jersey’s pine barrens. Good for later season foliage in early November. Cape May County, NJ.


Bonus “near NJ” hikes:

View from Sterling Fire Tower.

Sterling Forest – Bare Rock and Fire Tower

Enjoy big views of Greenwood Lake from Bare Rock and a 360° panorama from Sterling Forest’s fire tower. Just over the NJ border in New York.


Mt Tammany seen from Mt Minsi.

Mt. Minsi

Wonderful view of New Jersey’s Mt. Tammany and the Delaware River from this short, steep route. Just over the NJ border in Pennsylvania.


Need even more hike ideas?!
Top 10 Hikes in NJ • Best Hikes in NJBest Hikes Central JerseyBest Hikes South JerseyBest Waterfall HikesEasy HikesChallenging Hikes

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