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 a Foliage + Hike Map check our New Jersey Fall Foliage page. Also check out the books Best Day Hikes in New Jersey and Hiking New Jersey (2023) for a nice selection of day hikes.
Each overview below has a link to a hike guide with detailed directions, parking and restroom info, an interactive map, and photos and videos. Ordered by estimated peak color – but actual timing varies each year.
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. This region is generally the first to turn and has one of the more varied color palettes due to tree species. Sussex County, NJ.
Stony Lake Loop
Easy 2.5 mile total round trip around pretty Stony Lake and to two small waterfalls in Stokes State Forest. Like High Point, this area is generally the first to turn and also enjoys more varied color.
The whole loop that includes the two waterfalls is worthwhile but this hike can easily be shortened to 1.3 miles. Sussex County, NJ.
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. Peaks in the second to third week of October. Sussex County, NJ.
Sunrise Mountain
Expansive views of rural Northern New Jersey from Sunrise Mountain and along the Appalachian Trail as it follows a ridge. Peaks in the second to third week of October.
There is a parking lot atop this mountain in Stokes State Forest so the view can be accessed with out much effort (round trip from the lot to a viewing pavilion is under half a mile). Sussex County, NJ.
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. Peaks in the second to third week of October. Sussex County, NJ.
Monks Trail Loop
Loop around Monks Mountain with multiple viewpoints of Monksville Reservoir and the surrounding peaks. The reservoir is part of Long Pond Ironworks State Park and generally peaks in the second to third week of October, but can see early color around the water’s edge. Sussex County, NJ.
Alternately, there are three parking areas around the reservoir where you can enjoy foliage reflecting in the water without any effort – or kayak Monksville Reservoir and glide by the color.
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.
Located in rugged Norvin Green State Forest and generally sees peaks in the second to third week of October. Passaic County, NJ.
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. Peaks in the second to third week of October. Bergen/Passaic County, NJ.
Wyanokie High Point
Norvin Green State Forest’s Wyanokie High Point has 360° views of the surrounding area, including NYC on a clear day. Peaks in the second to third week of October. Passaic County, NJ.
Surprise Lake Loop via State Line Trail
Hike along a ridge for fantastic views overlooking Greenwood Lake before heading to pretty Surprise Lake. Peaks in the second to third week of October. Passaic County, NJ.
Wildcat Ridge – Hawk Watch Loop
Hike a loop with the Hibernia bat cave, cemetery, hawk watch viewpoint, and a beaver pond. Peaks in the second to third week of October. Morris County, NJ.
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.
Peaks usually arrives the third week of October. For a loop variation try the Rattlesnake Swamp – Catfish Fire Tower Loop. Delaware Water Gap NRA in Warren County, NJ.
Sunfish Pond
Hike through some of the prettiest forest in New Jersey to enjoy fall foliage reflected in scenic Sunfish Pond. Located in Worthington State Forest and peak color generally arrives just before Mt. Tammany/Mt. Minsi the third week of October. Warren County, NJ.
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. Foliage peaks around the same time as Mt. Minsi, third week of October. Warren County, NJ.
Avid hiker? Combine Mt. Tammany with Sunfish Pond during peak foliage for a 10+-mile must-do hike.
Mt. Minsi (bonus “near NJ” hike)
Pop just over the state line for a wonderful view of New Jersey’s Mt. Tammany and the Delaware River from this short, steep route. Foliage peaks around the same time as Mt. Tammany, generally the third week of October. Just over the NJ border in Pennsylvania.
Avid hiker? Try our “Mind the Gap” challenge by hiking Mt. Tammany and Mt. Minsi in one day.
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”.
Located in Jenny Jump State Forest and usually peaks at the end of the third week of October but can go earlier. Warren County, NJ.
Hacklebarney State Park
Fall foliage is stunning along the Black River in this small, easily hiked, but very popular park. Peak color is usually the third week of October but can arrive earlier, especially at water’s edge. Morris County, NJ.
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. Best color is usually the third week of October but can arrive earlier, especially around water. Morris County, NJ.
Kay’s Cottage Ruins
Hike along the Black River from Cooper Mill to the ruins of Kay’s Cottage. This is a shorter variation of our Black River County Park hike that goes to both sides of the river to view the stone cottage remains.
Peak color is usually the third week of October but can arrive earlier near water. Morris County, NJ.
Goat Hill Overlook
Easy but popular hike to a fantastic view over the Delaware River, Lambertville, New Jersey and New Hope, Pennsylvania. Later season peak, arriving end of third to fourth week of October, can last into first week of November. Hunterdon County, NJ.
Cheesequake State Park
Short, easy hike through beautiful marshlands and pine barrens with the assistance of numerous boardwalks. Look for peak color more towards the end of third to 4th week of October, occasionally goes into early November. Middlesex County.
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 late October and early November. Bergen County, NJ.
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.
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.
For even more hike suggestions…
Check out the Top 10 Hikes in New Jersey, our big list of the Best Hikes in New Jersey and the specific lists for the Best Hikes in Central Jersey and the Best Hikes in South Jersey.
Try the Best Waterfall Hikes in springtime or after lots of rain, and the Best Foliage Hikes for autumn. Beginners can choose an easy hike while avid hikers might tackle a challenging hike. Also be sure to pop over to the Hike Finder Map and the list of all the hike guides on the site.