Fall Family Fun Things to do

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

Written by Kayla Costanzo

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

One of the best activities to do in the fall is to gaze at the stunning fall colors of nature. Red, orange, yellow, and lush greens are everywhere. It is one of the prettiest times of the year in New Jersey. Jersey City may not have the best fall foliage to look at, but that doesn’t mean there are not many places close by that will allow you to immerse yourself in the changing colors of the season. Below are some of the best places to see fall colors and foliage near Jersey City!

Liberty State Park

NJDEP | Liberty State Park | New Jersey State Park Service

This gorgeous historic park is one of the largest parks in Jersey City.  It boasts a beautiful, unobstructed view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan. It is filled with fall colors and foliage in the autumn. Whether you prefer jogging, hiking, or skating, this park has it all. And of course, it features gigantic playgrounds for children of all ages.

Battleground State Park: Manalapan, NJ

With almost 2,000 acres of park to walk and/or drive through, this is one of the best places to see fall colors and foliage near Jersey City. There are tons of trees, walking trails, and picnic areas, and the park is filled with a rich history. It is the perfect place to gaze at the fall foliage on a weekend afternoon.

Ringwood State Park: Ringwood, NJ

Located northwest of the Jersey City, this state park is near the Ramapo Mountains and has 5,000 acres of trees to see the best fall colors around! There are also great places to canoe, walk, and much more.

Cheesequake State Park: Old Bridge, NJ

This state park has great campgrounds, five walking and hiking trails, and a significant number of picnic areas to eat lunch on a crisp autumn day. So be sure to stop by this park, as it is one of the best places to see fall colors and foliage near Jersey City.

High Point State Park: Sussex

The lush forest of High Point State Park surrounds Lake Marcia, making it one of the most scenic places in NJ, especially during the fall. Nothing is more tranquil than sitting near calm waters and enjoying the reds, yellows, golds, and oranges of the fall season.

Palisades Interstate Park, Alpine

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

This park is located along the Hudson River and has many cliffs studded with fall foliage. You can either walk or bike along the trails within the park, with many places to stop and look/take pictures of the vibrant fall colors. 

Speedwell Lake, Morristown

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

This is a spot that combines the best of fall foliage and tranquil water. It is a perfect spot to take photographs of your family with breathtaking fall foliage as the backdrop! It can be easily driven to, so if walking, hiking, and biking do not appeal to the kids, you can also drive up to the most scenic point.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

There are many different places to explore the fall colors and foliage in the Delaware Water Gap. You can hike, walk trails, ride bikes, or drive winding roads to see the best fall colors for miles. It’s truly a special place to view the changing colors of autumn. 

Monksville Reservoir, Passaic County

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

This man-made reservoir is stunning and when the surrounding trees turn bright fiery red in the fall it is a sight to behold. Be sure to visit to discover this for yourself. 

Staten Island Greenbelt

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

Finding an undisturbed forest in Staten Island is not an easy feat, but the Greenbelt is just that. We highly recommend you take this drive to see the unique fall colors this special spot offers. You and the kids will feel like you have been transported into a lang of magic.

The Catskills, New York

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

If you are looking for another mountain experience to see the fall colors, look no further than the Catskill Mountains in New York. These mountains have over 100 peaks as high as 3,000 feet so that you can get multiple birds-eye views from almost anywhere. We recommend checking out Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain for the absolute best views of the fall colors. 

 Waterloo Village: Stanhope, NJ

Best Places to See Fall Colors and Foliage Near Jersey City

This is an excellent place to view New Jersey fall foliage and have a memorable family experience. Stanhope is also a restored 19th-century village with tons of unique shops, seasonal festivals, and historic tours.

Hacklebarney State Park — Long Valley

Hacklebarney State Park is a state park located between Long Valley and Chester in Morris County. The park is managed by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry. In the 19th century it was the site of iron ore mining. Today, it is the perfect spot for avid anglers, hikers, and picnickers. The gushing river against the grey boulders and dark green hemlocks creates a majestic beauty in any season.

Watchung Reservation

Watchung Reservation Trails is a 4.7-mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail located near Mountainside, New Jersey, that features a river and is suitable for all skill levels. The trail offers several activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs can also use this trail but must be kept on a leash. Watchung Reservation is the largest nature reserve in Union County, NJ. 

Ramapo Mountain State Forest

This hilly forest provides a sanctuary for wildlife and is located about an hour from Jersey City. Ramapo Mountain State Forest includes 14 official trails, totaling more than 28 miles. Many multi-use trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing in the fall. A 120-acre clearwater mountain lake provides an excellent spot for fishing and birdwatching.

Wharton State Forest — Hammonton 

Wharton State Forest is the largest state forest in New Jersey. In addition, it is the largest single tract of land in the state park system of New Jersey. Visitors can observe wildlife, from bald eagles and great horned owls to turkeys and foxes scattered throughout the forest. It’s a must-visit during the fall to see the beautiful changing colors of the season. 

Hamilton Park, Jersey City

Don’t forget to stop by Hamilton Park to see some beautiful fall colors. If you don’t want to head to the big state parks, visit Hamilton Park! It is a perfect local spot to enjoy the fall foliage. 

One of the best ways to celebrate the return of autumn is to take some day trips with the family and experience the changing natural colors of the season. Why not add pumpkin picking or visiting a local corn maze to really get in the fall mood?!

Updated August 31, 2023

About the author

Kayla Costanzo

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