If you have never experienced an autumn in New Jersey, you have no idea what you’re missing. Fall is known and loved for its vibrant and dynamic colors, but when viewed from these five locations, you are sure to lose your breath at the majesty of your surroundings. We recommend you bring a camera with you when visiting any one of the following locations, as these aren’t sights you’ll want to forget.
1. Delaware Water Gap
More of a reservation than a park, the Delaware Water Gap covers almost 70,000 acres of mixed sceneries in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are perfect for hiking and camping. Running along 40 miles of the Delaware River and into the Appalachian Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap includes a variety of lakes and waterfalls, including Turtle Beach, which offers plenty of picnic tables and a lovely grassy beach. If you are trying to catch the leaves turning, the best time to visit is late September into early October.
2. High Point State Park
As the name suggests, High Point State Park offers visitors an incredible panorama view of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania landscape. By visiting in the fall, you also get the added benefit of watching the farmlands and forests give way to some stunning color changes, which you can view from any number of trails and rest stops throughout the area.
3. Ringwood State Park
Experiencing fall in New Jersey would not be complete without visiting Ringwood State Park. Featuring tours of the historic, 44-room Skylands Manor, which was built in the 1920s, the park is also known for its incredible landscaping and scenery, which really starts to glow as you move into October. Additionally, visitors can enjoy their time at Shepherd Lake, either boating, fishing, or sitting around and taking in the sights.
4. Washington Crossing State Park
On Christmas Day in 1776, George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River and landed at Johnson’s Ferry. The site would later become known as Washington Crossing State Park, and it is a great place to visit in the autumn. Known particularly for its nature trails and lush natural scenery, the park plays host to plenty of flora and fauna, and waiting for the colors to change only makes it that much better.
5. Belleplain State Forest
Perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in New Jersey, Belleplain State Forest includes more than 20,000 acres of Atlantic white cedar, oak, and pine trees, which combine to produce a palette of rich colors come October. Visitors can choose to hike, picnic, swim, fish, canoe, bike, and otherwise explore the area to their hearts’ content. Wildlife is plentiful here as well, so keep an eye out for local critters.
New Jersey has rich natural areas with plenty to offer nature lovers and outdoorsmen alike. If the above retreats do not strike your fancy, you can try any number of other parks and trails in the area. At the end of the day, if you drive through rural parts of the state from September to November, you are sure to catch some impressive sights. You might want to check out the latest available Chrysler and Jeep vehicles to help you on your way.
“autumn falls…” by paul bica is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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