The best hikes for Fall Foliage
Updated: Sep 21, 2019
Check out our top picks for places to hike and get the best views of the fall foliage! The best time for these hikes and primetime color is typically between October 19th - 29th, however, this timing could vary slightly depending on yearly conditions.
North
Wild Cat Ridge, Hawk Watch Trail
This is a moderate trail perfect for anyone looking for a quick hike. Totaling only about 1.6 miles this loop trail brings you to the top of an overlook. Here you can sit and take in all the colors of the fiery trees around you as you look out towards New York City.
Location: Rockaway, NJ
Estimated Distance: 1.6 Miles
Directions: Click Here
Delaware Nation Rec, Mt. Tammany Trail
Located in the Worthington State Forest, this is one of the more popular trails to hike in the fall, so going on the weekends can sometimes be tough. Once you get to the top you'll understand why it's one of the favorites! There you get amazing views overlooking the Delaware River and Water Gap. This is a harder trail with my rock formations to scale and steep paths. But it's well worth the hike up!
Location: Colombia, NJ
Estimated Distance: 3.3 Miles
Directions: Click Here
Pyramid Mountain, Blue & White Dot Trail
There are many trails to choose from in this area. Today we're going to focus on the Blue & White Loop Trail. This is a moderate 3-mile hike that is easy for any type of hikers. You'll have a stop at the Lucy Overlook as well as the famous tripod rock. This hike is perfect for families including dogs.
Location: Boonton, NJ
Estimated Distance: 2.8 Miles
Directions: Click Here
Central
Sourland Mountain Preserve, Ridge Trail
This moderate trail is perfect if you're looking for a slightly longer hike. The 5-mile walk has a gentle climb to the top of Sourland Mountain. It features great views of the fall foliage as well as a river and two giant boulder fields. This trail is also great for bird watching so keep an eye out!
Location: Hillsborough
Estimated Distance: 5.4 Miles
Directions: Click Here
Cheesequake State Park, Yellow & Blue Trail
One of the easiest hikes in this post! There is a lot to see on this hike. You'll be taken from scenes of fiery woodlands to salt marshes and everything in between! An easy 3-mile hike with a total gradual elevation gain of 200 ft.
Location: Old Bridge
Estimated Distance: 3.2 Miles
Directions: Click Here
South
Wharton State Forest, Mullica River Trail
For this hike, you may need a whole day to explore! Start off in historic Batsto Village a ghost town of Jersey's past. This area is amazing against the fall colors. From there you'll make your way through the Pine Barrens along the Mullica River. This 13-mile hike will take you through a different kind of Jersey Fall Foliage.
Location: Washington, NJ
Estimated Distance: 13 Miles
Directions: Click Here
Jakes Branch Nature Center, Tindey Trail Loop
This relaxing loop is perfect for families with little ones who don't mind longer hikes. There are shorter mile long trails in this area as well. The Tindey Trail Loop is perfect for nature watching, hiking, and biking. This loop will give you amazing views of the Pine Barrens in the fall.
Location: Beachwood, NJ
Estimated Distance: 3.9 Miles
Directions: Click Here
