Fall Foliage Map In New Jersey: 2021 Peak Draws Near

NEW JERSEY — Break out the sweaters and the pumpkin spice lattes: Fall is officially here in New Jersey.

While the autumn equinox has come and gone, you still have plenty of time to enjoy a family outing to the pumpkin patch. Your window to catch the best views of fall foliage in New Jersey, however, is growing smaller by the day.

With the start of October, the leaves in some parts of New Jersey are just days away from peak splendor, according to the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

In most parts of the state, the leaves are currently at near peak and they are expected to hit their peak around Oct. 18, according to the map.

If you’re hoping to catch the best views of fall foliage in New Jersey, the week of Oct. 18 may be the perfect time for a road trip. That’s when fall foliage will be at or near peak throughout much of the state.

In general, leaves are likely to peak later than usual this year because of prolonged drought conditions across a large swath of the United States. In affected states, leaves may turn from green to brown and skip the brilliant color wheel before “giving up” and falling to the ground.

RELATED: 2021 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best Across America

Curious when fall foliage peaks in your county or in other parts of the country?

To use the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, simply slide the scale to the right to see when leaves will peak in your state. Zero in on your county, and you'll be able to decide whether it's best to plan a northern, southern, eastern or western route.

Credit: SmokyMountains.com

If you’re not sure where to get the best views of the changing leaves in YOUR STATE, here are some of the top places to consider:

• Cross Estate Gardens, Bernardsville: The Gardens comprise formal and native gardens, a wisteria-covered pergola and a mountain laurel allee.
• Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove: Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, Parvin has campsites, cabins and a summer swimming beach on Parvin Lake. There are 15 miles of trails for walking, jogging or biking and two lakes for canoeing and kayaking.
• Wharton State Forest, Hammonton: Wharton State Forest is the largest single tract of land within the New Jersey State Park System. It boasts a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, as well as rivers and lakes for canoeing, kayaking and fishing.