Here Are The Top Leaf Looking Destinations For New Jersey's 2021 Fall Foliage

NEW JERSEY — New England states often get the Northeast’s top accolades for their fall foliage.

The trees in New Jersey, however, can put on quite a spectacular show themselves and are worth a look at many locations, throughout the entire Garden State and in every county.

New Jersey’s fall foliage schedule’s peak season descends first from the north, to the central section of the state and then finally the south. In other words, fall’s brilliant reds, oranges and yellows begin peaking earliest at the top of the state, with their finish at the bottom half.

According to New Jersey’s Forest Service, in 2021, Northern New Jersey’s fall foliage will be the most magnificent from early to mid-October. It’s then expected to peak in mid to late October in Central New Jersey. By late October to early November, leaf peepers can still find foliage to ogle over in Southern New Jersey.

See the Forest Service’s handy chart below, which also guides residents and visitors alike to New Jersey’s State Parks, where and when there could be some remarkable fall leaf transformations.

Check back on the New Jersey Forest Service’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/NewJerseyForests, every Friday this fall for leaf forecast updates and the State Parks where they are likely to be the most breathtaking.

AccuWeather predicts this fall season to be different than 2020’s, because of the wet weather from the remnants of Ida, with the leaf color peaking about a week later than they do most years. Meteorologist Paul Pastelok of AccuWeather indicates that Ida’s significant September rainfall additionally may have an impact on the amount of red leaves that could make a showing.

Armed with all of this knowledge, where are some of New Jersey’s best leaf-looking locations? There are many, but here are just a few:

Ringwood State Park 1304 Sloatsburg Road in Ringwood, is one recommended location, with stunning vistas and attractions including the State Botanical Garden, where one can catch a glimpse of the Ramapo Mountains. Ringwood Manor and Skylands Manor are two majestic mansions for which the autumn leaves provide a spectacular backdrop.

Palisades Interstate Park in Alpine offers a National Scenic Byway, which along with urban views and the Hudson River, there are more than 30 miles of hiking trails through wooded areas.

Wawayanda State Park, which starts in Hewitt at 885 Warwick Turnpike, is a paradise for hikers with 19 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The Stairway to Heaven Trail in Vernon, which is 2.6 miles, is considered a “moderate” trail, according to alltrails.com, which offers a bird’s eye view of leaves and the Wawayanda Mountains.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area, which stretches between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, boasts more than 100 miles of trails to hike, paddling activities and more, to be able to grab a glimpse of the fall leaves.

High Point State Park, is the “highest point” in New Jersey, the park located at 1480 State Route 23 in Wantage, with views of mountain ranges depending on where one looks from the High Point Monument, of New York and Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey.

Stokes State Forest at 1 Coursen Road in Branchville, spotlights natural amenities where a fall leaf show could be in abundance, especially from a location like Sunrise Mountain. Stepping Stones Falls, the Appalachian Trail and Tillman’s Ravine are among some of the park’s highlights.

Jenny Jump State Forest, at 330 State Park Road in Hope, offers views of the Great Meadows, the Highlands and Kittatinny Mountains, as well as a hike on Jenny Jump Mountain, where rocks and mountains are co-stars in the foliage show.

Cheesequake State Park, found on 300 Gordon Road in Matawan, is revered for its forest and pine barrens, along with marshes that include saltwater, with all of them in one place, according to the State of New Jersey, giving “an explosion of color and impressive sites.”

Washington Crossing State Park at 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road in Titusville, is the famous site where then General George Washington led the Christmas Eve crossing by boat across the Delaware River. The park boasts miles of trails, along with the Johnson Ferry House, likely used on that historic night, where one could take in leaves and history in one afternoon.

Parvin State Park on 701 Almond Road in Pittsgrove, offers a combination of pines, along with a “swamp hardwood forest," where Dogwood, Magnolia, Laurel and Holly, may make a dramatic change, as they transform into their fall appearances.

Be sure to note, if headed to a State or National Park, the park’s hours of operation, entry costs and any COVID-19 restrictions in effect, before heading out.

Where in New Jersey do you plan to grab a view of the 2021 fall foliage?

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.