The best fall foliage hikes in New Jersey!
Average peak color in NJ is October 19 – 29 but it really depends on variables like temperature and rainfall.
Leaves generally start turning color at higher elevations and near the edge of water first.
For weekly fall foliage reports plus resources for NJ and the surrounding area check our NJ Fall Foliage page.
Need even more foliage hike ideas? Try our Hike Finder map – now with a foliage map overlay during the season in order to choose hikes with the best chance of fall color, updated weekly in season.
Also check out the book Best Easy Day Hikes New Jersey for a nice selection of easy day hikes.
High Point State Park – Monument Trail
Hike the Appalachian Trail to the highest elevation in NJ, climb an obelisk, enjoy vast views of NJ, PA, and NY. Sussex County, NJ.
Culver Fire Tower
Impressive views over Stokes State Forest and the Kittatinny Ridge from a fire tower and the Appalachian trail. Low mileage and easy navigation to a rewarding view. Sussex County, NJ.
Stony Lake Loop
Easy 2.5 mile total round trip around pretty Stony Lake and to two small waterfalls. The whole loop that includes the two waterfalls is worthwhile but this hike can easily be shortened to 1.3 miles. Sussex County, NJ.
Sunrise Mountain
Expansive views of rural Northern New Jersey from Sunrise Mountain and along the Appalachian Trail as it follows a ridge. Sussex County, NJ.
Catfish Fire Tower
Hike the Appalachian Trail to Catfish Fire Tower for tons of views over New Jersey. It’s a short-n-sweet 2.0 miles total round trip to the fire tower and back or extend the hike along the Appalachian Trail.
For a similar variation try the Rattlesnake Swamp – Catfish Fire Tower Loop. Warren County, NJ.
Wawayanda Lake Loop
While this park is filled with rhododendron that blooms in Spring, fall foliage can also be spectacular. Moderately rocky with minor elevation changes, with 5.6 or 3.9 mile options. Sussex County, NJ.
Terrace Pond
Moderately challenging loop combines pleasant forest walking with a few rocky scrambles and passes by pretty Terrace Pond. Passaic County, NJ.
Torne Mountain/Osio Rock
Climb Torne Mountain and enjoy view after view before heading up Osio Rock for a 360° panorama of the Wanaque Reservoir, the Ramapos, and the NYC skyline. Passaic County, NJ.
Sunfish Pond
Hike through some of the prettiest forest in New Jersey to enjoy fall foliage reflected in scenic Sunfish Pond. Warren County, NJ.
Mt. Tammany
Short but very steep hike to an amazing view of Mt. Minsi on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap plus expansive vistas over the surrounding area. Warren County, NJ.
Avid hiker? Combine Mt. Tammany with Sunfish Pond during peak foliage for a 10+-mile must-do hike.
Jenny Jump – Ghost Lake
Hike along a ridge packed with viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and valleys before arriving at Ghost Lake. 5.5 miles total round trip with an option to extend it a bit to check out the “Fairy Cave”. Warren County, NJ.
Ramapo Mountain State Forest
See the fall color reflected in Ramapo Lake and continue hiking up to the ruins of Van Slyke Castle for views over the surrounding area. Bergen/Passaic County, NJ.
Wyanokie High Point
Norvin Green State Forest’s Wyanokie High Point has 360° views of the surrounding area, including NYC on a clear day. Passaic County, NJ.
Surprise Lake Loop via State Line Trail
Hike along a ridge for fantastic views overlooking Greenwood Lake before heading to pretty Surprise Lake. Passaic County, NJ.
Hacklebarney State Park
Fall foliage is stunning along the Black River in this small, easily hiked, but very popular park. Morris County, NJ.
Black River County Park
Start at the old Cooper Mill and take a pretty hike in the Black River Gorge. Like its neighbor Hacklebarney State Park, peak foliage along the river can be absolutely stunning. Morris County, NJ.
Goat Hill Overlook
Easy but popular hike to a fantastic view over the Delaware River, Lambertville, New Jersey and New Hope, Pennsylvania. Hunterdon County, NJ.
Cheesequake State Park
Short, easy hike through beautiful marshlands and pine barrens with the assistance of numerous boardwalks. Middlesex County.
Palisades Interstate Park
Sweeping views of the huge cliffs of the Palisades and across the river at New York from along the cliffs or below them on a rocky shoreline trail. Good for later season foliage in early November. Bergen County, NJ.
Parvin State Park
A short, easy loop around Parvin Lake through South Jersey’s pinelands and an Atlantic white cedar swamp. Foliage varies between late October and early November. Salem County, NJ.
Belleplain State Forest
Hike a loop from Lake Nummy using the East Creek trail and sand roads in Jersey’s pine barrens. Good for later season foliage in early November. Cape May County, NJ.
Bonus “near NJ” hikes:
Sterling Forest – Bare Rock and Fire Tower
Enjoy big views of Greenwood Lake from Bare Rock and a 360° panorama from Sterling Forest’s fire tower. Just over the NJ border in New York.
Mt. Minsi
Wonderful view of New Jersey’s Mt. Tammany and the Delaware River from this short, steep route. Just over the NJ border in Pennsylvania.