By Michele Byers
You might think you can only see spectacular fall foliage in New England.
Think again!
Right here in this state we’re in, you can see vivid reds, oranges and golds at their peak in mid- to late October with leaves changing color first on mountaintops and along water.
And one of the best ways to enjoy the fall is with a hike. Here are some favorite places — all top choices of New Jersey Conservation Foundation staff.
Northern New Jersey’s mountains offer the most dramatic views, of course, but there are plenty of great hikes in the central and southern parts of the state.
Wildcat Ridge — If you want to see migrating hawks as well as fall colors, it’s hard to beat Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Morris County. Hike a mile up to the Hawk Watch area and enjoy a bird’s eye view southeast toward Manhattan.
High Point — What could be better than standing atop New Jersey’s highest elevation, at 1,803 feet? High Point State Park in Sussex County is surprisingly rugged, rocky and spectacular.
Sunfish Pond — This glacial lake is located in a hardwood forest high up on the Kittatinny Ridge in Worthington State Forest in Warren County, near the Delaware Water Gap.
Jenny Jump — Located in western Warren County, the ridge at Jenny Jump State Forest offers beautiful vistas of the Delaware Water Gap to west and rural, rolling landscapes of family farms to east.
Apshawa Preserve — This Passaic County gem offers rugged Highlands terrain and rocky outcrops with trails leading down to the scenic Butler Reservoir in the preserve’s core.
Sourland Mountains — Their name notwithstanding, the Sourlands are a sweet spot to hike in central Jersey. Somerset County’s Sourland Mountain Preserve offers pretty trails through a boulder-strewn hardwood forest.
Delaware and Raritan Canal — For a fun fall hike on level terrain, the towpath at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in Hunterdon County is a great destination. Start in historic Stockton and head either north or south for views of the Delaware River and beyond.
Cheesequake State Park — At the gateway to the Jersey Shore in Middlesex County, you can enjoy a pleasant hike over rolling hills and along boardwalks crossing marshlands.
Wharton State Forest — The Mullica River trail in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County has great views of wetland habitats along the Mullica River that really put on a colorful show. There is no place like the Pine Barrens in the fall!
Belleplain State Forest — Covering 21,254 acres in Cape May and Cumberland counties, Belleplain is at the edge of the Pine Barrens with a diversity of trees and shrubs. For pretty colors and water views, try the trails around Lake Nummy.
Cape May Point — With its shrub- and vine-covered dunes, Cape May Point State Park in the fall has a unique, subtle beauty. For the best panorama of ocean, bay and dunes, climb the 199 steps to the top of the lighthouse.
Now’s the time to take a hike and enjoy New Jersey’s autumn beauty. The combination of colorful scenery, fresh air and exercise will make you feel fantastic and save you a drive to New England! Don’t forget your camera!
If you have a favorite New Jersey fall foliage hike, let me know at info@njconservation.org.
Michele Byers is executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. For more information, contact her at info@njconservation.org or visit NJCF’s website at www.njconservation.org.
