Fall is nearly here and the leaves are already starting change in some areas. You’ll find vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and gorgeous golds all across New Jersey, though the foliage peaks at varying times across the state. Northwest New Jersey will offer the best show in mid-October, most of the state will peak in late-October, and Southeast New Jersey and shore regions will peak in early-November. The ideal time to take the foliage drive featured below is October 19 – November 9.
This route traverses 73 scenic miles through New Jersey’s Pinelands.
Google Maps
Your journey begins at Parvin State Park.
jplenio/Pixabay This park offers both pine forests and swamp hardwood forests along with 200 types of trees and flowering plants. It comes alive with color each fall. The park also has a rich history..it served as home for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1941, a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943, and a POW camp for German prisoners in 1944.
Next, you’ll visit Wharton State Forest.
George Schnakenberg, Jr./Flickr New Jersey’s largest state park is fantastic in the fall and there’s plenty to do. Enjoy a canoe or kayak trip, hike to a ghost town, or visit the historic Batsto Village. When it comes to wildlife, you can find Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, great blue herons, swans, screech owls, great-horned owls, bluebirds, hummingbirds, beavers, river otters, fox, deer and more.
Then comes Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.
Max Steinberg/Google The forest is home to Whitesbog Village (an active 19th and 20th century cranberry and blueberry producing community) and the Cedar Swamp Natural Area. The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.
Last, but not least, comes Double Trouble State Park.
Kimberly Measure/Google This underrated Ocean County gem features a well-preserved historic village, cranberry bogs (there will be no harvest this year), and kayaking along Cedar Creek.
You can swap the order of the stops, add additional stops, or explore the route further by viewing the map here.
Google Maps
jplenio/Pixabay
This park offers both pine forests and swamp hardwood forests along with 200 types of trees and flowering plants. It comes alive with color each fall. The park also has a rich history..it served as home for the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1941, a summer camp for the children of displaced Japanese Americans in 1943, and a POW camp for German prisoners in 1944.
George Schnakenberg, Jr./Flickr
New Jersey’s largest state park is fantastic in the fall and there’s plenty to do. Enjoy a canoe or kayak trip, hike to a ghost town, or visit the historic Batsto Village. When it comes to wildlife, you can find Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, great blue herons, swans, screech owls, great-horned owls, bluebirds, hummingbirds, beavers, river otters, fox, deer and more.
Max Steinberg/Google
The forest is home to Whitesbog Village (an active 19th and 20th century cranberry and blueberry producing community) and the Cedar Swamp Natural Area. The natural area supports the federally threatened swamp pink and other endangered plant species.
Kimberly Measure/Google
This underrated Ocean County gem features a well-preserved historic village, cranberry bogs (there will be no harvest this year), and kayaking along Cedar Creek.
Since this is meant to be an easy drive, it features destinations that aren’t too far apart. To discover some of the best fall foliage in North and Central Jersey, click here. They’re gorgeous in the autumn months! You can also discover some of the absolute best fall destinations in New Jersey here.
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