By the 31st of October 2022, New Jersey and most other northern American states will be past their peak foliage season. If you’re planning on taking advantage of the little time left, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list of New Jersey’s beautiful fall foliage spots right now.
Why Do Leaves Change Color in Fall?
You probably know that leaves get their green color from chlorophyll, but did you know that when trees stop producing food in the fall, it leads to the breakdown of chlorophyll? This causes leaves to lose their green color and exposes the natural yellow, gold, red, orange, and brown hues they have. Like flamingos, some plants have carotene pigments which give them a reddish or orange hue. Plants also have anthocyanin and flavonol pigments which contribute to their lovely colors in the fall.
What Parts of New Jersey Are Past Their Peak?
Sadly, if you live in Sussex, Warren, Morris, Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union, Hunterdon, Somerset, or Middlesex City, you’re currently at your peak, and by the 24th of October, you’ll be past it. It leaves you only a few days, so schedule a leaf-peeping getaway if you can. That leaves Mercer, Monmouth, Burlington, Ocean, Camden, Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and Gloucester Cities, which are currently near peak but will officially enter this stage on the 24th. If you live in these cities, you have from then till the 31st to see good color.
7 Beautiful Fall Foliage Spots in New Jersey Right Now
1. Mercer County Park
Mercer County Park’s 2500 acres provide the perfect leaf-peeping location. The park is decorated with an incredible diversity of black oak, maple, sugar, and sassafras trees. It also has picnic areas, a wildlife center, and even a capital city farm. As a bonus, Mercer County Park has a family-friendly leaf-bingo scheduled for the post-peak season. If you’re certain you can identify your leaves, this is an opportunity to test your knowledge in a fun way. There is no participation fee, but participants can win many prizes.
2. Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
The Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation area has parts of it in New Jersey’s Monmouth County. Established in 1972, the park was established to preserve native plants and wildlife. Consequently, it’s one of the best locations to view fall colors during peak season. Sandy Hook NRA has red oak, spruce, and holly, which are especially lovely at this time of the year. According to the National Park Service, the park has green spaces, historic structures, and cultural landscapes, so you have a variety of locations to visit as you leaf peep.
3. Wells Mills County Park
Wells Mills County Park is located in New Jersey’s Ocean County and is the county’s largest park. It is complete with a hiking trail, nature center, and even a picnic area, making it a great option to go leaf-peeping this fall. Wells Mills has a 910-acre pine and oak forest, and its hiking trail is an unforgettable way to view gorgeous fall colors. If you’re visiting this area, prepare for some boardwalks through the wetter sides of the forests as you hike through the large trees.
4. Camden County Park
Camden County Park is a system of over 21 parks spread across 2,000 acres. The park has picnic areas beautifully decorated by trees, and taking a walk through them is nothing short of breathtaking. Some of the most common trees you’ll spot are pine, willow oak, crape myrtle, magnolia, and even dogwood. If you’re visiting the park specifically for the fall colors, you should check out the wildlife trail at the Maria Barnaby Greenwald Memorial Park or even take your dog along to Timber Creek Dog Park.
5. Cape May County Park Central
Cape May County Park Central is a great place to see fall colors this year, as the park has many forested areas maintained in their natural states. Sluice creek cypress, Atlantic white cedar, and black cherry trees are some of the trees you’ll spot on the park’s grounds. You can enjoy a picnic, a walk, or even play golf on the park’s disc golf course. The park is entry-free and visits to the zoo and parking are free. It’s a great location for a budget visit, but if you want to use the pavilion or gazebo, you have to pay and book in advance.
6. Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is 13.7 miles of trees, trees, and more trees. Some of the many tree species spotted around the area are beech, ash, red maple, hickory, and white oaks. Most of the trail is enclosed between thick trees under the open sky, giving a beautiful view, especially in the fall. There’s even a specific Oakville Area where you can leisurely view various grassland species. The trail also has farms and grassland habitats that house several animal species, including red foxes, kingfishers, and the American kestrel. If you’re visiting the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, be sure to stop at the valley museum, but stay off surrounding lands as many of them are private property.
7. Riverview Beach Park
Formerly a farm and then an amusement park, Riverview Beach Park is one of the most well-tended parks with a rich history. Not only does it have picnic areas and a still-thriving amusement park, but it also offers a gorgeous view of the Delaware River. If you’re considering Riverview Beach Park for leaf-peeping, look no further. Some of the loveliest and most colorful trees you can spot in and around the park are silver maple trees, rhododendrons, and of course, the Salem oak tree.
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