Cool mornings, clear afternoons, and hillsides bursting with color mark the arrival of leaf season in New Jersey. From the Skylands to the Shore, the state transforms into a landscape of red, gold, and orange every October.
Foliage usually peaks in mid to late October, with the northern mountains and higher elevations turning first, followed by coastal parks and southern forests later in the month. New Jersey injury lawyers love leaf season, and we want you to enjoy it safely. This guide highlights the state’s top foliage spots, safety concerns, and what to do if an accident disrupts your trip.
When to Go
The best time to see New Jersey’s foliage is generally between October 19 and 29, with color starting earlier in the north and building through mid and late October statewide. As of October 2, 2025, trees are just beginning to change, and the peak is expected in the coming weeks, depending on the region and weather.
NJ-Only Leaf-Peeping Spots
All of the following destinations are within New Jersey. Always check official park alerts and hours before you travel.
High Point State Park
High Point offers New Jersey’s highest elevation, with sweeping ridge views and quick access to Appalachian Trail overlooks. Color tends to appear earlier here than elsewhere in the state, making it one of the best first stops of the season.
Stokes State Forest & Sunrise Mountain
Just south of High Point, Stokes State Forest and Sunrise Mountain provide broad panoramas that can be reached by car or on foot. These areas are reliable for early peak color and are popular with both hikers and casual visitors.
Worthington State Forest & Old Mine Road
Worthington sits on the New Jersey side of the Delaware Water Gap, where riverside foliage creates striking views. Old Mine Road is a classic byway, but traffic controls are sometimes in place, so plan extra time if driving this route.
Watchung Reservation
Watchung Reservation includes more than 2,000 acres of woodlands and trails. Lake Surprise and the History Trail are highlights, and its location makes it an accessible choice for families in the metro area.
Round Valley Recreation Area
Round Valley surrounds a deep blue reservoir framed by ridges. The shoreline reflects the color beautifully, and ridge walks provide elevated views. This spot shines in late October when the color is at its brightest.
Hacklebarney State Park
Known for gorges, streams, and small waterfalls, Hacklebarney offers trails framed by hardwood forests. The combination of running water and fall foliage makes it one of the most photogenic locations in New Jersey.
Cheesequake State Park
Cheesequake mixes coastal plain with upland woods. Boardwalks cross marsh areas, and easy loops give access to both wetlands and forest. The diverse habitats provide a unique fall foliage experience in one park.
Allaire State Park
Allaire pairs historic village buildings with wooded trails and a rail trail. Its Shore location gives visitors a dependable foliage window later in the season. Families often combine leaf-peeping with a visit to the village.
Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain offers some of the latest foliage in the state, with color lasting into early November. Trails around Lake Nummy are especially scenic and provide South Jersey’s best option for extended leaf season.
Risk Snapshot: Car Crashes & Slip-and-Falls
Leaf season is beautiful but comes with risks. Wet leaves can make pavement as slick as ice, especially at dusk when fog and glare are common. Deer activity peaks in October and November, creating hazards on forested corridors. Parking lots near trailheads fill quickly, and pedestrians often move between cars and roads without clear markings.
Trails themselves can be tricky, with wet leaves covering stairs, rocks, and roots. Steep grades, boardwalks, and stream crossings may also hide slick spots. Near water, leaf-covered banks or reservoir edges are easy to misstep. Staying alert to these hazards reduces the chance of a serious injury.
What To Do If You’re Hurt
If an accident occurs, seek medical care right away and keep all treatment records. Report the incident to a park office, ranger, or property owner and request a written incident number. Take photographs of hazards such as wet leaves, poor lighting, or missing signage, along with your footwear and injuries.
Gather names and contact details of witnesses. Preserve any damaged property, like clothing or shoes. Do not provide recorded statements to insurers until after speaking with an attorney. Contact a lawyer promptly, since evidence like video, maintenance logs, or witness accounts can disappear quickly.
Conclusion
New Jersey’s foliage season is short, so planning your trip carefully helps you make the most of it. Smart routes, awareness of conditions, and safe choices along trails and roads will let you focus on the views.
If a preventable hazard results in injury, NJ Injury Lawyers, P.C. can help document your case, identify responsible parties, and pursue fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Enjoy the color, take care on the road and trail, and savor the best of fall in New Jersey.
