When can you see fall foliage in New Jersey? Where are the best views?
Take one long last look at the greenery because the vivid colors are just a few weeks away.
Fall foliage in New Jersey
While climate change has been tweaking the fall foliage schedule making the foliage change time less predictable, Weather patterns show that trees in New Jersey will boast autumn colors by the week of Oct. 10, according to Jason Grabosky, forester at Rutgers University.
From Oct. 10 through Oct. 24, New Jersey will see the most vibrant fall colors, he said. Climate has tweaked the schedule a bit, making the leaf-change timeframe less predictable.
For the coastal area of the state, tree foliage will show its most photogenic colors from Oct. 17 through Oct. 31, as the coastal environment generates warmer temperatures.
Above-average temperatures are expected this year, so leaves might not be as vibrant as they could be. But if a week or more is dry with cool fall temperatures, the state may see a sudden pop of color, Grabosky said. Bright, reddish tones are common after cool and dry temperatures. If it’s a rainy, cloudy fall, colors might be duller, since leaves need sunlight to produce vibrant colors.
Nevertheless, moisture in the soil is an important factor for brighter leaves. For the most astounding fall colors, Grabosky recommends going on a hike around a river, lake or pond.
Where are the best fall foliage views?
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Sussex County is Grabosky’s go-to recommendation for great sightseeing of autumn foliage. With 70,000 acres of land, this recreational area is rich in flora, especially in red maples.
The trees near the NJ Turnpike, around Mercer and Burlington counties, is another site worthy of pictures. The soil there makes plants grow healthier, which results in brighter leaf colors, he said. The Bass River State Forest in Burlington County is another site for great views. The 67-acre Lake Absegami provides enough moisture for leaves to shine bright.
The High Point State Park, at 1,800 feet above sea level, is the highest place in New Jersey and offers great views, he said. If fall weather has been warmer than usual, foliage on highlands will be the best bet for pictures and contemplation. Since leaves need cool temperatures to generate nice colors, highlands, which are naturally colder, can compensate for a warmer autumn, he said.
Looking for pineland scenery, visit the Wharton State Forest. This forest is the largest in the state - over 110,000 acres of land in Burlington, Atlantic and Camden counties. Expect to see mesmerizing foliage views along with some bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, and many other birds.
Within the forest, explore Batsto Village, a former 18-century bog iron and glassmaking industrial center.
Best fall foliage near New Jersey
The Farmer's Almanac predicts these will be approximate peak foliage dates for New Jersey and surrounding states:
New Jersey: (Inland) Oct. 12-28; (Coastal) Oct. 19-Nov. 4
Delaware: Oct. 19-Nov. 4
New York: Sept. 28-Oct. 28, depending on elevation and distance from the coast.
Pennsylvania: Oct. 5-21
Fall foliage map: Where are the best fall colors? Map out best dates and locations for 2023 leaf-peeping
Jump into fall in September
Ready to bring on the fall, here's where to start:
'Tis the season for pumpkin spice everything. From lattes to doughnuts, here's where to indulge.
For music, art, surfing and food, See Hear Now is Sept. 16 and 17.
And there are plenty of other fall festivals throughout New Jersey to enjoy the best the Garden State has to offer.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Autumn foliage: when does it start? where are the best views?
