The leaves, they are a changin’! Or at least, they’re about to be. If you’re interested in feasting your eyes on the cavalcade of changing colors, you don’t have to drive all the way to New England to see them. In fact, there are several great options for fall foliage viewing on both sides of the Delaware Bay, and the award-winning Cape May – Lewes Ferry can connect you to them! We’ve pulled together a few easily accessible, self-driving options that you can turn into day trips, or use as the start of a weekend leaf peeping adventure.
When to See Peak Fall Foliage in NJ
New Jersey State Parks
New Jersey’s color moves from the northern highlands down toward the coast. The Skylands usually peak first, and the Pinelands and southern farmlands follow a week or two behind. That timing works in your favor if you missed the mountain rush. Weather shifts the calendar every year, so check current conditions before you go. NJ State Parks posts a weekly “Current Fall Foliage Conditions” map on its official Instagram, @newjerseystateparks.
Peak Fall Foliage NJ at a Glance
Here’s a brief look at every featured spot on this list:
Region | Typical Peak | Where to Go |
North Jersey (Skylands) | Mid-October | High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, Delaware Water Gap |
Central Jersey | Mid to late October | Delaware River towns, Hunterdon County |
South Jersey (Pinelands and farmlands) | Late October to early November | Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy, Wharton State Forest, Cumberland County |
Start Your South Jersey Fall Foliage Trip at the Ferry
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry in the Fall
For those traveling from Delaware to New Jersey, the trip starts in Lewes with the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. Sailing with the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner, means a scenic ride across the bay, where you can walk straight from the terminal into the color. If you’re bringing your car onboard, be sure to review the vehicle information page before you book so you know what to expect.
New Jersey locals can use the Cape May Ferry Terminal at 1200 Lincoln Blvd in North Cape May as a starting point, too. You can turn your fall adventure into a two-state day by sailing to Lewes and following our guide to fall foliage in Delaware.
NJ Fall Foliage Drives From the Cape May Ferry Terminal
If you’re planning to drive your car straight from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry terminal to Belleplain State Forest, below are two routes you can take to get right into the autumn foliage.
Scenic Route: Bayshore Road to Route 47
From the terminal, turn left on Bayshore Road and follow it along the Delaware Bay until it meets Route 47. Head north up the western edge of Cape May County through Dennisville, then follow signs toward Woodbine and Belleplain State Forest. Continue north on Route 47 into Cumberland County to reach Port Elizabeth.
Faster Route: Garden State Parkway, Route 50, and Route 49
Take the Garden State Parkway north, which has good foliage of its own, to Exit 20. Exit on the left onto Route 50 and follow it to Route 49 in Tuckahoe. From there, head west toward Belleplain State Forest.
Belleplain State Forest Fall Foliage
Belleplain State Forest
Established in 1928, Belleplain State Forest sits in Woodbine within the Pinelands National Reserve. NJ State Parks describes it as having “the greatest variety of habitats anywhere in New Jersey.” That variety is what makes the color here so layered. Hardwoods turn against a backdrop of evergreen pines. The forest has more than 40 miles of trails and campsites open all year, so you can stretch a day trip into a weekend.
Lake Nummy
Lake Nummy is the classic Belleplain photo stop. The Civilian Conservation Corps created it in the 1930s by converting the Meisle Cranberry Bog into a lake. In fall, orange and scarlet leaves reflect off the still water, providing a stunning view for passersby. Paddlers can launch their own canoe, kayak, or paddleboard here. Only electric motors are allowed, and the rental concession runs in summer only.
Hiking the East Creek Trail
For Belleplain State Forest hiking, the East Creek Trail is the longest option. It’s a 7-mile, white-blazed loop from the Lake Nummy parking area to East Creek Pond. Short on time? The 2.2-mile Ponds Trail and the Tarkiln Bogs Trail, which passes old cranberry bogs, both fit into a quick stop.
Cumberland County Farmland and Bayshore Towns
Past Belleplain, the drive opens up into Cumberland County farmland. The county has 539 farms covering 68,491 acres and ranks first in New Jersey for vegetable sales, as of the 2022 Census of Agriculture report. Wide fields, tree lines, and farm stands make this stretch feel far from the shore. Add a tasting to the day with our favorite South Jersey wineries near the ferry.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is a small Maurice River Township village on Route 47, laid out in 1785. Treat it as your turnaround or keep going to Mauricetown.
Mauricetown
Across the Maurice River, Mauricetown is a historic sea captains’ village. Its historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. Walk its quiet streets of 19th-century homes before heading back down Route 47 to Cape May.
Forests and Parks With the Best Fall Foliage in New Jersey
Cape May Point State Park
Want to see more of the state? Here are even more places to see the best fall foliage in New Jersey.
Cape May Point State Park
Spanning 244 acres with free admission, Cape May Point State Park is a must for fall visitors. Red, yellow, and blue trails (0.5 to 2 miles) wind through marsh, woods, and dunes. NJ Audubon has run its Hawkwatch here every fall since 1976, so pack your binoculars! Look for peregrine falcons and merlins in October and golden eagles in November. Monarch butterflies drop by on their fall migration, too.
Wharton State Forest
Wharton State Forest sprawls across over 124,000 acres, the largest single tract in the New Jersey State Park System. It follows South Jersey’s later color schedule, too. Don’t miss historic Batsto Village inside the forest, which dates to 1766 and supplied iron to the Continental Army.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Straddling New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap covers over 70,000 acres of prime leaf peeping territory. For Delaware Water Gap fall foliage from above, lace up for the Red Dot Trail up Mount Tammany. Fair warning: it’s 1.2 miles one way, steep, and rated difficult, but the view is worth every step.
High Point State Park
Craving fall color from the top of New Jersey? High Point State Park holds the state’s highest elevation at 1,803 feet. The 220-foot High Point Monument, which honors New Jersey veterans, makes a great photo stop. On a clear day, you’ll see miles of color.
Stokes State Forest
Stokes State Forest spans 16,025 acres with over 63 miles of trails to explore. Its star attraction is Sunrise Mountain, the state’s second-highest peak at 1,653 feet. The overlook serves up views of the Kittatinny and Delaware River valleys, plus hawks riding the fall winds.
Extend Your Fall Day Trips in NJ Across the Bay to Delaware
Why stop at one state? The leaves are a changin’ on the Delaware side of the bay, too! Sail from Cape May to Lewes on the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and explore the Historic Lewes Byway and Cape Henlopen State Park while viewing beautiful Delaware fall foliage. If you’re in the mood for a crisp walk along the shore, make a weekend of it with our favorite fall getaways to the Delaware beaches.
Plus, from September 15 through December 15, our Dock, Dine & Dream deal gives you buy one, get one passenger fares with promo code DREAM, plus discounts at hotels and restaurants in Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey, and Bethany. We’ll save you a spot on deck, so book your tickets now.
New Jersey Fall Foliage FAQs
Where is the best fall foliage in New Jersey?
The northern highlands have the state’s highest elevations and earliest color, including High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest, and the Delaware Water Gap. In South Jersey, Belleplain State Forest and Lake Nummy peak later and are easy to reach from Cape May. See our full list of top fall foliage spots in New Jersey for details.
What are the predictions for fall foliage colors in 2026 in New Jersey?
NJ 101.5’s 2026 guide expects North Jersey to peak around October 16 to 19 and South Jersey around October 24, lasting into early November in spots. Conditions change with the weather, so NJ State Parks posts weekly foliage updates during the season. Our peak fall foliage timing table breaks it down by region.
Where can I see fall foliage in NJ?
Fall color is everywhere from the Skylands to the Pinelands. Near the shore, Belleplain State Forest, Lake Nummy, and the farmland of Cumberland County are within an hour of the Cape May Ferry Terminal. For more ideas, read our full article above.
When do leaves change color in New Jersey?
Leaves usually start turning in the northern mountains in early October and peak there by mid-October. South Jersey’s Pinelands and farmlands peak from late October into early November. For a late-season photo stop, see our guide to fall and winter sunset spots.
How far is Belleplain State Forest from the Cape May - Lewes Ferry?
Belleplain State Forest is under an hour’s drive from the Cape May – Lewes Ferry Terminal. You can take the scenic Route 47 along the bay or the faster Garden State Parkway. Get directions to the Cape May – Lewes Ferry terminal to plan your start.
