Love the outdoors? A fan of fall foliage? Autumn in New Jersey combines picture-perfect landscapes and pleasant weather—making it the ideal time to pursue your favorite outdoor sport or activity. Here are five ways to take off!
1. Tee time for golfers.
With more than 300 courses to choose from, it’s easy to find the New Jersey layout that suits your level of play. Pay homage to the fall season and the “Golden Age of Architecture” at the Architects Golf Club in Warren County. Test your skills at Hominy Hill Golf Course, the crown jewel of Monmouth County Park System’s golf courses. Tee it up at the award-winning Ballyowen Golf Course at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg. Or play through The Vineyards, a picturesque layout that meanders through South Jersey’s Renault Winery.
2. A lure for anglers.
Whether you’re looking for a secret fishing spot or sport fishing charters, you’ll find plenty of fall fishing destinations in New Jersey like the aptly named Bass River State Park (Tuckerton) and Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area (Manasquan). For the inspiring combination of great trout fishing and beautiful autumn colors, don’t miss Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Byram. See the latest on fall trout fishing from New Jersey’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.
3. Go take a hike.
Hiking NJ is a fun way to get your heart rate up, especially if there’s the promise of climbing to a brilliant autumn vista. Wawayanda State Park offers 60 miles of well-marked trails, including 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail. A rugged nine-mile stretch takes you to past Pinwheel Vista for a great view. For a more moderate section of the Trail, go to High Point Monument. This three-mile hike takes you to New Jersey’s highest point, where you’ll see panoramic views of two states. And for scenic hikes through a shaded hemlock ravine (and more great trout fishing), Hacklebarney State Park in Long Valley is a must-go.
4. Camp it up.
With over 40 miles of river and 77,000 acres of land, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty of territory to explore. This fall, plan a camping trip to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this national treasure. Options range from primitive to more developed campgrounds. In Cape May, Adventure Bound Camping Resort features full hook-ups, cabins and RV rentals, as well as tent camping and free WiFi. And, ahoy, ye glampers. You might like Sea Pirate Campground near Long Beach Island, which offers cottages with all the comforts of home. Take a look at more NJ campgrounds and RV parks and make your plans to sleep under the stars.
5. Pedal power.
From serene settings to downhill switchbacks, biking in NJ is always a blast. Explore miles of unpaved mountain biking at Wharton State Forest, like the 50-mile Batona Trail, which takes its name from BAck TO NAture. It’s the longest trail in the Pine Barrens and, true to its name, is home to bald eagles, hawks, owls and more. On the other end of the state, Ramapo Mountain State Forest offers miles of rugged mountain biking for the seasoned rider like the infamous six-mile Cannonball Trail. For those who prefer a gentler terrain, Monmouth County’s Henry Hudson Trail is a rails-to-trails option that runs through six Bayshore towns.
Explore more fall outdoor fun at visitnj.org, where you can download a free NJ travel guide or sign up for e-news from New Jersey Travel and Tourism.
