When autumn arrives in New Jersey, some outdoor enthusiasts lament the waning daylight, but fall in the Garden State also has a bright side. Before revealing their skeleton of branches, trees in the region create a spectrum rivaling foliage anywhere in the country.
Why not spend a few hours on a weekend drive through this region's seasonal splendor? Begin your journey around Lake Hopatcong. With its wooded hillsides displaying a kaleidoscope of seasonal colors, Hopatcong State Park is an excellent starting point.
On a calm day, enjoy the peaceful reflection of foliage on Lake Musconetcong at the south end of the park. If you wish to venture further away from the bustling highways near Netcong, make your way past Budd Lake and through Hackettstown. As you travel, you will encounter a much more rural landscape. Driving through the Great Meadows of Independence Township, enjoy the contrast of the dark flatlands and the colorful hillsides surrounding it.
Shortly after the meadows, Route 46 closely follows the flow of the Pequest River. On the left, the Pequest Wildlife Management Area offers a wonderful nature center and trails to stretch your legs just across the babbling, trout-filled river. This entire valley is surrounded by the splendid colors of various tree species. By now, you may be getting rather hungry from your drive. What better place to stop for a bite than in Buttzville at the famous Hot Dog Johnny’s. Located right on the Pequest River, this fun food stand will have you reminiscing about the good ole’ days.
After filling up with a frosty mug of root beer, continue to Route 519 South. This bucolic county road offers autumn scenery along its entire stretch as it makes its way past numerous places you may wish to return to during the winter season – Mackey’s Orchard and Wyckoff’s Tree Farm, just to name a couple.
Heading further south will take you through Harmony Township, home to Merrill Creek Reservoir, noted for its views of the Delaware Water Gap and its Bald Eagle inhabitants. Shortly after crossing Route 57, you will come to the Jim and Mary Lee Museum (open select Sundays from April through October). Since starting your journey along the Morris Canal, this might be a good turn around point after checking out the history of the inclined plane here and enjoying the view. If you are short on time, continue south on Route 519 to Route 22 East. And you will quickly find Route 78 to bring you home.
If you would rather a more relaxed trip home, make your way back to Route 57 and head east toward Washington. In about three miles, you'll come to the small town of New Village. If the scenery is too distracting for you while you drive, pull over at the Bread Lock Park on the right. Making your way back to Morris County along Route 57, you will be roughly following the former path of the Morris Canal all the way home. Continuing eastward will bring you through Pleasant Valley, Washington, Port Colden, and Penwell as you head for Schooley's Mountain County Park.
All the way, you will be dazzled by the hillside colors surrounding you. Whether your journey takes place during the climax of the foliage season or not, you are sure to remember your trip through the Highlands and will undoubtedly wish to return another day! For more ideas on day or overnight trips, visit Highlands Tourism, download the Official New Jersey Travel Guide or sign up for our e-newsletter.
