How to Plan Your Fall in New Jersey Trip

Summer vacations get all the attention, but fall in New Jersey is an ideal time to plan a trip with dozens of unique activities.

Fall activities in New Jersey can be indoors or outdoors, ranging from festivals to farms to haunted houses. You can take a cruise, visit a theme park, or enjoy hiking and capturing pictures of fall foliage. There’s something for everyone on a fall in New Jersey trip.

To learn more about planning your exciting autumn vacation in New Jersey, keep reading this guide on things to do in New Jersey in the fall.

Season at a Glance (September—November)

Cooler temperatures and changes in fall foliage typically begin in the northern part of the state, move into Central Jersey, and eventually make their way to South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. 

For longer trips, you may want to start in North Jersey before moving to the lower part of the state. 

Or, consider a weekend trip to the area with the best fall weather and leaf colors based on local fall foliage maps and weather reports. 

Fall weather varies each year, but generally, North Jersey will be best for early-season or September trips. Central Jersey is ideal for mid-season or October trips, while South Jersey or the Jersey Shore is a good fit for late-season or November vacations.

Consider these planning tips for your fall in New Jersey trip:

• Make reservations or buy tickets for events early, you don’t want to be turned away at the door.
• Book your stay at the Latitude Suites in Tinton Falls Eatontown now, these generous suites with full kitchens are filling up fast.
• If you’re unfamiliar with parking for a venue or location, check with the venue or search online to learn more, so you won’t be surprised by the parking situation.
• Remember to bring extra cash or another payment method in case of unexpected fees or expenses.
• Jersey weather can sometimes change quickly in fall, so consider alternative indoor plans in case your original activities are rained out.

Farms & U-Pick Classics

If you’re searching “fall activities for adults near me,” start by checking out local farms and farmers’ markets. Here are some exciting options to explore fresh fall flavors and have fun at the same time:

• Alstede Farms in Chester is open September through the end of November, offering the opportunity to pick 46 varieties of apples or enjoy a mouthwatering apple cider donut.
• At the Sunflower Trail, you can take pictures of the early-bloom flowers or cut some to take home.
• Bullock Farms features a six-acre corn maze for adults, plus two smaller mazes for families with young children. 
• The Snyders Farm Fall Festival takes place on weekends, featuring a tractor-pulled wagon ride, farm food trucks, pumpkin picking, and a hay bale maze.
• If you’re looking for an after-dark Halloween experience, the Field of Terror in Windsor Township features a horror-infused corn maze called the Kornfield of Karnage, plus a Haunted Hayride to Terror Town.
• Wightman Farms is known for its corn maze, hay bale maze, rope maze, and rock labyrinth.
• Maple Leaf Farms’ Fall Fest offers family fun activities, including a hayride and corn maze, a wooden train and tractor swing, and pumpkin bowling.

Festivals & Only-in-NJ Events

New Jersey is also known for its arts and culture scene and unique events that can’t be found elsewhere. You won’t want to miss these exclusive fall attractions in New Jersey:

• The New Jersey Pine Barrens area celebrates its local culture with the Chatsworth Cranberry Festival on the third weekend of October. Check out the local crafts fair, cranberry-themed items, and a car show on the second day.
• Red Bank Oktoberfest features food, music, and a kids’ zone. Visitors aged 21 and up can also buy a beer and wine tasting package with drinks from local breweries or wineries.
• If you love Halloween, you’ll want to attend the Asbury Park Zombie Walk, and you might even win the costume contest! Do your own undead makeup, or visit the makeup tent there.
• Continue celebrating Halloween at Point Pleasant Beach’s Boo at the Boardwalk event. Enjoy rides, face painting, underwater pumpkin carving, and more fall fun at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.
• Morey’s Pier’s Oktoberfest runs every weekend through October 12. This boardwalk festival features live music and a ceremonial beer tapping.
• The whole family will love the Carm’s Farm petting zoo and pumpkin patch, or the Farms View U-pick pumpkin patch.

Thrills and Haunts

If you want even more spooky season fun, New Jersey is the place to go for haunted attractions and Halloween excitement. Consider one of these scary things to do in the fall in New Jersey:

• Brighton Asylum is a walk-through haunted attraction featuring live actors and Hollywood-inspired special effects. It’s open rain or shine, so don’t let a little thunder keep you away!
• The Scare Farm at Norz Hill features a haunted hayride (the Slayride) and three other attractions: Madderbaby Lane, Atrium Manor, and Chaotica. It’s open every weekend from September 30 through October 30.
• Fright Fest transforms Six Flags Great Adventure into a terrifying fall thrill. You’ll enjoy scare zones, haunted mazes, and live music on select dates.

On the Water

The season for swimming and sunbathing may be over, but you can still have fun on the water. Check out these cruise ideas for perfect fall activities in New Jersey:

• Take a day cruise along the Hudson River. Seastreak Ferries’ narrated fall brunch cruise lasts two or four hours and glides past scenic attractions, including the Cloisters, Hastings-on-the-Hudson, and Stony Point.
• If you’re a fan of marine life, consider a whale watching tour. Humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and other sea creatures may make an appearance as you watch from the comfortable boat.
• On calm weather days, you may enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy taking pictures of the coastline at your own pace before returning to land for more outdoor activities on the shore.

By Rail

All aboard! Taking a train ride allows you to see a large swath of New Jersey at one time, capturing pictures of fall foliage and iconic landmarks. 

Here are several train trips you can book now for your autumn vacation in New Jersey:

• The Great Pumpkin Train by Delaware River Excursions combines everything you love about fall: Pumpkins, fall leaves, and a corn maze at the end of the line. You can even spend two hours panning for gold at the Susquehanna Mining Company, or explore history by checking out the lime kilns that date back to the Revolutionary War.
• The Black River & Western Railroad offers scenic fall train rides, including a Pumpkin Train that runs from Flemington Station to Everitt Farms at Pumpkin Junction. Choose a pumpkin or take a leisurely hay ride if the weather is nice.
• The New Jersey Museum of Transportation at Pine Creek provides short train rides through the historic Allaire State Park. Train tickets are $2-6, depending on age, and kids will love exploring the transportation museum when the ride is over.

Parks, Hikes, & Views

Fall is often an optimal time of year for outdoor activities in New Jersey. The summer heat has receded, but temperatures aren’t prohibitively cold. Meanwhile, the harshest winter weather usually hasn’t arrived yet.

For this reason, visitors often flock to outdoor fall attractions in New Jersey. If it’s a clear day, think about one of these opportunities for hiking and taking in the sights:

North Jersey

• As the name might suggest, High Point State Park is home to High Point Monument, which sits over 1,800 feet above sea level. It overlooks miles of gorgeous fall foliage as well as the majestic Delaware River. If you’re new to hiking, there are also easy routes with great views, like the Iris and Sawmill Loop Trails.
• The 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail passes through New Jersey’s Stokes State Forest, with a scenic route that includes the Culver Fire Tower. Take a shorter route to see Culvers Gap or a longer hike that takes you to Sunrise Mountain. From the ridge, you can see panoramic views of both New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
• If you like a challenging, steep hike, you might enjoy Mt. Tammany-Delaware Water Gap Trail. You can choose a 1-mile or 3.5-mile hike, and take pictures of the fall leaves on Mt. Tammany. Below, the Delaware Water Gap flows through the mountain range.

Central Jersey

• Stretching 6 miles, the Watchung Reservation History Trail combines fresh air, exercise, and history. Walk past historic attractions like the Drake Farm House and Barn, or stop in at the Trailside Nature and Science Center. Then catch the beautiful views of Lake Surprise and the surrounding forest.
• Cheesequake State Park offers several trails in varying degrees of difficulty. Enjoy the rolling hills and a different kind of New Jersey boardwalk passing over the marshy areas. If you’re up for a longer hike, the trip to Steamboat Landing will pay off with numerous bird species to watch.

South Jersey

• Wharton State Forest includes scenic hiking trails and the historic site of Batsto Village, which dates back to the Revolutionary War. See where iron was produced in the early days of the nation, or visit over 30 surviving 19th-century buildings. If the weather permits, you can also go mountain biking or canoeing at Wharton.
• At Belleplain State Forest, you can enjoy over 40 hiking trails or take pictures and picnic alongside the peaceful Lake Nummy. From the saltwater marsh to the Atlantic white cedar swamp, there is no shortage of gorgeous foliage at any time of year, but especially in autumn. Bird watchers may also glimpse a few sightings in the forest.
• Close to New Jersey’s Pine Barrens, Parvin State Park includes a trail loop around Parvin Lake. Easy to navigate and perfect for beginner hikers, this relaxing hike offers opportunities for photos of the lake view. Next, check out the swamp hardwood forest or a more challenging trail.

Fall Activities at the Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore may be known for fun in the sun, but it’s also enjoyable in the fall. In fact, you may prefer an autumn trip to the shore for the cooler temperatures and exciting activities like these:

Monmouth County

• Take a day trip to Allaire State Park, learn about the area’s history, and end with a train ride on the Pine Creek railroad.
• Visit Hartshorne Woods Park to pursue challenging trails, reach the top of stunning overlooks, and tour the Historic Portland Place.
• Stroll along the Sandy Hook beach, look for sea glass, or pose for pics in front of the historic 250-year-old lighthouse.
• If you prefer the indoors, check out the Monmouth Mall, the Mutltpurpose Activiity Center, and other fun locations around Monmouth University.

Ocean County

• Island Beach State Park is known for its gently rolling dunes, tidal marshes teeming with marine life, and gorgeous maritime holly trees.
• At Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, you can stroll the shore or snap a photo of the historic Barnegat Lighthouse.

Atlantic County

• If it’s getting chilly or late in the day, the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Reserve (NWR) offers a Wildlife Drive that you can do in your vehicle, including an end-of-day sunset drive.
• The NWR is also home to the Holgate Wilderness Area, where you can take a leisurely walk or drive below the berm.

Cape May County

• Fall is the perfect time to watch the annual bird migrations at Cape May Point State Park or visit the 157-foot lighthouse.
• Cape May is also home to the Victorian Weekend celebration (October 10-13 this year) with a craft and collectibles show, a vintage baseball game, and historic tours.

Off-Season Perks of Visiting the Jersey Shore in Fall

If hot weather isn’t your thing, you’ll love visiting the Jersey Shore in autumn, when cool temperatures make outdoor activities more enjoyable. 

Additionally, you’ll avoid crowds and travel costs may be lower in off-peak season.

Plus, fall is the only time to do activities like pumpkin picking, visiting haunted attractions, or gazing at the beautiful New Jersey fall foliage.

The Latitude Suites in Tinton Falls Eatontown also offers special deals on their luxurious suites in the fall. Centrally located, the Latitude Suites allows you easy access to all the events and locations you want to visit this autumn.

Conclusion

New Jersey is the place to enjoy fall leaves, Halloween haunts, pumpkin picking, and other autumn activities. Whether you love the outdoors or prefer museums and history, there’s something for everyone to do on a New Jersey fall vacation.

Knowing how to make the most of your trip is essential to maximizing your fall experience. Plan ahead, choose an itinerary for each location, and pack for the New Jersey fall activities you want to do.

It’s also essential to stay in a hotel that accommodates all your needs and makes it easy for you to have a great vacation. The Latitude Suites in Tinton Falls Eatontown provides clean, comfortable suites with free wifi, an indoor pool, and dual 50” TVs. Book your suite now to ensure you have a fun and relaxing fall trip.

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