Visiting Sussex County isn’t just about its popular tourist attractions, places to stay, and restaurants. Many flock to Sussex County in the fall for seasonal activities like apple picking at the county’s amazing orchards and for family time together picking pumpkins.
One of the other ways to create autumnal memories in Sussex County is to take in some scenic vistas for some good old-fashioned leaf peeping. These stops can be on the way to one of the other fine destinations or events within the northwesternmost corner of New Jersey. Stopping to soak up some fall foliage can also be a destination in itself. When one resides an hour or so away from Sussex County in northeastern New Jersey or even Manhattan, it may be a quick afternoon jaunt to trade the city’s hustle and bustle for the sights and sounds of nature.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac explains that leaves create their extraordinary display as temperatures cool and there are fewer sunnier days, which yields a drop in green chlorophyll, followed by a rise in the seasonal shades. Plentiful rain in the summer often helps usher in autumn’s array of rich reds, oranges, yellows, browns, and other fall hues. The leaves typically begin to make their spectacular fall transition in Northwestern New Jersey and Sussex County by mid-October through early November.
Even the ride into Sussex County is bursting with glorious tints across the landscape as one travels onto Route 15 North. Ascending into northern parts of the county on Route 23 North and Route 94 North into Vernon, Sussex, and Wantage can offer similar views. Route 206 North is equally scenic, heading toward Montague and Pennsylvania. Looking at the leaves along these routes alone can help reset one’s spirit from the world’s stresses.
Where are some places in Sussex County for some of the most vibrant and impressive fall foliage?
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
One way to truly become one with nature during the fall season is with a trip to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the Walpack and Layton region of Sussex County, where red maples make their breathtaking seasonal performance. There are hiking trails and waterfalls to take in, like the Buttermilk Falls Trail. This can lead to spectacular views on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, with 28 miles of it in the National Recreation Area.
Kittatinny Valley State Park
In the Andover Township area of Sussex County is Kittatinny Valley State Park, which is filled with forests and scenic trails. During the fall, many can enjoy horseback rides or walks with their dog through the park while taking in the leaves. Lake Aeroflex is equally striking, with trees encircling the water. The winding byway to the park’s main entrance is also an impressive fall escape, with beautiful and charming scenery.
Kittatinny Valley State Park
High Point State Park
In New Jersey’s most elevated location at 1,803 feet above sea level, High Point State Park offers stunning views of foliage from its vantage point, even beyond the Garden State, into both Pennsylvania and New York State. Home to the New Jersey Veterans’ Memorial and ascending the summit of the Kittatinny Ridge, affords views from the memorial and on the ground of the picturesque leaves.
Stokes State Forest
Drive North onto Route 206 and head to Stokes State Forest for several leaf-peeping opportunities. One of the favorite spots within the park is Sunrise Mountain, the second-highest mountain in New Jersey at 1,653 feet above sea level. High Point, views of Pennsylvania, and other sites await as one takes in the breathtaking scenery there.
Stairway to Heaven
For more experienced hikers who would like to soak up the sights of stunning Sussex County fall foliage, Stairway to Heaven is considered one of the most scenic places in New Jersey. After parking on Route 517, one can venture onto boardwalks and rockier and steeper sections on the Appalachian Trail, with beautiful views of the autumnal leaves.
Swartswood State Park
The calm waters of Swartswood Lake in Swartswood State Park within Hampton and Stillwater Townships create peaceful views of the fall foliage, whether one walks by the beach or on the trails within the park. Like all of New Jersey’s state parks, a visit to Swartswood lets one take in activities inside the state park while taking in panoramas with the beautiful fall colors.
We look forward to hearing where you’ve seen the most magnificent fall foliage in Sussex County.
Members of Life In Sussex staff have contributed to this post.
