2024's Towns In New Jersey That Come Alive In The Fall

New Jersey, the fourth-smallest state by area, is amazing in the fall. Some 150 miles long by 70 miles wide, you can easily drive across the Garden State—telling of its bountiful parkland—in search of your next autumn pursuit. Travel from a former French settlement into a Germanic one or "fall" for the charm of Montclair against the cliffs of the Watchung Mountains. Enjoy a natural sojourn at the iconic 13.5-acre Reeves-Reed Arboretum in Summit. Just imagine the concentration of foliage scenery when just about every state and town park comes alive in the colors of fall foliage.

Boasting a humid climate, summertime lushness turns the bustling state along the Northeastern US's Atlantic coastline awash in color. In 2024, find towns in New Jersey that come alive with the magic of fall.

Cape May

Extending its charms into the fall, across the peninsular tip of the Garden State, watch the spectacular transformation of nature through the bordering parkland to the west. A stroll along the shimmering Cape May Meadows meanders around the Observation Tower, the Bird Viewing Blind Pier, and a number of ponds to the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse for scenic views from the top, plus an oil house-turned-museum with a gift shop. Relax by Bunker Pond and stop by Cape May Bird Observatory, next to Lily Lake, known for migratory and songbird spotting, including 20 warbler species. Along the beach, Fort Miles Battery 223 is a World War II fortification encased in thick concrete along a scenic white stretch with unobstructed views.

Back in town, the Exit Zero Jazz Festival, November 8 to 10, 2024, attracts about 10,000 people for two days of music and arts. This event blends world-class jazz performances into the historic vibes and scenic beauty—a stunning backdrop for a holistic musical experience. From local wines to seasonal treats, it's fun to amble the autumnal landscape among intimate venues presenting jazz legends and emerging artists.

You can also start your holiday shopping early at Washington Street Mall, a nostalgic pedestrian thoroughfare lined with specialty boutiques, eateries, and dessert shops. Dine nearby at Rusty Nail, a lively hangout with a rustic bar, deck, and fire pit serving American eats and clever cocktails along Beach Ave.

Frenchtown

Across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania and just 45 minutes from Princeton, it's easy to enjoy two towns on one fall escape. Once settled for its stunning riverside views, there are plenty of ways to get into the fall spirit, like across the Uhlerstown-Frenchtown Bridge, offering a great fall theme. Visitors enjoy a number of heritage sites, culture, and entertainment at the nearby Frenchtown Roller Rink on a rainy day. The historic 1800s bridge stands as an iconic landmark, with magnificent trees lining the shores as a beacon for leaf peepers.

From the pet-friendly trails at Horseshoe Bend Park to Giving Pond across the river, Tinicum Park has a woodsy vibe with playgrounds, ball fields, boating, fishing, and camping. After a nature stroll through the Sunbeam Lenape Park or a ride along the D & R Canal Towpath.

Frenchtown Cafe is a cheerful daytime space for breakfast, sandwiches, and baked goods. Next door, ArtYard is an old, repurposed building with surprises around each corner, including an incredible contemporary art space, event space, and theater. Nearby, the National Hotel envelopes guests in the charm of yesteryear with modern amenities, a bar, and a restaurant.

Glassboro

Home to under 25,000, Glassboro feels much larger thanks to the surrounding landscapes for foliage hunters. Many enjoy biking or jogging through James G. Atkinson Memorial Park, which has a kid's playground. Past Lake Kandle to the north, Washington Lake Park features an outdoor amphitheater, a skate park, and a dog park. For real outdoor enthusiasts, including birders and hikers, Glassboro Wildlife Management Area offers forest swamps, fields, and pathways.

Home to the beautiful Rowan University at the heart, take a stroll along the scenic grounds straight from your college days, plus a whole shopping and dining district around the school. The simple joy of tee time awaits at one of the state's best and most scenic, Scotland Run Golf Club.

Truly coming alive in the fall, the college town celebrates Craft Beer Festival, presenting the local handicraft, innovative spirit, and agricultural bounty. A real standout among beer enthusiasts, the top-tier beer selection and the intimate feel, attract 7,000 attendees to meet the brewers and hear stories behind their small-batch, artisanal beers—many specifically brewed for the event.

For more fall-sy pursuits, browse Bast Brothers Garden Center and sightsee Glassboro Historic Train Station. Are you a wine-o? Monroeville Vineyard & Winery is a quick 10-minute ride for a stroll and a cozy evening over a few glasses and great sunset views reflecting the golden vines. Otherwise, watch a celestial dance this time of year at Edelman Planetarium or catch a seasonal performance at Pfleeger Concert Hall.

Medford

Between Freedom Park to the north and Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in the south, this sprawling town of under 25,000 boasts a colorful background in every sense. Home to the beautiful chain of Medford Lakes, Medford really busts out its German heritage during the annual Oktoberfest, welcoming some 10,000 attendees over the first weekend of the month. The vibrant festivities, like oompah bands and traditional folk dances, bring the vibe of another country that blends into the small New Jersey town charm. Mark your calendar for the next fall getaway in the tiny Garden State. Surely you will be within the vicinity to indulge in authentic German cuisine—think hot pretzels and juicy bratwurst, with local craft beers brewed specifically for the occasion.

Attain the feel of Bavaria any day with a strudel over coffee to-go, from Timber Lake to Birchwood Lakes at the heart. There is plenty of space to chase the changing leaves without crowds along Lakeside Drive. After a lovely picnic, stop by the charming St. Mary of the Lakes Church to the north or a cozy cafe with views of the falling leaves.

The kids really go ape at Medford's YMCA of the Pines, with outdoor sports equipment that complements the autumnal appeal, including a climbing wall, a playground, and a treading course over water. For every other chilly evening, P.J. Whelihan's Pub + Restaurant welcomes patrons from all over with a lively sports bar feel to enjoy local company over a range of draft, classic grub, and large screens.

Montclair

This town of under 40,000 really wakes up in the fall, filling the streets with colors and friendly college faces. Montclair retains a quaint appeal among families and adventurers against the cliffs of the Watchung Mountains to the west. Take an art stroll through galleries displaying the local fervor to recreate the surrounding scenic beauty. The Montclair Art Museum of Van Vleck House & Gardens celebrates the joyous season through beautiful paintings and grounds for refreshing strolls or relaxation within foliage. Thomas Edison National Historical Park is the home and laboratory of the American inventor and manufacturer with artifacts and archives in West Orange, while Brookdale Park is right next to Holsten's Ice Cream, Chocolate & Restaurant, the site of The Sopranos finale.

From the town's own Wellmont Theater to Dave's Timewarp Comics & Games and Yogi Berra Museum next door, soak up the views at Presby Iris Gardens. For more picture-perfect moments, Mills Reservation shimmers along the scenic Cedar Grove Reservoir, plus the West Essex Trail across the lake.

Among year-round cultural events, the Montclair Film Festival welcomes patrons in October with films, comedies, documentaries, and other compelling pieces. An ice cream cone from Applegate Farm, made on a farm dating from the 1840s, won't spoil your appetite before the delectable Mediterranean meal at the famous MishMish Cafe. Afterward, beat the evening chill in the warm company over a glass of ale at Tierney’s Tavern and catch a play at the Alexander Kasser Theater, next to the lake.

Secaucus

Secaucus inspires a peaceful refuge from the bustle next to the loud East Rutherford, home of the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. Chase foliage through the 3-acre Mill Creek Point Park, a green space turning colors along the Hackensack River with a boat ramp and wildlife, plus a 43-acre marsh with a kayak launch and playground. Secaucus Greenway is perfect for a stroll or a bike ride along the waterfront trail. It's fun and easy to navigate the meandering waterways under the mild weather and to another shore and explore a whole other side of town.

From Schmidts Woods Park with a woodsy-themed playground to the Mill Creek Marsh Trail, Laurel Hill Park is great to spy on colors on a long dog walk, at sunset, or a family picnic. In addition, Regal Secaucus ShowPlace complements any fall evening over a first-run film on wall-to-wall screens and devilishly good popcorn.

Come one, come all during the "Taste of New Jersey," a culinary extravaganza on October 26 that showcases the state’s diverse food scene. Attracting some 15,000 attendees for downhome eats among authentic German fare and local food truck staples, plus all kinds of drinks flowing over an eclectic mix of vendors, the food lover’s dream is enhanced by the ambiance of fall. Held at the Meadowlands Expo Center, it is a one-stop shop where you can indulge in seasonal eats and fall-worthy pursuits like cooking demonstrations by local chefs divulging the secrets behind their favorite dishes.

Summit

If you are dreaming of a nature-inspired escape a stone's throw from NYC or looking for natural inspiration in the fall colors, welcome to Summit, a town whose name reminds you of summertime peaks. Home to 23,000 with an upscale environment of real estate envy and plenty of village greens, chase the fall beauty through the iconic 13.5-acre Reeves-Reed Arboretum. Featuring a lovely mix of historic gardens and wooded forests, every angle poses as a postcard-worthy backdrop for your Instagram post. How about some thrifting on a fall escape at the famous Summit Antique Center, the state’s oldest? Browse dozens of vintage items, furniture, and more by skilled artisans, or start your holiday shopping early in an environment reminiscent of a historic village.

Stop by the old-school Magic Fountain to savor a cone against the violent red, yellow, and brown leaves amid the timid greens. The sprawling Canoe Brook Country Club is more than a golf course at the heart, while the tranquil Passaic River Park is a coveted natural corner of rustic appeal for hikers with soothing water sounds. Awash in colors under the still mild weather, it is easy to see the source of inspiration in the natural allure.

Loaded with artistic creativity, Badawang Art sells handcrafted pieces to take home, while Vivid Stage offers a range of plays, comedies, readings, and workshops. If you enjoyed the arboretum, the next-door Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary features neat trees and plants, hiking trails, and bird-watching spots.

Verona

This laidback Essex County town of Verona sits close to Montclair and is home to around 14,500 residents. It inspires an Italian countryside dream with its name and foliage-ridden outdoor spaces. Home to one of the state's most beautiful county parks, leaf-peeping at the centerpiece, Verona Park, should be on every nature lover's bucket list. After a full-day quest along the hazy trails, the park's shimmering leaves turn into a kaleidoscope of colors under sunset. From year-round fishing at the bordering Verona Lake, a beautiful spot to relax with a rod in the reflections of the foliage, to the frame of colors around the old stone bridge, everything in Verona feels like a fall-themed postcard.

The pet-friendly Hilltop Reservation features county park trails through woodland and hillside lawns frequented by migrating birds. Afterward, try Colombian at the immensely popular Sabor De Mi Tierra Verona, or head straight to one of the Garden State's most creative restaurants. Bloom is an acclaimed New American restaurant with French and Korean accents, an ever-changing menu, plus a hearty fare of seasonal flavors.

Bonus: Vernon's Fall Harvest Festival at Heaven Hill Farm

Among the many intimate events of the state, Vernon Township hosts its infamous Fall Harvest Festival at Heaven Hill Farm in September. Accentuating family fun and agriculture, a visit for a farm experience is perfect for families to bond over a variety of hands-on activities.

Attracting some 50,000, the over-two-month festival is awash in seasonal traditions. From apple cannons and a giant corn maze to pumpkin picking and pedal carts, gem mining is an unexpected treat to discover hidden treasures. Among all the unique offerings, it is a real standout in the circuit of New Jersey fall fests.

Attracting most visitors in the summers, many miss out on the autumnal beauty of the small coastal state. From the rustic beach vibes in Cape May, flush with boardwalk culture, to the college vibe in Glassboro, Verona flaunts one of the state's best country parks. Presenting vibrant yet intimate events like Glassboro's Craft Beer Festival, where you can meet the brewers, and Taste of New Jersey in Secaucus, plan to hit Oktoberfest in Medford next fall.

With humid, subtropical summers, there is no denying that nature is alive and thriving through fall in the lush Garden State by the Atlantic. The mild weather is perfect for savoring a cone in Montclair or launching a kayak along the meandering waterways in Secaucus. Enjoy easy access from the NYC hustle to a whole other kind of bustle—a natural dance of colorful leaves and hazy fall scenes. In these eight towns, plus a bonus festival, you can end the season with a bang before Thanksgiving.