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Cool Ideas For Perfect Fall Activities in New Jersey 2023

ByKasia Kalemba Hours
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Fall in New Jersey is by far one of the best seasons in this state. The temperatures are ideal, sweater weather is in full action, and there are so many cool activities to do as we transition out of summer excitement into the winter blues. The season starts mid-September and runs through early November, very quickly declining after that. Don’t wait any longer so you don’t run out of time to start your New Jersey fall 2023 bucket list!

With this guide, I share some classic fall activities along with others you might not have thought about. Although some suggestions might seem a little obvious, ask yourself if you’ve ever actually done the classics like apple or pumpkin picking for example. Although this post focuses on (mostly) New Jersey places, I will throw in some New York State Hudson Valley locations too. I will say since NY state has some higher elevations than we do, their fall highlights like fall foliage, for example, might be slightly better 🙂

If there is anything that should absolutely go on this list, don’t forget to comment below! At the bottom of the post, you’ll find a map with all the listed activities!

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Table of Contents show

Fall Foilage

In mid to late October, the Garden State takes on different hues of warm colors. As soon as you walk out the door, you can’t miss the trees changing into some crazy colors. Growing up in North Jersey, which has some decent hills and baby mountains, I am biased toward loving it more compared to the flatter South. For that reason, my fall foilage spots are mostly in the north. Here are some top pics for your fall foilage exploration for a perfect New Jersey fall:

  • High Point State Park: The most known fall spot in the state and also as its name suggests it’s the highest point in New Jersey. If you’re a hiker, take advantage of the multiple hiking trails within the park too. If hiking is not your thing, an easier way up is simply by driving up to High Point Monument. This state park is also a part of the Appalachian trail so it’s possible to see a thru-hiker!
  • Stokes State Forest: Right next to High Point, this North Jersey forest offers hiking trails and amazing fall foliage. Not too far from this park is one of my favorite restaurants called Walpack Inn which also offers amazing fall views in its backyard!
  • Mount Tammany: This has to be my favorite trail in New Jersey simply for the views. Located right on the border of PA, you’ll catch sights of the Delaware Water Gap from above. Due to its steepness, it’s not an easy hike despite its short length. It’s also highly popular so if you want to hike it, get there early as parking spots fill up at the bottom of the loop. Here is some info for the route.
  • Palisades State Park: Not only are you seeing amazing fall foliage, but you also get views of upper New York City and the George Washington Bridge. There are a couple of viewing spots along the parkway running on the side of the park if you don’t feel like exerting much effort. But to get the full experience, try out their hiking trails.
  • Duke Farms: If hiking mountains isn’t your thing, visit Duke Farms, the beautiful grounds of a former estate. It’s a flat and easy stroll that won’t disappoint.
  • Cheesequake: Located in Matawan, this smaller park is perfect for an afternoon stroll! And did I mention how beautiful it is in the fall?

Although Jersey’s fall foilage isn’t bad, I personally like driving a little further north to the Hudson Valley in New York State. You don’t have to spend hours in the car going to New England and can still get amazing views.

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Farm Visit during a New Jersey fall!

Apple/Pumpkin Picking

This has to be the most popular activity during a New Jersey fall. Expect farms to be full of girls in hats and boots taking pictures between them (just kidding but not really). There certainly isn’t a shortage of farms in the state so finding one won’t be hard. It depends on what kind of activities you’re expecting in addition to picking some tasty apples.

  • Melick’s Town Farm – They actually have a couple of locations. In Califon, there is a farm market and orchards offering different U-picks. Not too far down the road, in Oldwick, you’ll find their other orchard and cider mill offering additional activities like Hayrides.
  • Demarest Farm – Hillsdale: A much busier place as it’s one of the more known farms in the state. They offer apples, pumpkins, hayrides, and many other activities. They also have a big farm store. Reserve your tickets ahead of time too.
  • Riamede – Chester: Cute little apple and pumpkin farm. They have your typical cider donut, and farm shop stand. They recommend purchasing a farm pass ahead of time for guaranteed entry too.
  • Battleview Orchards – Freehold: A small farm offering a variety of u-picks and a large country store inside. A lot of their stations are cash only so don’t forget to make an ATM stop on the way there!
  • Beemerville Orchards – Wantage: A low-key but beautiful North Jersey orchard offering apples and cider. Note that they’re closed on Sundays!
  • Mackey’s Orchard – Belvidere: Another small family-owned farm offering u-picks!
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Haunted House

I’m the worst person to take to a haunted house as instead of being scared, I laugh the entire time. However, this is a fun Halloween activity to do during a late New Jersey Fall!

The most known place (voted the scariest) is Brighton Asylum. Another one called Hayrides of Horror offers hayrides, a haunted house, and a haunted corn maze. Scare Farm offers similar activities too.

Cider

Cider season is the best season. I know there is nothing more basic than a cider mill afternoon but this has to be my personal favorite activity! To my huge disappointment, however, New Jersey doesn’t offer that many cideries compared to the numerous amount of wineries across the state. Here I’ll tell you that if you want good cider, you’re going to have to venture to New York State instead.

I recently visited the hyped Ironbound Farm in Asbury and although I liked it, the strictness of timed seating and not being able to bring your own blanket made it a more formal affair than I personally like. The cider is good but I wouldn’t say it knocks you off your socks. The farm has a market inside and restaurant-like seating with some nice decor.

Burnt Mills Cider in Bedminster is a safe pick, as its low-key backyard offers picnic space and food trucks. The ciders are pretty tasty but the one thing that this place lacks is good scenery as it is located next to a road. The inside space is cute too.

I mentioned Melick’s farm above for some good fashion apple picking, but you’ll be happy to know that their Oldwick location offers some good hard ciders as well!

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Ironbound Cider
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Burnt Mills
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New York Cider

Here is where I cheat on New Jersey and tell you that I have four awesome cidery picks a little further north crossing the state border. The difference between the scenery of NY is really unmatchable so most times I’ll choose to drive a little further north to get better experiences. My absolute favorite place in the area is Brooklyn Cider House. No, it is not in Brooklyn but rather a short hike from New Paltz. Their cider is amazing, they offer delicious food, u-pick, live music, and stunning GROUNDS. Oh, and their apple cider donuts are the best I’ve ever had.

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Not too far away from New Paltz, you’ll also find Kettlebourough Cider House, a small but gorgeous cider mill on top of a hill. They don’t have a working website but check their status on their Facebook page. Their little farm store offers snacks and delicious cider. Go around back to find picnic benches with the most beautiful views of New York State. They have almost perfect review scores on every website for a reason.

At Apple Dave’s Orchard, Distillery, and even Applewood Winery you’ll find everything your soul can desire, cider, wine, and strong cocktails made from apple whiskey. It’s all on the same grounds, you can picnic, enjoy live music and taste all different types of alcohol. The last time I visited it was pretty busy and I will say that their cider was excellent!

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Penning’s Farm Cidery is another cute place in the Warwick area. Don’t confuse the orchard and cider mill with the farm that’s located down the hill. I would say that the farm is worth checking out, they have another restaurant and bar down there as well.

Another place I haven’t visited but one that keeps on getting recommended to me over and over is Warwick Winery and Distierlly. They offer a variety of products one of them being cider. People rave about that place so don’t be surprised when it gets really busy on the weekend.

New York Zipline Tours

Yes, I know it’s in NY but guys, this is one of the coolest things I have done in the fall in the area. This crazy zipline located in Hunter Mountain has the most beautiful foliage around. And you’ll be going super fast, being really high up in the air! It’s for sure a huge rush of adrenaline and not for everyone, but if you like a little thrill, it is so worth it! There are two kinds of tours, the Mid Mountain intended more for the younger crowd and families and Skyrider, the more intense one. Book the Skyrider for North America’s longest, highest and fastest zipline 🙂

2023 Update: The Ziplines have permanently closed 🙁 Sorry guys, this was a wild experience and I’m sad you don’t get to do this.

However, Hunter Mountain does have cool fall activities like Octoberfest and the lift ride which includes insane scenic views!

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I mean … Look at these views!

Octoberfest

I couldn’t be more excited as this trend is gaining more and more popularity in the States. Local Octoberfests have become very popular in this area and I’m always happy to spend my weekend afternoons enjoying my cold beer in a large stein and eating some good pretzels.

My favorite Octoberfest celebration is in New York at Bear Mountain! It’s a fun activity to do with your friends or family. And yes! Dressing up is totally a thing there.

Additionally, while doing my 2022 research for something closer to the area, I found this awesome list here for you to plan the perfect New Jersey fall weekend enjoying this German tradition.

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Family Octoberfest

Fall Winery

When grapes are finally ripe, it’s time to head to the winery. There are many cool spots in the state in which you can not only enjoy the wine but also the beautiful grounds in the fall. My favorite spot will always be Working Dog but I recommend you check out more of my suggestions in the New Jersey Drinking Guide!

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Off-season busy town exploration

Remember those shore days when you couldn’t find parking and the beaches were so crowded you couldn’t sit anywhere? Well, those days are over and it’s time for you to explore those busy towns. Head to places like Asbury Park, Long Beach Island, or Cape May to enjoy a more relaxed version of these awesome shore towns. Maybe you won’t be able to swim in the Atlantic, but a cool early fall ocean breeze is just if not more enjoyable than the scorching summer heat.

Check out my amazing off-season Cape May guide!

Another off-season activity and one of my favorite activities to do in early New Jersey fall is to go biking in places like Sandy Hook or Delaware Water Gap near Lambertville. In the summer, not only does heat make this more difficult but the crowds and lack of parking take away from what is supposed to be a calm experience. Off-season, the temperatures are much better and the crowds are not as intense. If you’d like more information on these activities, check out my New Jersey Summer post for all details on these activities.

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Football Game

New Jersey Fall is synonymous with football. I mean what’s better than sipping beer at a tailgate with your friends (clearly I’m not there for the football). If you like college football, head to Piscataway and catch the Rutgers game. Even if you’re not a fan, the energy of those events is awesome. Students, alumni, and die-hard RU fans make this an awesome experience. If you’re not tailgating with anyone, Rutgers hosts a variety of entertainment near the stadium depending on the game. They usually have a beer garden, a stage, and activities for kids and adults.

North Jersey is the home to Metlife Stadium in which you can catch New York Jets or Giants play. Something you have to do at least once in your life! Here is their fall schedule.

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Other Ideas for an awesome New Jersey fall

Last but not least, here are some other smaller ideas worth doing this fall:

  • Concerts: Obviously a year-round activity but as we’re slowly opening more and more things up, check out the last couple of events at PNC Arts Center or Prudential Center lineup.
  • Corn Maze: Bring out the child in you and try a good old corn maze. Here is an awesome list of different available ones in the state!
  • Shop early for Christmas: If you’re like me and absolutely hate shopping starting Black Friday for Christmas presents, the best time to get it over with is late fall, before the madness happens. Visit Jersey Shore Outlets or Bergen Town Center for some discounted shopping deals!

New Jersey Fall Activities

In my opinion, this is the best season in this state. The weather is pleasant, there are plenty of things to do on the weekends, and it’s a nice transition out of summer. I hope there are at least a couple of places on this list that you haven’t been to before!

Let me know which activity is your favorite in the comments below!

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For more New Jersey ideas on fun things to do, don’t forget to check out my other Jersey posts:

Kasia is a travel blogger that loves to share her detailed itineraries and travel tips with her community. She's traveled to numerous countries and makes it a priority to explore her home state of New Jersey while still being passionate about her 9-5 career.

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  1. Pingback: Awesome Ideas For Things To Do in New Jersey Winter 2022 » Perfect Day Somewhere

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