The Best Fall Day Trips in New Jersey

From the scenic hiking trails of South Mountain Reservation to the fascinating ecosystem of the Great Swamp, there's plenty to see and do close to home.

Aerial shot of the River and Steam Train amid fall foliage
Hop on the historic River and Steam Train in Phillipsburg to enjoy scenic waterviews and colorful landscapes along the Delaware River. Photo by AEROJO Drone Productions

With the beautiful fall weather often comes the desire to get out and take advantage of all New Jersey has to offer.

Our Fall Day Trips package features everything from the Great Swamp to South Mountain Reservation’s fabulous trails to a historic excursion in Phillipsburg.

For a city respite, visit the Great Falls of Paterson and try out some of Silk City’s fantastic Middle Eastern food. Or learn about our country’s early history with an outing in Trenton, home to sites like the Old Barracks, now a museum that houses a unique collection of Revolutionary War artifacts.

Happy exploring!

Take a Trot on Horseback at Watchung Stable

Horseback riders at Watchung Stable in Mountanside

Watchung Stable connects to 26 miles of bridle paths and features a main barn, an isolation barn, paddocks, one show and four riding rings, and an outdoor hunter course. Photo by James J. Connolly

Guests can traverse the Watchung Reservation—a verdant, 2,000-acre preserve in Union County—on horseback while learning about local wildlife. READ MORE

Ride a Train to the Ol’ Susquehanna Mine

Passengers on the River and Steam Train in Phillipsburg

Michael Van Grieson, Aja Mullins and baby Aiden enjoy a ride on the historic River and Steam Train. Photo by Joe Polillio

Board a historic passenger train in Phillipsburg, ride along the Delaware River and arrive at an interactive mining exhibit. READ MORE

Visit the Historic City of Paterson

The Great Falls in Paterson

Paterson’s Great Falls are second largest waterfall by volume on the East Coast. Photo by Steve Greer

People come from as far away as France to gaze at the stunning Great Falls. Plus, there’s an abundance of fabulous Middle Eastern cuisine to try. READ MORE

Explore the Great Swamp, a Sanctuary for All

A felled tree in the Great Swamp's woods

A felled tree in the Great Swamp shows its age with its many rings. Photo by Laura Baer

Take a trek through the Great Swamp, where woodlands, grasslands, brooks and ponds provide a habitat for a wealth of aquatic life, birds and mammals. READ MORE

Geek Out on Hamilton History (And Much More) in Trenton

Trenton's capitol building amid fall foliage

Trenton is well worth a visit this autumn. Photo: Shutterstock/Henryk Sadura

New Jersey’s capital city offers the kind of deep-dish American history you can only find in a few U.S. cities. (And don’t forget about its thin-crust pizza!) READ MORE

Get Lost in South Mountain Reservation

Two hikers at South Mountain Reservation

Explore South Mountain Reservation’s rocky trails and shady inclines this autumn. Photo by Laura Baer

Put on your walking shoes and hike to Hemlock Falls, a 25-foot-high cascade in the heart of the 2,110-acre wooded oasis. READ MORE

Can’t get enough? Check out last year’s autumnal excursions.

2021 FALL DAY TRIPS:
Get Lost But Find Fun in a Corn Maze

Visit NJ’s Often-Overlooked Bayshore Heritage Scenic Byway
Spend a Peaceful Day at Watchung Reservation
Stroll Where Washington Stood Fast
Kick Back in a Kayak on the Manasquan River
Visit Pequannock Watershed, a ‘Pristine Forest’ in New Jersey

 

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