Experience the Fall Foliageon these Local Road Trips
Between the crisp, cool air, pumpkins lining stores’ shelves, seasonal lattes, and Halloween-costume shopping, fall is officially here! If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing during the fall months that don't involve pumpkin carving or apple picking, keep it simple and plan a local day trip around the Garden State’s beautiful fall foliage.
Check out AAA’s picks for some of New Jersey’s best spots to experience the natural beauty of the autumn season:
Lambertville
Lambertville is your go-to destination for making a full day trip out of your fall-foliage travels. A picturesque town along the banks of the Delaware River, Lambertville is a cozy, craftsman-type town known for its art galleries, antique stores, flea markets, and quaint restaurants. Not only will you enjoy a charming experience, but the drive through the hilly, scenic town – also filled with walkable paths – is sure to check all the boxes for your family.
Historic Smithville Park and Smith’s Woods
This historic, 312-acre park located in Burlington County features forests and meadows, freshwater streams and wetlands, creek shoreline and the 22-acre Smithville Lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing and picnicking surrounded by beautiful fall foliage.
Parvin State Park
Located on the edge of the Pine Barrens in Pittsgrove, Parvin State Park is home to not only well-known pines, but also to a unique swamp forest. This family-friendly park is sure to please nature lovers with its vibrant foliage and surrounding lakes, as well as history buffs with its rich history dating before WWII. Outdoor enthusiasts can experience prime-foliage viewing areas from several spots, including paved and unpaved paths, campsites and picnic areas.
Batsto Village
Located in the South Central Pinelands of New Jersey, Batsto Village is known throughout the country for both its rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy site tours, the Batsto Museum and Exhibit Gallery, or a scenic walk around the grounds enjoying the village’s stunning fall foliage.
Lighthouse Lookouts
If you’re interested in a less-traditional fall drive, consider observing the changing leaves from one of New Jersey’s coastal lighthouses. With an elevated view and a cool ocean breeze, you’ll enjoy a fall experience you won’t forget. Try Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point, or East Point Lighthouse in Heislerville.
If you’re planning a road trip this fall, don’t forget your AAA Member benefits! Members save on car rentals, hotels, attraction tickets and so much more!