These day hikes are perfect for checking out the changing colors of fall.
We asked our staff and volunteers for their recommendations on great fall foliage hikes. Here are their top 10 hikes for autumn found thorughout the region (in no particular order), which are all perfect for a day trip. Click through the list below to find details and directions for each hike. Then get out and enjoy the great outdoors on trails maintained by Trail Conference volunteers!Reminder: Hunting season starts October 1 in some areas. See this year's hunting season dates and regulations in New York and New Jersey. The page also includes links to no-hunting hiking areas.
weekly reports from the
Foliage Network
|
Favorite Fall Foliage Hikes in New Jersey
- Wyanokie High Point Loop in Norvin Green State Forest passes by an old iron mine and boasts 360-degree panoramic views at the summit. Recommended by Daniel Chazin, editor of New Jersey Walk Book, and by George Petty, author of Hiking the Jersey Highlands. Get details.
- State Line Trail/Ernest Walter Trail/A.T. Loop from Greenwood Lake Marina in Abram S. Hewitt State Forest is a strenuous workout, but one of the most memorable hikes in the Jersey Highlands. Recommended by Daniel Chazin, editor of New Jersey Walk Book, and by George Petty, author of Hiking the Jersey Highlands. Get details.
- Forest View Trail/Closter Dock Hike along the top of the Palisades, then stroll along the Hudson River on the Trail Loop. Recommended by Daniel Chazin, editor of New Jersey Walk Book. Get details.
- Monument Trail Loop at High Point State Park, a popular trail, reaches the High Point obelisk. Recommended by Robert Boysen, author of Kittatinny Trails. Get details.
- Vista Loop at Ramapo Valley County Reservation explores several vistas, including a waterfall and a panoramic view of New York City. Recommended by Heather Darley, Communications Assistant. Get details.
Favorite Fall Foliage Hikes in New York
- Black Mountain Loop Hike the Appalachian Trail and return on lesser-used trails in Harriman State Park. Recommended by Daniel Chazin, editor of Harriman Trails: A Guide and History. Get details.
- Cranberry Lake Take a lovely loop around Cranberry Lake in Westchester County. Recommended by Jane and Walt Daniels, authors of Walkable Westchester Get details.
- Climb to the summit of Storm King Mountain Viewpoints over the Hudson River and the Highlands are highlights on this hike. Recommended by Georgette Weir, former editor of Trail Walker. Get details.
- Hike on the Long Path and Shawangunk Ridge Trail in Wurtsboro Ridge State Forest, which boasts numerous views along both sides of the Shawangunk Ridge. Recommended by Sona Mason, West Hudson Program Coordinator. Get details.
- Fishkill Ridge Conservation Area. Find dramatic views of the Hudson Valley and beyond. Recommended by Hank Osborn, East Hudson Program Coordinator. Get details.
- Catskill Escarpment This loop hike above Kaaterskill Clove offers prime leaf peeping in Catskill Park (above photo). Recommended by Daniel Chazin, editor of New York Walk Book. Get details.