North Jersey Fall Foliage Expected to Peak Later This season, parks Offer Prime viewing
September 7, 2025 – North Jersey residents anticipating vibrant fall colors should prepare for a potentially delayed peak this year, according to recent reports. Weather conditions significantly influence the timing and intensity of fall foliage, with warm nights hindering the development of red and purple pigments. An early frost or freeze could prematurely end the color display, resulting in more browns or increased leaf drop.
The color variations also depend on tree species, as each produces a unique chemical balance. Some trees will display more red leaves, while others lean towards yellow or orange.
For those eager to witness the spectacle,North Jersey offers numerous parks with trails and lookout points. NorthJersey.com previously highlighted several locations for optimal viewing:
Palisades Interstate park: Spanning 12 miles and 2,500 acres along the Hudson River, the park features over 30 miles of trails.
High Point State park: Located within the Kittatinny Mountains, this 16,000-acre park, home to the state’s highest elevation, provides panoramic views extending into New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Stokes State Forest: Also in the Kittatinny Mountains, Stokes state Forest encompasses more than 16,000 acres of forest, mountains, streams, and scenic views, with over 63 miles of trails.
Hacklebarney State park: Offering a less strenuous experiance, Hacklebarney State Park covers 1,186 acres with 10 connecting trails, most under a mile in length and paved or gravel.
* Norvin green State Forest: Part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area, Norvin Green State Forest spans 5,416 acres and provides miles of rugged terrain and diverse vantage points.
An interactive fall foliage map is available at https://smokymountains.com/fall-foliage-map for tracking color progression.
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok notes, “Warm nights can hinder the production of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for bright reds and purple color leaves.” He also cautions, “An early frost or freeze can stop the leaf’s ability to produce red and purple pigments or just end color of foliage (more browns or increase fallen leaves.)”
