Leaf-Peeping Is Back In Season

Where can you enjoy Mother Nature’s annual autumn show? Check out the fall foliage at these spots in Bergen and beyond.

It’s only the first week of fall and many of us already have enjoyed autumn festivals, apple picking, sweater weather and one too many pumpkin spice donuts. What’s up next for your fall to-do list? We like the sound of leaf peeping.

Sure, many of the leaves in your own backyard may appear green, but take a closer look and you’ll see some trees showing light red and yellow shades. In fact, the leaves in areas throughout the state are changing hues even faster. The New Jersey Forest Service released its first fall foliage forecast last week, noting that Bergen County should start seeing full colors in early- to mid-October. State officials will provide updates every Friday on the department’s Facebook page.

Thinking of taking your crew to see Mother Nature’s fall show? Be sure to check out these Bergen County locales to see some colorful leaves this season:

• Borg’s Woods, Hackensack. There are plenty of ponds and woodlands in this 14-acre nature preserve for a little R&R.
• Celery Farm, Allendale. This 107-acre wetland features meadows and marshland, but it’s the park’s wooded areas where you’ll see the foliage at its finest.
• Closter Nature Center, Closter. Get “lost” in more than 136 acres of woods, streams and trails near the borough’s downtown area.
• Cooper’s Pond, Bergenfield. A short walking path, historic buildings and well-aged trees circle the perimeter of this picturesque park.
• Emerson Woods, Emerson. This 19-acre preserve adjacent to the Oradell Reservoir features a self-guided nature walk.
• Palisades Interstate Park, Englewood Cliffs, Fort Lee. The tree line along the Hudson tends to change colors later in the season, so visitors have a few more weeks to see the foliage here. Of course, the vistas of the Hudson River are picturesque any time of year.
• Pascack Brook Park, Westwood. Large trees cover the walking paths and picnic areas surrounding the small pond at this county park. For more, follow the brick trail into the woods for an up-close look at even more trees and ponds.
• Pondside Park, Harrington Park. Waterfowl frequent the large pond of this 32-acre park nestled within the town’s residential community.
• Ramapo Valley County Reservation, Mahwah. Enjoy Mother Nature’s finest (as well as a refreshing fall hike) in this temple of trees. For a few Instagram-worthy shots, be sure to capture the leaves reflecting off the water not far from the main parking lot.

Hit The Road

Do you want to turn your autumn excursion into a road trip? Grab a couple of hot apple ciders and head to these spots, all within driving distance of Bergen:

Stanhope, N.J., 50 miles away. This Sussex County town’s 19th-century Waterloo Village features thousands of acres of forest filled with native plants, wildflowers and trees that turn glorious autumn shades this time of year.

Kingston, N.Y., 80 miles away. Fall foliage in the Catskill region is filled with awe-inspiring shades of crimson, gold and orange, and the leaves are best viewed along the Catskill Mountain Railroad.

Norfolk, Conn., 130 miles away. This northwestern Connecticut city is home to three state parks, each offering varied ways to view the changing fall scenery. From Haystack Mountain State Park and its 34-foot-tall observation tower to Campbell Falls State Park’s rushing waterfalls to the gazebo overlook in Dennis Hill State Park, there’s much to see (and photograph) while you’re here.

Berkshires, Mass., 150 miles away. Situated in the southwest corner of Massachusetts, the region is filled with idyllic country roads and miles of wilderness. See it all from above after a hike to the tallest point in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock. On a clear day, you can view the changing colors of five different states.

Where do you travel to see fall foliage? Tell us on Instagram and share your photos with us @bergenmagnj.