Published Nov 1, 2024

With More Than 110,000 Acres to Explore, New Jersey’s Largest State Park Is Worthy of a Multi-Day Adventure

Explore the heart of the Pine Barrens when you visit Wharton State Forest.

Published Nov 1, 2024

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Published Oct 30, 2024

Ogle Magnificent Old-Growth Trees and Castle Ruins on This Fairy Tale Trail in New Jersey

Ramapo Mountain State Forest is magical in its own right, but throw in the castle ruins and old-growth trees on this hiking trail and you've got yourself a real fairy tale.

Published Oct 30, 2024

Written by

Beth Copenhaver

If you ask us, New Jersey's natural wonders all seem to be lifted from the pages of a storybook. That's certainly true of today's feature destination, a meandering trail through the woods that leads to an abandoned castle. The Van Slyke Castle, originally known as Foxcroft, was constructed in the early 1900s and went through a series of owners. It was 1959 when tragedy struck and a group of vandals burned the property. Today, only ruins remain, adding another layer of intrigue to this abandoned castle in New Jersey.

Before beginning the MacEvoy, East Shore Drive, Foxcroft Road, and Castle Point Trail, we'd recommend downloading AllTrails+, which will give you an in-depth overview of the trail. To best prepare for this 3-mile loop, you'll want to wear sturdy hiking shoes. And bug spray wouldn't hurt.

The trail is located within Ramapo Mountain State Forest, popular among hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts alike. The circuit, which is made up of White Trail, East Shore Drive, and Foxcroft Road Loop, showcases some of the forest's most beautiful features: namely, the Ramapo Lake Brook and Van Slyke Castle. The hike is rated as moderate and includes just under 500 feet of elevation gain. It's well-marked, but very rocky in places, so you'll want to watch your step as you go (which can be challenging given all the beautiful surroundings!)

In addition to beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape, you'll also have an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the New York City skyline. This trail really does have a little bit of everything! Of course, seeing the castle ruins is the highlight of this trail. It's even more awe-inspiring in person, although some reviewers note that it's discouraging to see all the graffiti.

It's also worth noting that bear sightings are fairly common in this forest, so be sure to stay aware!

So, if you're in the mood for wonderful views, a little bit of intrigue, and all the makings of a real-life fairy tale, you'll find that this lovely loop trail in New Jersey is just the ticket. For even more outdoor inspiration, take a look at our complete guide to the best hiking trails in New Jersey. And don't miss out on our ultimate hiking essentials list either!

You may not be surprised to learn that this isn't the only fairy tale trail in New Jersey. Check out our previous article outlining what makes South Mountain Fairy Trail so spectacular.

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Updated Sep 4, 2024

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View New Jersey’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Wondering when do leaves change color in New Jersey this year? The interactive Smoky Mountains fall foliage map has you covered for fall fun.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by

Raymond Goldfield

Fall in New Jersey is a truly unique time. Yes, we're a densely populated, crowded state - but when the leaves change color, it feels like all that's a million miles away. There's something incredibly peaceful about taking in the New Jersey fall foliage. If you're like me, you're wondering exactly when do leaves change color in New Jersey - and one of the best tools around has us covered.

The Smoky Mountains fall foliage map is an interactive tool that not only shows when leaves change color but gives a week-by-week prediction of the fall foliage season. By toggling the cursor from left to right, you'll be able to see when leaves will start their fall foliage journey in NJ:

Once we know what to expect, it's time to find the very best spots in New Jersey to take in the fall foliage - and there are so many beautiful places to go for amazing leaf peeping in the Garden State.

alt — Fall foliage at Dallabach Lakes in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map is an interactive tool that makes it easy to see when fall colors will be most beautiful across the United States. In New Jersey, the colors start changing as early as the second week of September and hit their peak the weeks by the beginning of October.

One of our favorite places for fall leaf peeping in New Jersey is Monmouth Battlefield State Park. In fact, New Jersey's state parks are an amazing place to see the fall colors, like the Pine Barrens haven of Parvin State Park, or a peaceful retreat into Stokes State Forest, where the trees form a multi-colored canvas come autumn.

Meanwhile, if you want to see the colors from the highest vantage point, you won't do better than Allamuchy Mountain State Park. And High Point National Monument, which has roots in the Revolutionary War, is another incredible vantage point as the colors change.

If you're up for an epic adventure, take the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail, a spectacular 69-mile bike trail weaving from New Brunswick to Trenton with incredible views along the way.

Now that you know when do leaves change color in New Jersey in 2024, let us know all about your fall foliage plans for 2024 in the comments section! The Smoky Mountains fall foliage map will be updated all season long to make planning easier. If you're planning to explore New Jersey's state parks and do some hiking among the fall foliage, you'll definitely want to subscribe to AllTrails+ to gain access to the app's interactive trail maps and other features.

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