New Jersey
Nature

Climb To The Top Of New Jersey’s Highest Fire Tower For Breathtaking Views

Published Oct 6, 2016

Written by 

Kristen

Apple Pie Hill is in the heart of the Pine Barrens, and the highest point in the area. The Apple Pie Hill Fire Tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding woodlands and offers fantastic photo opportunities. It was open to the public regularly, until recently. Thanks to vandals, the tower is now gated and locked. Hikers can still visit, but only when a fire service employee is present.

While this is disappointing, it doesn't mean the end of public access fire towers in New Jersey. Catfish Fire Tower along the Appalachian Trail in Hardwick is still open to visitors for incredible sightseeing and mountain views for miles. Feel free to visit year-round, and remember to respect the area.

At 60 feet tall, Catfish Fire Tower is not the tallest fire tower in New Jersey. However, at an elevation of 1,555 feet, it is the highest.

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Flickr/adamftw

The tower offers views up to 10 miles in all directions. (Image: Flickr/adamftw)

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It is also one of the oldest fire towers in New Jersey, built in 1922.

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Howie Gordon

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of only 800 active fire towers in the United States - there were once more than 8,000. (Image: flashg_93, Facebook/FlashGPhotography)

The views are breathtaking. This foliage shot is amazing!

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Howie Gordon

The tower is a 2.5-mile hike from the Mohican Outdoor Center, along the Appalachian Trail. The center offers overnight accommodations and fantastic events like this weekend's yoga and hiking getaway. If you can't make it, there will be another in November. (Image: flashg_93, Facebook/FlashGPhotography)

For a sneak peek of the views, check out this video by YouTube user, Brett Hoffman:

Have you been to Catfish Fire Tower? Share your photos with us on Facebook or by tagging @only_in_new_jersey on Instagram. For more scenic hikes in the Garden State, check out: What’s Waiting For You At The End Of This Epic New Jersey Hike Will Leave You In Awe.

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Nature

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.

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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.

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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.

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Juan Cabrera/AllTrails

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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Nature

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Is An Insect and Reptile Sanctuary Hiding In New Jersey

Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes offers a unique natural experience with a historic touch, featuring a nature center, hiking trail, and diverse wildlife.

Updated Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

The Bergen County township of Franklin Lakes is a beautiful place, located in the northeast corner of the state. You'll find both bustling towns and stunning natural sanctuaries to get away from it all. However, many people have no idea there's a nature sanctuary in Franklin Lakes. The Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary became part of the New Jersey Audubon Society in 1956, but parts of it date back to the 1700s. Today, you'll find a nature center, a gift shop, a charming 0.6-mile hiking trail, and all over 14 acres of land that are home to countless species of birds, reptiles, and insects both in the small museum and in the great outdoors. It's a unique way to discover the hidden ecosystem at one of the most incredible natural wonders in New Jersey that the whole family will love.

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Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes is one of the most charming hidden wonders in the Garden State. You'll want to pay a visit, especially if you're looking for family-friendly things to do in NJ.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

At the center is a visitor's center and gift shop, housed in a restored building that dates back to the 18th century.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

Located over 14 acres, the sanctuary is home to a 0.6-mile hiking trail over even ground suitable for all hiking levels.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

Along the way, you'll see amazing flora according to the season - but you're here for the fauna!

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

Both indoors and outdoors, you'll get to meet some unexpected residents of the area! These include a box turtle, and whatever birds are paying a visit today.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

Reptile-lovers can get up-close and personal with some friendly residents at regular visiting hours.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

The area also has a variety of interesting and beautiful insects at the nature center, like this Polyphemus Moth.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

Every summer, the nature center hosts summer camps, so young visitors can get a more in-depth visit. This is one of the most wonderful nature sanctuaries in New Jersey and we think you should visit, especially if you have kids.

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New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary/Facebook

Have you visited the Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary in Franklin Lakes? In the comments section, let us know what you thought of your trip to this unique natural wonder in New Jersey. You can visit the official New Jersey Audubon website and the New Jersey Audubon's Lorrimer Nature Sanctuary Facebook page to learn more about this sanctuary. For another unexpected natural wonder in New Jersey, check out the state's most historic swamp.

If you plan on hiking anywhere in New Jersey, make sure you check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List and download the AllTrails+ app before you go. One must always be prepared when hiking.

Want to check out another one of our favorite natural wonders in New Jersey? Take a look at this Instagram reel on the largest lake in the state:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwbYRlUMsVz/

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