Did you know the average time for peak fall foliage in New Jersey is October 19-29? Of course, temperature and rainfall will affect the timeline, while trees in higher elevations and along the water tend to change color first. Look for popular hiking destinations, rivers, lakes, and streams early in the season.
Here are a few ideas for fall foliage that create the perfect canvas for local photographers and serve as a colorful, natural backdrop for your next family photoshoot or business!
Fall Foliage
Rosedale Park, Pennington. Scenic trails and fall colors over the clear blue water of Rosedale Lake.
Mercer Meadows, Lawrence. More than 1,600 acres of meadows, woodlands, and water bursting with color along biking and walking paths.
Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, Hamilton. Trails and a towpath lined with lush landscape along the canal in a park more than 70 miles long.
Baldpate Mountain, Titusville. Part of the Sourland Mountain Ridge, this is the highest point in Mercer County and home to large, undisturbed woodlands.
Sayen Gardens. A botanical garden with colorful plants and flowers, a quaint bridge, and the beauty of fall.
Kingston Grist Mill, Princeton. The red of the mill and the natural colors of autumn reflecting in the Millstone River.
Princeton University. A park-like setting with large trees that are as spectacular as the buildings they surround.
Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton. An already breathtaking, art-filled outdoor space made even more beautiful as leaves change color.
Here is a small sampling of fall festivals, Halloween events, and family activities in the Princeton Mercer region!
Latino Festival
The 11th annual Latino Festival of Hightstown and East Windsor is being held Saturday, September 28 from noon – 6 pm at Hightstown High School. This free multicultural celebration will showcase music and dance from Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico, as well as arts and crafts, health screenings, children’s games, and food trucks.
Central Jersey Beer Fest
Organized annually by BLEND Bar and Bistro, Central Jersey Beer Fest is being held Saturday, September 28 from noon – 6 pm at Mercer County Park in West Windsor. This event will feature tastings of beer, seltzer, wine, and possibly spirits, along with food trucks and live music.
Palmer Square Music Fest Sundays
Palmer Square Music Fest Sundays run every Sunday from 1 pm – 4 pm from October 6 – 27 at Palmer Square in Princeton. The theme of this year’s events is Groovin’ Through the 60s, featuring covers of the Beatles and the Grateful Dead, the best of Motown, and other classics from the 60s
Cranberry Festival
The 34th annual Cranberry Festival is being held Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6 from 11 am – 5 pm on Farnsworth Avenue in Bordentown City. This event will celebrate the beauty found in everyday life, with artisans, crafters, entertainers, award-winning restaurants, and a beer garden.
Fall Arts Festival
Lawrenceville Main Street presents the Fall Arts Festival at Weeden Park in Lawrenceville on Saturday, October 19 from noon – 4 pm. Enjoy a day of art, music, food, and community with more than 170 artists, crafters, and vendors, along with dozens of live musical and community acts.
Oktoberfest
Presented by Hamilton Township, Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 20 from 11 am – 5 pm at Veterans Park South in Hamilton is an annual event packed with family activities. Check out the pumpkin patch, hayrides, corn maze, amusements, crafters, vendors, food trucks, live music, and beer gardens.
Terhune Orchards in Princeton invites you to spend a day on the farm during Fall Family Fun Weekends, every Saturday and Sunday through November 3 from 10 am – 5 pm. Pick your own pumpkins and apples, paint pumpkins, and enjoy pony rides, pedal and play tractors, the Corn Stalk Maze, the Hay Bale Maze, and farm animals at Adventure Story Barn.
The Amazing Pumpkin Carve
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council presents the Amazing Pumpkin Carve from Wednesday October 9 – Sunday, October 13 at Woolsey Park in Titusville. This old-time festival features live music, fire pits, games, pumpkin painting, and its legendary, outrageously carved giant pumpkins.
Field of Terror
Field of Terror in East Windsor is New Jersey’s largest haunted farm, covering 120 acres in East Windsor. Daring guests can attempt the Haunted Hayride, Field of Terror Cornmaze, and two walk-through attractions – the Unknown and Dementia. Just watch out for the zombies and wicked Ax Man.
Hometown Halloween Parade
The Arts Council of Princeton presents the Annual Hometown Halloween Parade on Friday, October 27 on the Palmer Square Green in Princeton. Wear your costume, enjoy the parade, and continue the festivities at the Princeton YMCA with live music, a bounce house, trunk or treat, food, and crafts.
Bordentown Halloween Parade
The Consolidated Fire Association in Bordentown City presents the annual Bordentown Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 29 at 2 pm. Visit downtown Bordentown to check out the ghouls and ghosts, house decorating contest, scarecrow contest, and live performances from parade participants.
Check out the Visit Princeton Mercer Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more fun things to do this fall!
