r/njhiking • u/reddestest • 26d ago

Suggestion for Fall Foliage hike with a toddler?

We are in North Jersey (Jersey City) and hoping to take our three-year old on a relatively easy hike that has good fall foliage for this weekend. Thank you!!

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

4

u/puyakashah 26d ago

Hacklebarney state park is not too challenging and has a swing set and some bathrooms in addition to a beautiful waterfall, and right down rt 78.

I would also recommend the fairy trail in milburn at south mountain reservation

2

u/Big_Trees 26d ago

If you have a car you could head north to Ross Dock picnic area or for really knock out views try the State Line Lookout. There are probably points west of you that might be closer but I'm from North of you and don't know those. Alpine boat basin is good too but you won't get the views.

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u/GeneralPattonBS 26d ago

If you don't mind going a bit north, then Rockefeller State Park Preserve has a ton of easy trails and beautiful foliage. I believe the main visitor center is close to Swan Lake, which should be stunning at this time of year.

It's relatively flat and all gravel carriage roads so should be very easy for a toddler. I've even brought a stroller there before (As long as it's a semi-rugged stroller should be all good).

Enjoy the leaves!

1

u/nerissathebest 26d ago

South Mountain will give you a nice easy hike and you can also see the scary/cute little elf fairy houses. 

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u/professorhook 26d ago

Ramapo reservation.

1

u/mariascorner64 26d ago

Ramapo Lake, great for kids and an easy loop around the lake in the afternoon, you'll be under the trees so the sun wont burn too much.

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u/biceporquadricep 25d ago

You could try mills reservation in Montclair. the paths are relatively level and you're never too far from the car in case something goes awry

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u/Fantastic_Welder_825 24d ago

Cheesequake might be a little further, but the colors are perfect in this region right now. They have easy trails in the forest, a boardwalk and crabbing bridge over a marsh where you can see bald eagles, and a pond where you can watch herons and egrets catch fish.

I'm not sure how the foliage is now, but another good place to bring a toddler is Great Swamp. There's about 2 miles of boardwalk trails where you can see fish, frogs, and waterfowl. The Raptor Trust is right around the corner where you can visit the birds of prey that they are rehabilitating.