Discover Fall Beauty With a Day Trip Near Bergen County

Finally, it’s fall! While our noses and mouths might be covered with a mask when we’re outside, our eyes are, thankfully, still fully capable of taking in all the beautiful sights the change of season brings. Lucky for us, many of those sights are right here in the tri-state area. From taking in the kaleidoscope of colors of fall foliage to a family fun picnic in the park to easy hiking trails that will get your whole broods’ blood pumping and more, we’ve pulled together five nearby destinations that will have you falling for fall. So grab the kids, fill up the gas tank (and your travel mug with a pumpkin spice latte), and hit the road for a perfect fall day filled with family fun. 

Mohonk Mountain House

Overlooking Lake Mohonk and the Shawangunk Mountains, this striking New Paltz resort is loaded with old-fashioned charm. Parlors and porches, fireplaces and libraries abound in this National Historic Landmark. The original stone main building, circa 1869, is flanked by two slightly newer structures, plus a spa wing with a heated indoor pool and a massive dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a sweeping view of the mountains. Snag a day pass to explore Mohonk’s renowned hiking trails, take a tour around its Victorian gardens, or enjoy the evening entertainment. Outdoor recreation experience packages are also available, including semi-private horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, and more. 

Wharton State Forest

Whether you grew up visiting this natural gem or are visiting for the first time, you’re bound to have more than a few memorable moments at this massive (122,880 acres!) state forest. Throughout Wharton are rivers and streams for canoeing, hiking trails (including a major section of the Batona Trail), miles of unpaved roads for mountain biking and horseback riding and numerous lakes, ponds and fields ideal for wildlife observation. Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, marsh hawks, ospreys, great blue herons, swans, screech owls, great-horned owls, bluebirds, hummingbirds, purple martins, goldfinch, turkeys, beavers, river otters, fox, and deer are only some of the wildlife alert visitors can see. Before you head back, check out the surrounding Batso Village with a free virtual guided tour via your cell phone, which highlights 18 historic sites and buildings, including the Batsto Mansion, gristmill, sawmill, general store, workers' homes, and post office.

Boscobel House and Gardens 

The inside of this historic Hudson River Valley mansion, originally the dream home of wealthy Loyalists, might be off limits due to COVID, but its lush outdoor grounds are ripe for the visiting (reservations required). Overlooking Constitution Marsh toward the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Boscobel’s landscape showcases dramatic views of the Hudson River and features the Frances Stevens Reese Woodland Trail of Discovery. Guided and virtual tours of Boscobel’s iconic landscapes are also available. Finish your visit off with a pitstop at one or more of the nearby towns of Beacon, Peekskill, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, Hudson, or New Paltz, where you’ll find plenty of shopping, outdoor exploration, and dining options.

Storm King Art Center

Known throughout the art world as one of the world's leading sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre retreat comprised of fields, hills, and woodlands. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day viewing more than 100 stunning outdoor sculptures by such renowned artists as Mark Di Suvero and Andy Goldsworthy. Best of all, kids are free to run between, touch, and walk through, under or around everything! Timed-entry tickets are required and do go quickly, so book your visit ASAP. 

Spring Farm Animal Sanctuary 

If you're up for a longer drive, this beloved animal rescue organization is home to about 250 animals—cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, and chickens—as well as a thoughtfully preserved 250-acre nature sanctuary. Get to know all of them by reserving a tour (call 315-737-9339 for reservations, which are required). Bird and nature lovers can also arrange a tour of the Nature Sanctuary, which has many miles of beautiful trails, and is home to over 166 species of birds, 55 species of butterflies, many species of mammal, and hundreds of plant species.