This Historic New Jersey Hiking Trail Offers An Eerie Experience With Scenic Fall Foliage

Autumn is the perfect time to visit New Jersey. Crisp mornings, golden leaves crunching underfoot, and trails glowing in shades of amber and red rival the stunning fall season in New England. If you're hoping for a hike that blends natural beauty with a touch of the supernatural, the Watchung Reservation History Trail delivers. Ghostly tales and remnants of long-vanished communities make this place as haunting as it is beautiful.

The 2,000-acre Watchung Reservation was designed by the Olmsted brothers, the landscape architects behind New York's Central Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, and countless other outdoor spaces. Just a 20-minute drive from Newark, the Reservation's 6-mile History Trail transports you through brilliant autumn scenery with a distinctly eerie undertone. Along the way, interpretive signs highlight how the area was used before the Reservation existed and during its early years. Fall colors typically peak in early to mid-November, so this makes for a stunning post-Halloween hike to keep the spooky season alive. Check out the fall foliage prediction map to plan the perfect trip.

The route begins at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, where you can discover the site's geology and natural history via the interactive exhibits. From there, plan at least two hours to cover the History Trail, which winds through woodland and loops around pretty Lake Surprise. Follow the pinky-purple blazes on the trees, and you'll discover the sites of an old Girl Scout cabin, a farmhouse, and a mill. The trail can be wet and muddy, so a good pair of hiking boots is essential.

For a truly spine-tingling experience, you'll want to make a short detour off the main trail to visit Feltville Deserted Village. First settled in the early 18th century, the area was a thriving mill town and a popular summer resort before being abandoned. Wander among the headstones marking old graves, and the crumbling remains of houses, offices, and the church while soaking in the chilling atmosphere that envelops long-forgotten places.

Tales of ghostly apparitions, witchcraft, and even Satanic worship swirl around the village and the surrounding woods. In late October, visitors can experience a haunted hayride through the village, complete with costumed characters and bone-chilling stories. Whether you're looking for a stunning fall hike or a good ghost story, the History Trail offers a memorable experience.