Month: September 2017

One  of  the  best  parts  of  fall  is  the  changing  of  the  leaves.  If  you’re  wondering  where  the  best  places  are  to  see  autumn  foliage,  read  on.  This  year,  you don’t  have  to  travel  far  to  see  beautiful  colors.  A  short  road  trip  past  a  pumpkin  patch  or  two  may  be  the  perfect  way  to  get  into  the  season.

Head  West  for  Autumn  Foliage

Leaf  peepers  agree  that  a  great  route  to  see  the  autumn  colors  is  to  drive  west  on  interstates  280  and  80.  Here  are  some  of  the  best  destinations:

• Stokes  State  Forest,  Branchville.  Enjoy  hiking,  picnic  areas  and  scenic  overlooks  from  Sunrise  Mountain  along  the  Appalachian Trail.  You’re  sure  to  get  some  great  photo  opportunities.
• Delaware  Water  Gap  National  Recreation  Area,  Hardwick  Township.  This  area  has  70,000  acres  of  beautiful  scenery  along  the  Delaware  River.  Watch  the  autumn  foliage  against  a  backdrop  of  waterfalls  and  inviting  trails.
• Take  a  train  ride  towards  Morristown.  Take  the  PATH  to  the  Penn  Station,  then  head  west.  On  the  way  you  can  enjoy  the  changing  leaves  and  plan  a  day  trip.  Check  out  Summit’s  Fall  Festival  on  October  22.

South  of  Jersey  City

Explore  some of the  many  southern  New  Jersey  destinations  for  autumn  day  trips:

• Cheesequake  State  Park,  Matawan.  Jersey  City  residents  are  only  about  40  minutes  from  these  well-maintained  trails  with  scenic  views.  Visitors  say  it’s  an  ideal  spot  for  families  because the  trails  range  from  easy  to  moderate.
• Rancocas  State  Park,  Hainesport.  Hike  on  the  natural  trails  as  you  watch  the  leaves  or  take  a  trip  to  the  nature  center.  The  Rancocas  creek  provides  an  additional  feature  and  hikers  love  the  peace  and  quiet  of  this  perfect  fall  destination.
• Penn  State  Forest  –  Oswego  Lake,  Chatsworth.  This  beautiful  state  forest  offers  autumn  foliage,  many  trails  and  picnic  areas.

Northern  Day  Trips

The  Hudson  Valley  is  close  enough  for  a  day  or  weekend  visit,  yet  as  inspiring  as  an  exotic  trip.  What’s  great  about  autumn  foliage  excursions  is  that  the  journey  is  often  as  beautiful  as  the  destination.  Try  out  these  locations  this  year:

• Bear  Mountain  State  Park,  Bear  Mountain  NY.  This  park  has  something  for  everyone,  and  it  shines  in  the  fall  with  beautiful  colors.  Explore  the  hiking  and  biking  trails  and  take  photos  from  the  top  of  the  mountain  overlooking  the  Hudson  River.  You  can  even  bring  your  dog  on  a  leash  for  added  fun.
• Shawangunk  Mountains,  Gardiner  NY.  While  these  mountains  begin  in  New  Jersey,  they  stretch  as  far  north  as  the  Mohonk  Preserve.  This  area  around  New  Paltz  offers  spectacular  views  of  changing  leaves  each  year.  You’ll  also  enjoy  small  town  eateries,  pubs  and  shops  along  the  way.

Once  again,  it’s  plain  to  see  that  Jersey  City  is  the  perfect  place  to  live.  Where  else  can  you  enjoy  city  living  with  such  close  access  to  the peace  and quiet  of  nature?  This  fall,  bring  a  friend  or  the  whole  family  around  the  area  to  see  the  changing  of  the  leaves.  Stop  off  for  a  mug  of warm  cider  and  a pumpkin,  and  you’ll  be  in  full  autumn  mode.

Trail running has increased in popularity by leaps and bounds the past few years. Even many die-hard road racers have learned the benefits of running off the beaten path. Although running is a year-round sport for many people, fall is the perfect time to try out trail running.

What is Trail Running, Anyway?

If your interest is piqued or you’re just getting started, here’s some basics about trail running. With the right gear and preparation, you can get started in no time. This activity usually takes place on hiking trails, often in hilly or mountainous terrain. According to the International Trail Running Association, the official paved road for trail races should not exceed 20%. The terrain can vary greatly from dirt to sand or forest trails.

The Best Gear

While you don’t have to spend a ton before you hit the trails, a few key items will set you up for success.

• Get the Right Shoes – Trail sneakers will help you with traction and stability better than regular running shoes will. Other factors to consider are how much you plan on running and what kind of terrain you’ll frequently cover.
• Prepare to Hydrate – Don’t let the cooler fall weather fool you into thinking you can skip water breaks. Choose between handheld water bottles, waist packs or hydration vests. Try out a couple options when you’re just getting started.
• Clothing that Works With You – Save the cotton t-shirts for around the house. Fabrics that wick away moisture will be top picks. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics are good choices. Be sure to layer with lightweight fabrics as the weather changes.

Trail Running Near Jersey City

Athletes know that Liberty State Park and the Hudson River Waterfront are both great places to run in Jersey City. But some experts argue that running on trails is even better for your health. In order to build up your endurance in nature, here are some places just outside the city that you’ll love.

• Eagle Rock Reservation – Just 25 minutes from Jersey City, 408-acre reservation is largely undeveloped and beautiful for training on the trails. The hills will give you a workout, and the view of Manhattan will keep you coming back.
• Black River County Park Trail – These trails follow the Black River and were originally railroad lines. About an hour drive away, this is a great place to clear your head and breathe some fresh air this fall.
• Columbia Trail – One runner called this trail “heaven on earth” for its picturesque landscape of farms, forests and rock formations. Not only does it boast wide trails that are easy to share, but the area is also noted for its beautiful fall foliage.
• Flat Rock Brook Nature Preserve – 3.6 miles of trails make up this serene nature preserve loved by people of all ages. You’ll run by streams, meadows and a pond while enjoying birds and other wildlife. Well-marked trails make this an ideal spot for beginners to train.

The World of Running on the Trails

When you begin exploring a new activity, the world opens up in new ways. Connecting with other trail runners in Jersey City and beyond is the best way to improve and stay active. Check out upcoming races like the Mountain Lakes Trail Run, a great trail race for beginners. You can search by type of race for events this fall. Your motivation and energy will increase as you enjoy one of the best types of exercise around.