Autumn foliage transforms the 120-acre Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve into one of North Jersey’s premier late-October day trip destinations, where calm lake reflections mirror vibrant maple and oak canopies. Situated in northwest Bergen County, Franklin Lakes offers a balanced mix of low-impact hiking, wildlife observation, and gourmet local dining tailored for both families and couples seeking a refined day out.
Morning: Lakeside Hiking at Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve
Begin the excursion at the Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve on High Mountain Road. Formerly an unpublicized corporate site, the preserve features a well-maintained 1.5-mile loop trail encircling the main reservoir. The terrain is flat and crushed-gravel, making it ideal for stroller-pushing parents, casual walkers, and birdwatchers tracking seasonal migrations. Multiple wooden fishing piers jut out over the water, providing open vistas across the lake toward the surrounding foothills.
For a more challenging incline, day-trippers can access the neighboring trail network leading into High Mountain Park Preserve. Maintained jointly by The Nature Conservancy and local land trusts, High Mountain reaches an elevation of 879 feet—the second highest point in the Watchung Mountains. The red-blazed Summit Trail rewards hikers with a panoramic view stretching across Bergen County all the way to the Manhattan skyline on clear autumn afternoons.
Midday: Artisan Provisions and Picnic Lunch
After a morning on the trail, head south along Franklin Avenue to pick up a mid-day meal. The Market Basket, a staple gourmet grocery store operating in Franklin Lakes for decades, serves as the central hub for local provisions. The deli and bakery sections offer house-made paninis, artisanal cheeses, organic salads, and prepared hot entrees ideal for an outdoor lunch.
Take the meal to the picnic grounds at Lorrimer Sanctuary on Ewing Avenue, or enjoy it along the shore at the Nature Preserve's covered pavilion. If sit-down dining is preferred, local venues like Urban Table on Franklin Avenue offer indoor craft lunch menus featuring seasonal flatbreads, scratch-made soups, and espresso drinks.
Afternoon: Educational Trails at Lorrimer Sanctuary
Dedicated to environmental education, the NJ Audubon Lorrimer Sanctuary covers 14 acres of undisturbed woodland and meadow. The site features a historic visitor center with interactive nature exhibits and a modest raptor exhibit. A self-guided, quarter-mile sensory trail loops through hardwood forest, complete with tree identification signage and bird-feeding stations that attract native woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wintering songbirds.
Families with young children benefit from Lorrimer’s paved paths and structured weekend educational pop-ups, while couples often appreciate the peaceful sanctuary benches tucked beneath mature hemlock groves.