Poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau found a haven for peace and inspiration within just a few miles of his birthplace. He didn’t believe that it was necessary to travel to the ends of the earth to tap into the healing source of nature. Thoreau was definitely on to something.

This fall we can take a page from Thoreau’s journal by enjoying the beauty of our own ”backyard.” Whether we bring the kids along for a hike or opt for a romantic respite with a special someone, the dazzling colors of New Jersey’s autumn are here for the taking. Grab a blanket, a picnic basket filled withdelightful treats from a local deli or gourmet shop, and indulge in a day of serious relaxation.

Refresh your mind, body, imagination, and spirit by answering the call of the wild. Walking in a natural setting is a great opportunity for lively dialogue, and when the conversation rolls into silence, it’s easy to enjoy the hushed sounds around you—wind rustling through the trees and the scurrying of woodland creatures­. Parks, like people, have distinct personalities; choose the one that will give you the respite you desire.

Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown
In almost any season, Jockey Hollow offers a peaceful interlude to those who meander beneath its towering hardwood trees. In the fall, its woodlands burst into colors that dazzle.

A fascinating past makes this park a must-visit for history buffs. During late 1779 and early 1780, George Washington’s troops camped on this land; it was the area’s most brutal winter in more than 100 years. According to historians, there were seven blizzards during December alone. While many of the soldiers initially slept in the snow, they eventually built 14-by-16-foot wooden huts, each of which housed a dozen men. Although the original huts are no longer standing, visitors can view replicas of the rustic lodges.

Other popular Jockey Hollow attractions include the historic Wick House, garden, and orchard. In the fall, winter, and early spring, visitors to the 1750 home of the Wick family are greeted by a park employee dressed in period costume as they enjoy a self-guided tour, warmed by a fire ablaze in the parlor hearth.

One of the best ways to enjoy the park is by walking the 6.5-mile Grand Loop. While the terrain is hilly, it is suitable for even novice hikers. You can follow the white trail markers or slip in and out of the Grand Loop without trekking the entire length.

Whether you choose the verdant lawn of the Wick House, the adjacent open field, or the grassy knoll near the soldier huts, there are many scenic spots to open yourpicnic basket at Jockey Hollow. If you prefer to grill hot food, you can’t go wrong with nearby Lewis Morris County Park, where outdoor cooking is allowed. Reservations and permits are required at Lewis Morris for groups of 25 people or more.

Hacklebarney State Park, Long Valley
With its combination of craggy and smooth trails, gushing mini-waterfalls, and the Black River waterfront, Hacklebarney State Park in Morris County has a wilder feel than Jockey Hollow. “The Barney,” as locals call it, is a 465-acre glacial valley filled with oak and hemlock trees. The trout-stocked river is a favorite of area fisherman, but be sure to have a state fishing permit before you drop a line in the water.

There are five miles of trails from which to choose, and they are marked in white, blue, and red. The white trail encircles the park and takes about an hour to walk. It is rocky at times, so it’s best to wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. The blue and red gravel trails are less rigorous and a good choice for those with tender feet.

From the parking lot, you can take the blue trail down dozens of steps toward a stream-side picnic area with grills and tables. There are more than 100 picnic tables scattered throughout the park, available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’d rather spread out a blanket and bring your own chairs, you’ll enjoy the grassy, open field near the park entrance. Because of the dramatic cut of the landscape and the large boulders that seem to have tumbled into place beside the dark, glistening river, it’s easy to forget you’re so close to home. The dense woodland trees offer a cool environment in almost any season. Even on the hottest and most humid summer days, Hacklebarney has a perpetual feeling of autumn.

South Mountain Reservation, Millburn/West Orange/Maplewood
South Mountain Reservation covers over 2,000 acres in central Essex County, extending through West Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn, and bordering South Orange. It has been preserved primarily in its wild state, and is nestled between the first and second ridges of the Watchung Mountain Range. Originally home to the Lenape Indians, the reservation has changed only slightly through the years.

The woodlands are thick with hardwood trees, and tall hemlocks tower above streams and ponds. The west branch of the Rahway River flows through the picturesque valley. Be sure to bring your camera because, deep in the woods, you’ll be delighted to find Hemlock Falls, a dramatic 25-foot waterfall.

The Crest Drive area is a picnicker’s paradise since it is closed to vehicles at the old deer paddock. Bring a basket full of goodies, and enjoy a leisurely walk down to Washington Rock, a bona fide Revolutionary War historic site. Washington Rock dates back to the late 1700s when it was home to Beacon Signal Station 9—one of 23 beacons built by General Washington to observe the movements of the British troops quartered on Staten Island and New York City.

At the turn of the century, the Essex County Park Commission organized the purchase of the land. Restoration of the forests included the replanting of rhododendron and mountain laurel groves in the 1910s, and the planting of red and white pine in the 1930s. The park has an extensive system of trails that wind along the Rahway River and the Watchung hilltops.

For a more complete listing of the state’s wonderful parks and woodlands, visit state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests

Autumn Bean Salad
cups each, green & yellow beans
2 cups julienned red bell peppers
1 cup slivered red onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
4 tbsp wine vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp grain mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch beans until tender crisp. Transfer to bowl of ice water, stir until cold, then drain. Blanch red-pepper strips for 2-3 minutes and drain.
In large bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients. Add onion, peppers, and beans. Toss to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley.


Life is a Picnic. Grab a basket.
Here, a few great places to procure your picnic fare:

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the natural beauty of New Jersey’s parks and foot trails, you’ll be ready to enjoy an al fresco meal. Just pull up a blanket or picnic bench to enjoy all the culinary delights you’ve stowed away. Create your own basket of treats, or ask a deli or gourmet market to help you assemble your menu. You can also plan for a barbecue at one of the parks equipped with grills.

Near Jockey Hollow National Park, Morristown

C’est Cheese, 64 South Street, Morristown, 973-267-2941, basketsbycestcheese.com
Nestled snugly in the heart of Morristown, C’est Cheese is a friendly gourmet food emporium and full-service caterer. Just call the day before your picnic, and manager Patrice Anderson will see that your goody basket is ready for the park, the beach, or your own backyard. Popular autumn nibbles include fresh fall crudite, antipasto, and herbed goat cheese with Tuscan toast.

If hearty sandwiches are more your style, consider veggie with havarti, roast turkey with cranberry, or roast beef with boursin and sundried tomato. Live a little with a few side dishes like red-skin potato salad, tortellini with asparagus and tomato, and autumn bean salad (recipe above). If you’re planning a family outing rather than a romantic pique-nique pour deux, kids cheese, old-fashioned PB&J, along with cookies, cupcakes, and fruit tarts. C’est Cheese also carries a nice selection of bottled wines, but be sure that the park you select permits alcohol consumption. A great tip for Morristown locals: Just a few paces from C’est Cheese’s South Street location is the historic Vail Mansion, which was recently transformed into a luxe condominium community. Although the building itself is private, its sprawling front lawn is considered public property, and is an excellent spot to enjoy a repast for two as you watch the world pass by.

Close to Hacklebarney State Park:
The Market Place, 182 U.S. Highway 206 North, Flanders, 973-448-1530
Just 15 minutes north of Hacklebarney State Park on Route 206 is the Market Place, which offers a delicious array of gourmet sandwiches, homemade salads, desserts, cheeses, and fruit for your picnic.

“We take pride in offering customers personal service and a wide range of high-quality customized fresh food,” says owner Steve Gibbon. His staff will happily make a basket for you, filled with specialty sandwiches like the Montreal—which consists of honey-maple ham, melted Brie, and honey mustard on a croissant.
For a picnic or barbecue with fifteen or more people, the Market Place offers an assortment of barbecue packages from basic to gourmet that include everything from sirloin or gourmet burgers, to grilled vegetable platters and watermelon bruschetta.

Close to South Mountain Reservation:
Eden Gourmet Marketplace, 1-7 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, 973-762-5200
Eden Gourmet Marketplace is a culinary mecca for foodies. Individual specialty food counters—including seafood, prime meats, charcuterie, cheese and bakery—feature traditional and exotic items.

Deli manager Fred Baram can assemble the simplest or most elaborate picnic baskets with a bit of notice. His personal favorites include fried chicken, bowtie pasta with peas and mushrooms, dill coleslaw made with mayo and cream, mango salad, chocolate croissants, and fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.
“Come visit me,” Fred says, “because Eden Gourmet has everything you need for a perfect picnic in the park. We have hundreds of baskets just waiting to be filled.”