Salem County's Golden Trails:
Road Trip for Hikers, Foodies, Shoppers & Fall Foliage Fanatics
Bonus: Weekend Itinerary for Out-of-Towners
Discover Salem County like never before, or for the first time, with this curated tour showcasing world-class fall foliage, state parks, hiking trails, dining, shopping, and scenic drives! In autumn, Salem County radiates with golden fields of corn, soybeans, and sorghum ripe for harvest, vibrant pumpkin patches, wildlife preparing for winter, abundant forests, and stunning waterfront views. Journey past fields of cows and horses, charming farms, serene lakes, winding creeks, and historic sites.
The highlight of this tour is the breathtaking array of fall foliage in picturesque, rural settings. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous unlisted gems, including cozy diners, farm stands, and unique shopping opportunities. Welcome and enjoy your time exploring and meandering the backroads of Salem County! (Peak fall foliage in Salem County runs late October through mid-November).
Weekend Itinerary for Out-of-Towners
Details and addresses of each location can be found in the travel plan below.
Friday
3pm - Check-in at one of our suggested cozy lodges
-
Salem River Inn
-
Barrett's Plantation House
-
M&M's Hunting Lodge
-
Thundergust Cabins
​​
4pm - Stop at Dog & Ram Spirits for a boutique farm distillery experience
​
6pm - Head out for a fine-dining experience at Ye Olde Centerton Inn (Pittsgrove) - reservations suggested
Saturday
9am - Grab a coffee and a breakfast at Caffè Doppio.
​
10am - Antiquing:
-
Cawman's Mall Antiques & Things
-
Royal Port Antiques​
~or~​​​
10am - Exploring:​
-
the views at Maskell's Millpond
-
Heirloom pumpkins at T&M Hahn Farm
​​
11:30am - Drive towards Daretown Lake and stop to take in the views
​
12pm - Main Street Woodstown for lunch, shopping, and historical downtown sites
​
2:30pm - Grab a sweet treat:
-
Pennsville Farmer Market and Custard
-
CC's Candy
​
3pm - Fort Mott State Park for history, foliage, and river views
​
6pm - Fine dining at Di Palo's Italian Restorante (Penns Grove) - reservations highly suggested
​
Sunday
8am - Grab coffee and a breakfast sandwich at Andersons Country Store for a meal on the go!
​
9am - Morning hike at Parvin State Park (Parvin Lake Loop ~or~ Thundergust-Black Oak-Long Loop)
​​​​
11am - Shopping at A Garden Party for locally made home decor, unique plants, and thoughtful gifts.
​~or~
​11am - Family fun at Coombs Barnyard - check website for current events and kid-friendly activities like corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and animal snuggle sessions.
​
12pm - Sickler's Circle View Farm Store - support local farming and pick up some fresh farm to table dinner items before heading home. Pasture-raised beef and pork, fresh potatoes, and local wines. Various other staples, such as eggs, jams, bread, dry goods, and spices are available seasonally.
​
Be sure to come visit us again!
Lodging Suggestions
Salem River Inn
609-420-8190
91 Country Club Road; Salem, NJ
​​
Barrett's Plantation House
(856) 935-0812
203 Old Kings Highway
Mannington, NJ 08079
http://barrettsplantationhouse.com/
​​
M&M's Hunting Lodge
20 Sinnickson Lane, Pennsville, New Jersey
https://mmhunting.com/hunting-lodge/
​​
Thundergust Cabins (camping) at PARVIN STATE PARK
(856) 358-8616
701 Almond Road, Pittsgrove, New Jersey 08318-3928 https://www.njportal.com/DEP/NJOutdoors/Park/Details?locationId=10
Pennsville Farm Market & Custard Stand
338-358 M Broadway
Pennsville, NJ 08070
This family-owned gem combines a vibrant farm market with a retro custard stand, a local favorite since 1952. It’s a perfect stop for travelers. The market, housed in a red barn, offers fresh NJ produce like strawberries, tomatoes, and corn, plus homemade pies, cider doughnuts, jams, honey, and soaps. The custard stand, known for its bright yellow roof, serves soft-serve, hard ice cream, and water ice in flavors like strawberry and pumpkin. It’s a nostalgic must-visit for farm-fresh goods and creamy delights. Check their site or Facebook for seasonal updates!
​
​
​
CC’s Candy Factory
164 N Broadway
Pennsville, NJ 08070
CC’s Candy Factory is a delightful family-run sweet shop that burst onto the scene about two years ago, evolving from pop-up markets into a permanent haven for innovative treats. Founded by Carol Clour (the “CC” in the name), it all started when she discovered freeze-dried candy during the pandemic-era vending events she organized locally, turning chewy favorites like gummy worms and Skittles into crunchy, airy delights. With over 60 in-house varieties, plus house-made fudge, brittles, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, the shop has quickly become a South Jersey gem, supporting fellow local businesses and earning rave reviews for its whimsical, addictive snacks.
​​
Fort Mott State Park (and Finns Point National Cemetery)
454 Fort Mott Rd.
Pennsville, NJ 08079
Fort Mott State Park is a historic gem that shines in the fall, blending military heritage with autumn’s vibrant colors. Built in the 1890s as part of the Harbor Defenses of the Delaware, this coastal fortification, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, features concrete batteries and remnants of 12-inch disappearing guns used for training from 1897 to 1943. Acquired by NJ in 1947 and opened as a state park in 1951, it offers self-guided tours of its fortifications and a museum detailing its role in protecting Philadelphia’s river approaches. In fall, the 120-acre park bursts with colorful foliage, reds, oranges, and yellows enhancing scenic trails along the Delaware River, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching migratory species. Visitors should wear layers, sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars or a camera. Don’t forget to visit Nearby Finn’s Point National Cemetery as well.
​
Royal Port Antiques
13 Market St.
Salem, NJ 08079
Royal Port Antiques is Southern New Jersey’s largest single-owner antique shop, housed in a beautifully restored 12,000-square-foot warehouse. Since 2004, owners Suzanne and Michael Cooke have filled this treasure trove with early American furniture, architectural salvage like doors, windows, and hardware, industrial pieces, and repurposed vintage finds. Known for its quality, affordability, and unique charm, the shop draws collectors, decorators, and history enthusiasts to explore its two floors of curated relics.
​
The building itself, a former South Jersey Farmer’s Exchange warehouse from the early 20th century, sat abandoned along Fenwick Creek until the Cookes transformed it. Its rustic industrial character enhances the allure of the eclectic inventory.
Open Friday through Saturday
Cawman’s Mall Antiques & Things
529 NJ-49
Salem, NJ 08079
Cawman’s Mall Antiques & Things on Consignment, is a popular antique and consignment shopping destination in Salem, New Jersey. It’s a multi-vendor marketplace spanning about 11,000–12,000 square feet, featuring over 30–40 individual vendors who offer a wide variety of items on consignment or for sale. Think of it as a treasure-hunt-style indoor flea market where you can browse for unique finds without the hassle of outdoor weather.
Canton Country Store
982 Main St.-Canton Rd.
Salem, NJ 08079
Canton Country Store is a family-owned convenience store located in the heart of Lower Alloways Creek. This community staple provides essentials such as snacks, beverages, household items, fresh coffee, and sandwiches, catering to both locals and travelers. Known for its friendly service and small-town charm, the store creates a welcoming atmosphere. As an added bonus, a Little Free Library is located in front of the store, where you can take a book or donate one.
Maskell’s Mill Pond
Maskells Mill Rd. &
Mill Pond Rd.
Salem, NJ 08078
Maskell’s Mill Pond, a serene 19-acre gem in Lower Alloways Creek transforms into a quiet spectacle in the fall. As October’s cooler air sweeps through, the surrounding maples, oaks, and hickories ignite in reds, oranges, and golds, their reflections shimmering on the pond’s glassy surface. This historic spot, dating back to a 1742 grist mill, offers a glimpse into South Jersey’s agrarian past while providing a peaceful retreat for fishing, birdwatching, or soaking in the autumnal glow, no crowds, just the rustle of leaves and the distant call of migratory birds like great blue herons and wood ducks.
Additional stops to consider in Lowers Alloway Creek:
Hancock House Historic Site
3 Front St.
T&M Hahn Farm - Heirloom Pumpkin Farm
17 Frog Ocean Rd.
Caffè Doppio
157 North Broadway
Pennsville, NJ
Caffè Doppio is a Sicilian-inspired coffee shop located in Pennsville, NJ. It’s known for its authentic espresso, handcrafted pastries, and Italian-style atmosphere that blends tradition with local charm. The café features rich Sicilian roasts, cannoli, cookies, and light bites made with quality ingredients. With its warm décor, friendly service, and community-focused events, Caffè Doppio has quickly become a local favorite for morning coffee, afternoon breaks, and casual meetups.
Java Dog Coffee & Tea
198 NJ-45
Salem, NJ 08079
Java Dog Coffee & Tea is a cozy, independent café located in Mannington, NJ. It’s known for its homemade baked goods, specialty coffees, unique tea blends, lunch specials, and casual vibe, making it a local favorite for quick bites, meetings, or relaxed hangouts. The spot emphasizes quality ingredients and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. It has strong community ties and is known for friendly service and delicious, hearty portions.
Seabrook Rd. & Mannington Meadow
Mannington, NJ 08979
Seabrook Road in Mannington, NJ, is a serene rural road winding through Salem County’s agricultural landscape. Surrounded by farms, historic homes, and open fields and showcases the township’s preserved farmland. It connects to nearby Woodstown via Kings Highway, offering a peaceful escape with scenic drives and occasional equestrian facilities.
​
Mannington Meadows encompasses a 6,000-acre wetland complex of tidal marshes and mudflats, vital for migratory birds in the Delaware Bay Watershed. The wetlands, restored by groups like the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, support biodiversity and eco-tourism. Keep an eye out for sheep, swans, bald eagles, and migratory birds
Dog & Ram Spirits
19 Seabrook Rd.
Mannington, NJ 08079
Dog & Ram Spirits is a boutique farm distillery located in the heart of agricultural Salem County. Founded by Sarah Harmon and Dr. Brian Marr, it draws its name from the couple’s beloved whippets (dogs) and a standout ram named “Big Daddy” from their flock of sheep, as an homage to the animals on their property. The distillery operates out of the historic Seabrook estate’s carriage house, a custom-built structure originally designed to house horse-drawn vehicles by the late carriage enthusiast John Seabrook.
​
Established around 2015, Dog & Ram focuses on producing cultivated, small-batch spirits using local ingredients. It’s known for its emphasis on balanced, nuanced flavors that highlight regional agriculture. Stop in for a specialty beverage and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Seabrook estate.
Main Street Woodstown
Woodstown, NJ 08098
Main Street in Woodstown, NJ, is the historic heart of this charming Salem County borough, blending 18th-century Quaker roots with a vibrant small-town atmosphere. Lined with well-preserved colonial and Victorian buildings, the street features landmarks like the Pilesgrove-Woodstown Historical Society at 42 North Main, showcasing period artifacts, and historic homes. As the commercial and social core, Main Street hosts local shops, eateries, and a brewery, all fostering a pedestrian-friendly vibe. Its significance is underscored by Woodstown’s listings on the National and State Register of Historic Places, with a downloadable walking tour from historicwoodstown.org.
​
Highlights on Main St. include:
​
​
​
​
​
Daretown Lake
Fox Mill Rd.
Elmer, NJ 08318
Daretown Lake, a 16-acre body of water in Upper Pittsgrove, NJ, was formed by a dam on Ludden Brook in the early 18th century to power a grist mill, later becoming part of the historic Fox Mill property. The lake is bordered by farmland to the east and a dense deciduous forest to the west, creating a rich habitat for wildlife. The historic Fox Mill, established by Samuel Elwell around the 1730s, served as a water-powered flour mill for over two centuries, grinding grain for local farmers and acting as a community hub. Restored between 2004 and 2008, the mill remains a local landmark.
​
The lake and its surroundings teem with life. Great Blue Herons roost and fish along the water’s edge, while musk turtles and small fish are visible in the clear waters of the lake and its freshwater stream. A trail from the parking lot follows the lake’s spill-over, leading through fern-filled wetlands where the songs of Hairy, Downy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers fill the air. In the fall, the forest floor, littered with acorns, pignuts, and beechnuts, supports white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, gray squirrels, and chipmunks. Migrating waterfowl frequent the lake, making it a prime spot for wildlife observation amidst old trees and vibrant ecosystems.
Coombs Barnyard
20 Route 77
Elmer, NJ 08318
Coombs Barnyard, a family-owned farm, offers a cozy, hands-on agricultural experience in Salem County. Known for its welcoming vibe, the farm hosts petting zoos with goats and ponies, wagon rides, and seasonal events, making it a favorite for families. It’s a perfect spot for creating memories with a community-focused, rustic charm.
​
Visitors can enjoy a petting zoo, barrel train rides, an indoor playground, and gardening activities year-round. Fall brings pumpkin picking and a themed corn maze, while summer features Farm Camp for kids. Special events like Tots Day and the Fall Barnyard Bash add extra fun!
Elephant Swamp Trail
Elmer Rotary Baseball Fields
33 Chestnut St.
(Trailhead at back left corner of complex)
Elmer, NJ 08318
The Elephant Swamp Trail is a scenic 5-6 mile out-and-back rail-trail (10-12 miles round-trip) in southern New Jersey’s Salem and Gloucester Counties. The trail is built on the former Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Line (1878-1980s) and passes wetlands, farmlands. The trail also passes through the marshy Elephant Swamp, rich with streams and wildlife. Maintained by Elk Township, the flat, mostly unpaved trail (dirt, gravel, woodchips) suits hikers, birdwatchers, families, and mountain bikers. Sturdy shoes or bikes are recommended.
​
Best in fall (mid-October to early November), the trail dazzles with vibrant oak, maple, and hickory foliage in reds, oranges, and golds, complemented by crisp 50-65°F weather and fewer bugs. Foggy mornings and early 6 PM sunsets call for layers. A local legend about an escaped circus elephant from the 1800s adds a quirky, mysterious charm
A Garden Party
567-US 40
Elmer, NJ
A Garden Party is a charming floral design studio and store. For over 14 years, this South Jersey gem has thrived in a beautifully renovated barn, blending floral artistry with garden-inspired decor. The store offers a curated selection of fresh flowers, potted plants, lush garden elements, home decor, and thoughtful gift items, all emphasizing locally sourced, seasonal materials with a signature “from the garden” aesthetic. Beyond retail, A Garden Party provides full-service floral design and event styling, hosts engaging workshops like Mommy & Me bouquet-making, and offers “Parties to Go” kits for at-home celebrations.
Parvin State Park
701 Almond Rd.
Pittsgrove, NJ
Parvin State Park, a 1,500-acre haven in Pittsgrove, NJ, lies on the edge of the Pine Barrens, just 5 miles from Vineland and 40 miles south of Philadelphia. Parvin boasts diverse ecosystems, including pine forests, swamp hardwood forests, Atlantic white cedar swamps, pitch pine lowlands, and upland oak areas. The park offers over 15 miles of well-maintained, year-round trails of easy to moderate difficulty, ideal for hiking, jogging, biking, or dog-walking. Notable trails include the scenic 2.5-mile Parvin Lake Loop with lakeside views and bridges and the Thundergust–Black Oak–Long Loop. For lodging, 18 cozy cabins on Thundergust Lake, sleeping 4–6, feature kitchens, fireplaces, electricity, and patios, priced at $55–$85 per night, offering rustic comfort for families or groups.
Ye Olde Centerton Inn
1136 Almond Rd.
Pittsgrove, NJ
For an evening of fine dining and history, just up the road from Parvin State Park, Ye Olde Centerton Inn is sure to delight. The Inn was established in 1706 as a stagecoach stop, making it one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the US. Originally built to serve travelers along early colonial routes. The inn is steeped in Revolutionary War history, with notable ties to the period, including the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers reportedly located beneath the building. Over the centuries, it evolved from a rest stop into a tavern and restaurant, maintaining its colonial architecture and ambiance.
Anderson’s Country Store
1141 Almond Rd.
Pittsgrove, NJ
Anderson’s Country Store is a beloved, historic general store and deli in Pittsgrove, NJ. Established in the late 1700s, this rustic landmark has been a cornerstone for locals and visitors for generations, offering everyday groceries, convenience items, and made-to-order salads, sandwiches, burgers, and cheesesteaks that attract customers from across South Jersey. The store captures the classic charm of old-time general stores, stocking old-fashioned candies, milk, butter, bread, and toiletries, while also serving as a cozy, casual eatery.
Sickler’s Circle View Farm Store
450 Bridgeton Pike
Monroeville, NJ 08343
Sickler’s Circle View Farm Store is a family-owned farm store. The store offers USDA-certified beef, pork, eggs, seasonal cut flowers, jams, rubs, spices, sauces, dry goods, jarred goodies, and local artisan products, with nationwide shipping. Using sustainable, regenerative farming, Sickler’s is known for high-quality meats, a welcoming atmosphere and they’re a go-to for locally sourced goods.
Di Paolo's Italian Ristorante
28 Broad St.
Penns Grove, NJ 08069
Di Paolo’s Italian Ristorante, a family-owned gem has delighted diners since 1970. Evolving from a modest deli into a top-rated haven for authentic Italian cuisine known for its cozy yet elegant vibe. The restaurant serves up generous portions of classics like creamy chicken parmigiana, seafood specials, and homemade cannoli, all crafted from generations-old recipes and fresh ingredients.
