VERNON, New Jersey — It??в„ўs that time of year again — when New Jersey??в„ўs breathtaking rural landscape is draped in vivid shades of crimson and gold. Apples and pumpkins are ripe for the picking, mums and asters are ablaze with color, and the explosion of fall foliage is nearing its peak, which according to the Farmers??в„ў Almanac will occur between October 19th and 29th this year.

More and more leaf peepers are getting out of the car and exploring nature first hand in order to limit their impact on our environment. Here at Mountain Creek, one of the best low-impact ways to catch the splendor of the Sussex Skylands??в„ў autumn colors is to be whisked to the top of mountain by our open-air gondola. In just minutes you??в„ўll enjoy a breathtaking birds-eye view of the entire region, across rolling farmland, to the Appalachian Mountains, High Point Monument and New York State! Tickets are just $1 and available at the base of the lift weekends through October 28th.

Once you reach the summit, you??в„ўll discover plenty of perks to leaving the car behind. Hike the extensive Hamburg mountain trail system, spread out a picnic lunch by one of five lakes, observe the diverse wildlife and enjoy the crisp October air. Thrill-seekers may ride miles of the East coast??в„ўs best downhill trails at Diablo Freeride Park, open weekends through the end of the month. Or bring your mountain bike and enjoy our cross country mountain bike trails for just $10. Visit Mountaincreek.com and click on Diablo Freeride Park for more information.

With so much to do in the region during autumn, now is a perfect time for an extended getaway and Mountain Creek is offering 20% off your accommodations when you stay three or more nights at either Black Creek Sanctuary or The Appalachian. Take a few days to enjoy all the area has to offer including breathtaking foliage, wineries, fall festivals, pumpkin and apple picking, haunted hayrides and more. Visit www.mountaincreek.com for more information or to book your stay.

Of course, that means winter is just around the corner, with snow already falling out west. The annual race is on between Arapahoe Basin and Loveland in Colorado to see which mountain will claim the honor of being the first to open for the season, with both aiming for first chair in mid-October. Back home, the Farmers??™ Almanac is promising a cold and snowy winter ??“ a great incentive for skiers and riders to save up to $200 if they purchase their Mountain Creek Season Pass before prices go up on October 9th. You??™ll have to hurry to get in on the best deal of the year, so visit www.mountaincreek.com to purchase your pass today.