When is apple picking season in NJ?
September brings the season for apple picking in New Jersey to fruition. This fall, don’t miss out on some of NJ’s most popular farms. These top locations are scattered throughout the Garden State and are each known for various attractions and produce. One thing they all have in common, though, is their outstanding orchards and pick-your-own apples. So if you’re wondering where to go apple picking this year, look no further.
Riamede Farm in Chester, NJ
Riamede Farm is advertised as an old-fashioned apple farm from 1952; it is New Jersey’s oldest ‘pick-your-own farm’ (its first fall picking season dated back to 1974). Their trees were planted half a century ago and they offer over 40 types of apples to be picked. Prior to picking, guests are welcome to visit the website to learn about what types of apples they can pick. Apples are listed by heritage, taste and use for the season to help guests prepare for their picking.
The farm opens September 3 to kick off the ‘pick-and-bake’ season, beginning with fuji apples entering their prime time of the season. Here at New Jersey Digest, we have a great recipe for apple cinnamon muffins to pair with your recent pickings. Each week, the farm will advertise which apples are ripest upon entering their store and picking.
Demarest Farm in Hillsdale, NJ
If your family is looking for a farm that checks all the boxes, Demarest Farm is known for putting on a show. The farm’s greater attractions include a haunted orchard and movie nights. Reservations are needed to enter the farm. For updates, visit their site. All reservations must be made online—no tickets or admission will be offered at the door. Entry costs $8, and admission for kids under 2 is free. The farm charges $15 for a bag that will hold 10 to12 lbs of picked apples.
Demarest suggests that guests wear comfortable shoes that are recommended for walking on uneven surfaces and no strollers— backpacks or purses are allowed while picking.
Battleview Orchards in Freehold, NJ
Battleview Orchards is open for the fall! This orchard takes pride in their fresh New Jersey produce, baked goods and rich history. The Applegate family has been operating and running the orchard for four generations and has maintained the love, dedication and retail value as those before them. Current owners, Scott and Lisa, have three children to hopefully continue as the fifth generation of growers. Battleview is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but closed on Tuesdays. This orchard strongly suggests checking their Facebook page for consistent updates on what is happening this fall season.
Keep in mind that Battleview is a cash-only operation and pets are prohibited. The farm is growing Ginger Gold, Gala, Jonamac, Honey Crisp, Macintosh, Early Fuji, Cortland and Jonathon apples this season. At just $1.89 a pound, what are you waiting for? You can find more details on apple picking and other farm operations here.
Melick’s Town Farm located in Califon, NJ
Melick’s Town Farm has four locations and sells its produce at various farmer’s markets throughout the state. Current running farms include Oldwick Farm Market, Cider Mill and Orchard, Bridgewater Market and Califon Orchards. The Califon farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and requires a reservation. This farm has over 24 types of apples to pick and more than 20,000 apple trees planted on the property. Apple cider made on premise is one of their specialties. Weekends in September and October is the time to catch a free wagon ride in Oldwick Farms, and a horse-drawn wagon ride in Califon Orchards!
If attending later in the season, pumpkin picking is available in addition to apples. You can find out more and inquire about reservations at their website.
Mackey’s Orchard in Belvidere, NJ
Mackey’s Orchards is an eighth-generation family farm that takes pride in the fact that some of the fruit trees planted in the early 1900s still stand today. This fun-filled farm is known for its apple bakery, homemade ice cream, greenhouse and seasonal activities for children. Mackey’s is known for its bargains, as well as offering online ordering and delivery for fresh produce and baked goods. Guests are able to visit their website for more information regarding the services they offer.
This forty-five-acre farm has a great view of the Delaware Water Gap—perfect for pictures! Options for picking range from a half-peck bag (about 5 pounds) at $10, a peck bag at $20, and a bushel at $40. Bringing your own bags for picking is not permitted.
Race Farm in Blairstown, NJ
Race Farm has been operating for 70 years and has seen four generations of Race family members pass on the gift of Jersey-fresh produce. With each generation, there have been minor tweaks to modernize the farm and increase production. There is no admission fee to enter the farm, as well as free hayrides on weekends during the fall season. Having maintained this welcoming and traditional feel for many generations, Race farm has earned their place for one of the best farms to go apple picking in New Jersey.
Guests are also welcome to the picnic areas to share a meal and enjoy the great foods the farm has to offer. Race Farm’s pick-your-own apple season will run until October 31 this year. During this time, the farm will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. You can find out more details here.
Windy Brow Farms in Fredon, NJ
Windy Brow Farms has been growing apples since the 1920s. Today, many of the apple trees planted a century ago still bear fruit. With other 45 varieties to choose from, Windy Brow remains one of the best options for apple picking in New Jersey this fall. Apple picking will be available at the farm through the end of October. For dog-lovers, Windy Brow Farms permits dogs on premise so long as they remain leashed at all times and are picked up after.
In addition to apple picking, Windy Brow Farms offers fresh baked goods, a farm retail store, pizza nights and mind-blowing homemade ice creams and beverages. You can read more about all of the details of this legendary farm and the story behind how It came to be here.
Stiles Farm and Nursery in Cape May Court House, NJ
This is a great pick-your-own farm near Jersey’s most southern point. Stiles Farm prides themselves on offering an array of in-season fruits to pick throughout the year. Along with apples, pears and Asian pears remain options to pick and purchase for the fall months.
The picking options at Stiles Farm are constantly changing, so it is best to stay up to date at their facebook page where they post the farm’s options daily. Keep in mind, this is a cash only farm.
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