Apple picking season is finally here in New Jersey and we are ready to celebrate. The apple season begins in early September and lasts through late October—meaning that right now is the best time to visit your local orchard. Looking for the best apple picking in NJ? We’ve got you covered. Discover pick-your-own apples, fresh cider, hayrides, cider donuts, pumpkin patches and so much more. From the Northernmost parts of New Jersey, all the way down to Cape May, these are the best apple picking farms and orchards to visit in NJ for 2025.
Battleview Orchards – Freehold, NJ
The Applegate family has farmed in New Jersey for four generations. Battleview Orchards is consistently rated as one of the best orchards in Central Jersey, known for its market, bakery, and pick-your-own fields. Pick varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Macintosh, and Cortland. The orchard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Apple picking is cash only.
Demarest Farms – Hillsdale, NJ
In Bergen County, Demarest Farms is a local favorite. Families flock to the farm each week for apple picking, haunted orchard walks and outdoor movie nights. Admission is $8, and bags for 10-12 pounds of apples are $18. Online reservations are required.
Mackey’s Orchard – Belvidere, NJ
This eighth-generation family farm offers apple picking with a backdrop of the Delaware Water Gap. Mackey’s Orchard offers more than just apples—ice cream, cider donuts, and greenhouse shopping are all on the table. Picking bags cost $15 for a half-peck, $25 for a peck, and $50 for a bushel. Outside bags are not permitted. Find out more here.
Melick’s Town Farm – Califon, NJ
Melick’s is one of the largest apple orchards in New Jersey, with over 20,000 trees and multiple locations. The Califon site is open daily, reservations are required. More than two dozen apple varieties are available to pick from, along with wagon rides on weekends and fresh-pressed cider. Apples are $1.99 a pound (excluding Honeycrisps). Entry $3.99 on week days and $5.99 on weekends.
Race Farm – Blairstown, NJ
Race Farm has welcomed visitors for over 70 years with free admission and hayrides on weekends. Apple picking is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 31. Guests can also bring food to enjoy in the picnic areas. For families looking for affordable apple picking in New Jersey, Race Farm is an excellent choice.
Riamede Farm – Chester, NJ
Riamede has offered pick-your-own since 1952—making them possibly the state’s first pick-your-own apple orchard. With more than 40 varieties, including heritage apples grown on decades-old trees, it’s a Morris County favorite. The farm updates its website weekly with ripening schedules and apple varieties. Save money when booking on their site. Weekday passes are $3.50 and weekends are $10.50 when purchased online.
Stiles Farm and Nursery – Cape May Court House, NJ
Near the southern tip of the state, Stiles Farm offers apples, pears, and Asian pears in fall. The farm updates its Facebook page daily with what’s available for picking. It’s a cash-only operation, but one of the best orchards to visit if you’re vacationing near the Jersey Shore or Cape May. Stiles is open 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, closed Mondays.
Windy Brow Farms – Fredon, NJ
Windy Brow has grown apples since the 1920s and today features over 45 varieties. The Sussex County farm is dog-friendly, allowing leashed pets. In addition to apples, visitors can try baked goods, house-made ice cream, and attend pizza nights. For those searching for the best apple orchards in North Jersey, Windy Brow definitely stands out. There is no admission fee or price per pound—instead, you purchase a PYO bag from the farm and fill it up at your leisure. Currently open for pick-your-own every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.