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.
Note: Due to the severe temperature swings this year, some farms usually represented on this list are without any apples for PYO
Alstede Farms – Chester, NJ
Alstede is a PYO staple in North Jersey, and for good reason—they offer a bit of everything. For fall, that means lots of apple varieties. Admission starts at $26.99, which includes a five-pound produce box. Family packages are also available. Tickets can be purchased online.
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 $9.70, and bags for 10-12 pounds of apples are $21.55. Online reservations are required.
Ort Farms – Long Valley, NJ
This family farm in Morris County is a perfect weekend destination for PYO apples. Ort Farms offers a variety to choose from across five acres of orchards. You can find out more info and purchase tickets here.
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 typically 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 $2.99 a pound (excluding Honeycrisps).
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. 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. Make sure to call for availability before heading over.
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. Find out more 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. Find out more here.
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 5 p.m.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.