Cancel that Georgia trip, New Jersey is ripe with peaches. As one of the top four peach-producing states in the country, the Garden State lives up to its beloved nickname. Each Jersey peach is picked by hand, with an average of 66 million pounds of the sweet, decadent fruit grown each year.
Peach picking season spans from early July to mid September, making this the best time to visit the orchards. If you’re curious about how NJ’s milder climate cultivates the perfect peach, here’s where to pick your own peaches in North Jersey.
Editor’s Note: Peach farms are experiencing heavily diminished crops this year after an April heat wave followed by a drastic freeze wiped out peach crops across New Jersey. Shopping at affected local farms is the best way to directly support them during a difficult season.
Demarest Farms – Hillside
At Demarest Farms, New Jersey locals are satisfied with “low-hanging fruit.” Founded in 1886, this Hillside farm is a long-standing staple to the Bergen County community. Upholding the tradition of providing farm-to-table service, Demarest Farms offers seasonal pick-your-own (PYO) events for the public.
Their PYO peach season begins in July and operates until August. Once there, guests can purchase peach bags, which hold roughly 12 pounds of fruit. After you fill your pouches, be sure to stop by the Farm Market for a variety of fresh produce, baked goods and seasonal decorations. Check their Facebook page for updates on PYO availability and special events.
Wightman Farms – Morristown
Homegrown fruits and vegetables aren’t just rich with flavors. The history harvested with each one offers insight into New Jersey’s unique agricultural background. Established in 1922, the Wightman family’s third generation of friends and family currently works to uphold the tradition of locally-grown crops. In the past, the farm was essential for food to the neighboring Morristown area. Today, it caters to a wide range of visitors, through fresh produce and pick-your-own events.
After paying a one-time membership fee for the season, guests can visit the farm and pick as much as they want—and the options go way beyond stone fruit. The pick-your-own peach orchards are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, only available on the weekends. The season is expected to start later this year due to the April freeze, so be sure to check their Facebook for updates.
Melick’s Town Farm – Califon
When you’re planning to pick peaches, visiting NJ’s largest apple grower may seem like an odd choice. However, beside Melick’s Town Farm’s 25,000 apple trees are more than 5,000 vibrant peach trees. Within the 120 acres of orchards are 30 varieties of both white and yellow peaches open to the public seven days a week.
For a complete experience at Melick’s Town Farm, drive from their Califon orchards to the Oldwick Cider Mill. There, they produce their famous, freshly pressed cider, along with other farm-to-table goods. Currently run by the 10th generation of farmers, their commitment to cultivating crops is felt in every bite. Melick’s will have peaches sporadically throughout the season, so be sure to check their Facebook for PYO availability before heading over.
Battleview Orchards – Freehold
Owned and operated by the Applegate family since 1908, Battleview Orchards has its roots in both community and rich harvests. Typically, mid-season PYO peaches and nectarines are available from late July to early August, making this the perfect time to visit. If you’re hoping for a fall event, their late-picking season ends in early September. This year, dates are not set in stone just yet, so it’s best to check their Facebook page to see what’s available and when.
The Battleview Orchards Country Store is open all season, selling freshly baked pies, apple cider donuts and gift baskets. For those picking an abundance of fruit, the store also supplies their family recipes for the perfect peach cobbler.
Stoneyfield Orchard – Belvidere
A pillar of New Jersey PYO, Stoneyfield Orchard’s peach crop did not survive the April 2026 freeze that affected farms across New Jersey. However, the farm store—open year-round—is still worth a visit for seasonal produce, locally made cheese and honey, farm-fresh eggs, and more. If you’re already making the rounds this summer, it’s a worthwhile stop even without the peaches. Plus, you’d be supporting local during a difficult time. Keep up to date with the latest at the farm, here.
Mary Sparago is 22-year-old creative writing and policy enthusiast who's always looking for new dogs to pet. In her spare time, Mary enjoys listening to K-pop and playing video games.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
