Apple Picking in New Jersey: The 11 Best Orchards and Farms

The crisp air of autumn in New Jersey finds its red-hued counterparts dangling from tears across its many orchards and farms. The Garden State is not just about its shorelines and city, but fittingly also about what grows from the soil. With over thirty varieties of apples to choose from, each orchard and farm in New Jersey offers a unique experience that goes beyond just picking apples. (But if that’s all you want to do, there’s certainly plenty of picking to be done.) From hayrides to corn mazes to fresh-pressed cider, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your baskets and let’s explore the 11 best orchards and farms for apple picking in New Jersey.

1. Demarest Farms

Location:

244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale 

Demarest Farms is a family-centric playground that melds agriculture with adventure. The 2023 apple-picking season is in full swing.

What Makes It Unique: 

This farm is a smorgasbord of experiences, right from a petting zoo to hayrides. It’s not just about filling your basket with a variety of apples, but also about making lasting memories with loved ones amidst rustic charm.

Additional Amenities: 

Beyond apple picking, you can indulge in fresh produce from the farm store, satisfy your sweet tooth at the bakery, or even explore gardening essentials at the garden center.

Visitor Tips: 

Given the farm’s popularity, reservations are required for the 2023 apple-picking season. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot for this delightful family adventure.

Website: https://demarestfarms.com/

2. Johnson’s Corner Farm

Location:

133 Church Rd, Medford 

Johnson’s Corner Farm offers a unique apple-picking experience that is particularly tailored for families. The orchard is open for apple picking from September 9 to October 31, 2023, providing plenty of opportunities for a fruitful visit.

What Makes It Unique: 

What sets Johnson’s Corner Farm apart are its family-friendly hayrides, available at a nominal fee. The rides not only entertain but also offer an educational dimension by introducing you to different apple varieties.

Additional Amenities: 

It’s all about the hayrides that make for a wholesome, family-friendly experience.

Visitor Tips: 

The farm tends to get crowded, especially during weekends. It’s advisable to arrive early to enjoy the orchard without the rush and to secure your spot for the hayrides.

Website: https://www.johnsonsfarm.com/

3. Hillview Farms

Location:

223 Meyersville Rd, Gillette 

Hillview Farms in central New Jersey offers an apple-picking experience in a convenient location. Open from late August through October, it’s a go-to destination for those seeking a blend of convenience and rural charm.

What Makes It Unique: 

Its central location sets it apart, making it a particularly accessible spot for families and apple aficionados throughout the state.

Additional Amenities: 

The farm store is not to be missed, offering an assortment of fresh produce beyond just apples.

Visitor Tips: 

Given its central location, Hillview Farms can get busy. An early start to your day can help you beat the crowds.

Website: https://hillview-farms.com/

4. Melick’s Town Farm

Location (various):

Oldwick, Califon, Bridgewater 

Melick’s Town Farm is your quintessential one-stop-shop for all your fall needs, open from September 9 through the second week of November. With multiple locations, each with its own unique charm, it offers unparalleled convenience.

What Makes It Unique: 

The farm’s multiple locations are its standout feature, allowing you to pick the spot that best suits your needs and aesthetic preferences.

Additional Amenities: 

Each location features a farm store, rounding out your apple-picking day with a variety of other fresh produce. Their Cider Mill and Orchards in Oldwick is where they press their own fresh cider. Additionally, George Melick’s booklet on the history of general and Melick’s Farm Town-specific cider making is available at the Cider Mill.

Visitor Tips: 

Each location has its own unique offerings, so do a bit of research to choose the one that’s right for you.

Website: https://melickstownfarm.com/

5. Battleview Orchards

Location:

91 Wemrock Rd, Freehold 

Battleview Orchards is a haven for budget-conscious families and individuals, open from late August to October. With no entrance fee, it offers an economical yet enriching apple-picking experience.

What Makes It Unique: 

The absence of an entrance fee is Battleview Orchards’ calling card, making it an ideal choice for those looking to experience apple picking without breaking the bank.

Additional Amenities: 

The farm store supplements your apple-picking adventure with a range of other fresh produce.

Visitor Tips: 

Because it’s free to enter, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early is a good strategy.

Website: https://www.battlevieworchards.com/

6. Eastmont Orchards

Location:

321 County Rd 537, Colts Neck 

Established in 1923, Eastmont Orchards is one of New Jersey’s oldest apple orchards. Open from early September to late October, it offers a whopping 19 different types of apples and free admission.

What Makes It Unique: 

Its long history and wide variety of apples set Eastmont Orchards apart, offering a rich experience steeped in tradition.

Additional Amenities: 

The farm store allows you to complement your apple haul with other fresh produce.

Visitor Tips: 

The orchard’s variety means you’ll want to allocate enough time to explore. Given its free admission, early arrival is advised to avoid crowds.

Website: http://eastmontorchards.com/

7. Alstede Farms

Location:

1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester 

Alstede Farms is a haven for family fun, offering an apple-picking experience from late summer to the end of October that goes well beyond the orchard.

What Makes It Unique: 

This farm is a full-day outing with activities that range from hayrides to navigating a corn maze. It’s the ideal spot for families looking to make the most out of their apple-picking adventure.

Additional Amenities: 

Alongside apple picking, you can enjoy hayrides and test your navigational skills in the corn maze.

Visitor Tips: 

Given the variety of activities, planning your day in advance can help you make the most of your time at the farm.

Website: https://www.alstedefarms.com/

8. Wightman Farms

Location:

1111 Mt Kemble Ave, Morristown 

Wightman Farms is a weekend escape that promises a delightful apple-picking experience from August through October.

What Makes It Unique: 

Specializing in weekend availability during the fall (as it’s a working farm), Wightman Farms caters to those who are looking to make the most of their Saturdays and Sundays.

Additional Amenities: 

Don’t forget to visit the farm store where you can pick up a variety of fresh produce beyond apples.

Visitor Tips: 

Since it’s a weekend-only destination, expect higher crowds and consider arriving early to enjoy a leisurely day.

Website: https://wightmanfarms.com/

9. Terhune Orchards

Location:

330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton 

Open from September to October, Terhune Orchards brings a unique twist to apple picking with its on-site winery.

What Makes It Unique: 

What sets this orchard apart is its on-site winery, offering wine tastings for those looking to add a sophisticated touch to their apple-picking experience.

Additional Amenities: 

Beyond apple picking, you can indulge in wine tasting at the on-site winery.

Visitor Tips: 

Given the added attraction of wine tasting, it’s advisable to allocate extra time to fully enjoy what the orchard has to offer.

Website: https://www.terhuneorchards.com/

10. Windy Brow Farms

Location:

359 Ridge Rd, Fredon Township 

In operation for over 75 years, Windy Brow Farms provides a unique apple-picking experience in northern New Jersey.

What Makes It Unique: 

Its northern New Jersey location sets it apart, offering a different backdrop for your apple-picking adventures. Beyond apples, they offer specialty and seasonal flavors of ice cream, with both dairy and vegan options.

Additional Amenities: 

The farm store is a treasure trove of fresh produce, perfect for rounding out your apple-picking day.

Visitor Tips: 

Weekend wagon rides to their middle orchard starts in early October.

Website: http://www.windybrowfarms.com/

11. Riamede Farm

Location:

122 Oakdale Rd, Chester

Riamede Farm is time travel for your tastebuds. Established in 1952 and open for public harvest since 1974, this 68-acre farm specializes in traditional, modern, and heirloom apple varieties. The farm provides an atmosphere that transports you to the 19th century. Riamede Farm believes that its apple orchards are New Jersey’s first to offer pick-your-own.

What Makes It Unique:

The farm is a living museum of old seedling apple trees, some of which have been around for half a century. Specializing in centuries-old heirloom varieties like the spicy and juicy Baldwin, as well as rare classics like the tart Rhode Island Greening and Northern Spy, Riamede Farm offers an authentic, antique apple-picking experience. It’s all about the apples, old and new.

Additional Amenities:

On weekends, the farm offers free wagon rides that add a rustic charm to your visit. The farm stand is another highlight, offering a wide array of gifts, cider, honey, jams, donuts, and more.

Visitor Tips: 

Given its unique offerings, it’s advisable to allocate ample time to fully explore the farm. The free wagon rides on weekends are not to be missed and can get busy, so plan accordingly.

Website: http://www.riamedefarm.com/

The Roots of Tradition: How Apple Picking Became a Fall Staple

When we think of autumn, our minds often drift to vibrant foliage, pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, apple picking. But have you ever wondered how apple picking became synonymous with fall? The history of this beloved activity is as rich and varied as the apple varieties themselves.

The Origins of Apple Picking

Scientists believe that apples were first domesticated in the Tian Shan region of Kazakhstan, some time before 2,000 BCE. So, apples have been a part of human history for thousands of years. As people migrated and explored new lands, they took apple seeds with them, planting apple orchards across Europe and eventually North America. In the United States, apple orchards became a common sight by the early 17th century, thanks to settlers who brought apple seeds and saplings from Europe.

The Seasonal Connection

Apple picking is intrinsically tied to the fall season for a simple reason: that’s when apples are ripe and ready for harvest. The timing of the apple harvest varies depending on the variety and location, but it generally starts from late summer and extends through early winter. The peak season, however, falls squarely in autumn. This serendipitously coincides with when leaves change color, and the air turns crisp.

The Rise of “Leafing” and Apple Picking

The tradition of “leafing,” or traveling to watch the fall foliage, gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the northeastern United States. The ubiquity of the automobile likely had something to do with it. Around the same time, apple orchards began to recognize the potential for agritourism. As families and tourists flocked to rural areas to admire the autumn leaves, orchards opened their gates for apple picking, offering a wholesome, interactive experience.

More Than Just Picking Apples

Over the years, apple picking has evolved into a multifaceted activity that goes beyond the orchard. Many farms now offer additional attractions like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos, making it a full-day family outing. The rise of “pick-your-own” farms has also made apple picking more accessible, allowing people to connect with the land and learn about the journey of an apple from tree to table.

A Cultural Staple

Today, apple picking is deeply ingrained in American culture as a quintessential fall activity. It’s a tradition that allows people to celebrate the bounty of the season, spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

The Apple of Your Eye: Popular and Unique Apple Varieties in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to a rainbow of apple varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile, texture, and culinary uses. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, tart, or a balance of both, New Jersey’s orchards have got you covered. Here are some of the most popular apple varieties you’ll find in the Garden State:

Popular Varieties

1. Mollie’s Delicious

A New Jersey native, this apple was developed in 1948 by Rutgers researcher G.W. Schnieder. It’s a cross between Golden Delicious and Edgewood apples, offering a sweet and slightly tart flavor.

2. Braeburn

Known for their balanced sweet and tart flavor, Braeburn apples are a versatile choice for both eating fresh and cooking.

3. Golden Delicious

As the name suggests, these apples are sweet and perfect for snacking or making apple sauce.

4. Fuji

If you’re a fan of sweet and crisp apples, Fuji is your go-to variety.

5. Gala

These apples are incredibly sweet and juicy, making them perfect for eating fresh or adding to salads.

6. Jonagold

A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, Jonagold apples offer a sweet and tangy flavor that’s great for baking.

7. Rome Beauty

These apples are known for their firm texture and tart flavor, making them ideal for baking and cooking.

8. Granny Smith

If you’re looking for something tart and firm, Granny Smith apples are a classic choice.

9. Honeycrisp

Known for their sweet and juicy flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a favorite for eating fresh.

10. Jersey Mac

These apples offer a crisp, juicy, and sweet/tart flavor, making them a versatile choice for various culinary uses.

Unique to New Jersey

Mollie’s Delicious

This apple variety is unique to New Jersey and was developed by Rutgers researcher G.W. Schnieder in 1948. It’s a cross between Golden Delicious and Edgewood apples, offering a flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart. You won’t find this apple variety anywhere else, making it a must-try when you’re in the state.

Jersey Mac

Developed at the Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station in 1956 and commercially released in 1971, Jersey Mac (sometimes called “Jerseymac”) is a McIntosh-type apple with a New Jersey twist. It ripens earlier than traditional McIntosh varieties and brings a bit more tartness to the table, making it ideal for cooking, baking, and applesauce. If you’re baking pies with it, a thickener is recommended as the flesh cooks down quickly. This variety is also a reliable cropper, making it a favorite among growers.

Conclusion

Apple picking in New Jersey is an experience that offers something for everyone. From family-friendly activities to unique apple varieties, each orchard and farm provides its own slice of autumnal magic. So what are you waiting for? Grab a basket and head to one of these fantastic orchards and farms to experience the joy of apple picking in New Jersey!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Tommy Lee Walker/Shutterstock.com