When fall comes around, it only means one thing… apple picking. Regardless of whether you’re young or old – everything loves a stroll through the apple orchard in search of the perfect fruit.
In fact, there is nothing better than walking through apple trees with the sweet, crisp smell of autumn all around you.
Gala, Fuji, McIntosh, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious are just some varieties you can expect to find in New Jersey.
While grocery stores and farmers’ markets are always stocked with apples – there is no better feeling than picking your own in a rural adventure.
In New Jersey, otherwise known as the Garden State, the apple-picking season starts in August and runs throughout October.
Honecripst and Galas are ready in late summer whereas Fujis and Granny Smiths’ are readily available throughout the fall.
If you’re looking for the best apple-picking locations in New Jersey, then you’ve come to the right place.
With this in mind, this article will explore everything you need to know about the 9 best apple-picking spots in New Jersey.
Let’s get started.
How To Pick The Best Apples?
The first step is to jump on a hayride into the depth of the apple orchard. Next, you’ll want to listen closely to your guide, instructing you on the best in-season apples.
You’ll want to look for apples that are firm – free from any bruises and blemishes. Once you have filled up your bucket, head back over to the market where you can enjoy some sweet pressed cider and apple cider donuts.
After spending a fun-filled day at the orchard, take your apples home to whip up something delicious, like some applesauce or an apple pie!
As a fourth-generation family farm, Race Farm can be found in the heart of Blairstown, NJ. Here, you’re offered a wide selection of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. Plus, there’s a market/ garden center, too.
You’re provided with the finest fruits in the area all thanks to a family’s dedication to a labor of love.
Besides apples, they also have pear, peach, cherry, and plum orchards. Plus, they have an abundance of sweet corn, blueberries, leafy greens, eggplant, tomatoes, and beans, too.
On top of this, the farm also produces its very own cider, alongside an on-site bakery – producing cider donuts and other baked goods.
In 2011, a small prepared food line was even added to the farm where Jeanny Race makes homemade dressings, hummus, soups, and salads – using products produced freshly on the farm, for the best and highest quality.
On the other hand, you’ll generally see Carl, Doug, and Ryan on the seat of the tractor – keeping the farm up to shape.
However, the roadside market is run by Devin – which is the farm’s main attraction. Here, Devin makes sure her grandparent’s legacy carries on, ensuring that the freshest foods and produce are stocked in the garden center.
In addition, you’ll find tons of perennials, annuals, vegetable plants, and various gardening supplies, too – you’ll want to make sure you’re stopping here on your journey.
The busiest region in New Jersey is the northeast, however, you wouldn’t know this when you visit Demarest Farms in Hillsdale.
Situated only 5 miles away from the New York-New Jersey State line and 20 miles northeast of Manhattan, you’ll find the diversified orchard of Demarest Farms.
Not only is the fall ideal for picking apples but also pumpkins, too! Plus, in July you can pick some of the juiciest peaches in the state. From mid-August, they even have a popular wine festival.
Once you have finished picking your apples, head over to the farmers market where you can purchase some of the best apple cider donuts.
The prime apple-picking time is between September to October, however, you need a reservation in advance – providing you with 90 minutes of access to the farm’s apples.
Located in Freehold, New Jersey, Battleview Orchards is a family-operated and owned farm featuring locally grown fruit and vegetables as well as the option to ‘pick-your-own’.
This ranges from sour cherries, strawberries, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, and, of course, apples. Plus, it is the oldest orchard in the whole of New Jersey!
While picking season may not be available all year round, the Country Store is! Here, you’ll find their famous Fresh Pressed Cider and Apple Cider Donuts.
Besides this, you’ll also find top-quality fruits and vegetables, as well as freshly baked goods, including bread and pies.
In addition to this, you’ll also find gift baskets, gourmet items, and fruit and vegetable platters.
When it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, nobody does it better than Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm.
Opening in 1940, the farm grows quite literally everything from A to Z (apples to zucchinis). In the well-stocked farmers market, you’ll find jams, honey, freshly baked pies, and jellies.
However, we can’t forget about apple picking! Here, you can hop onto a free hay ride and enjoy everything the orchard has to offer – from Winesap or Red Delicious apples.
Moreover, the farm is open for business between two months of April 1 to Christmas Eve. Although, apple season generally begins around mid-September.
At Terhune Orchards, they keep their farm store open all year round.
Here, they sell fresh fruit, vegetables, local gourmet goodies, homemade baked goods, local honey, and jams. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on their apple cider donuts or freshly pressed apple cider.
In addition to this, they even have their own winery and vineyard – where their wines are made with only the best grapes in Terhune Orchards.
On top of this, they provide a ‘Read and Pick’ program designed for children which introduces them to the wonders of farming. Here, they combine hands of experience with an educational program, as well as a listening activity to keep your kids engaged.
From September to October, the farm is open for apple picking. Some varieties include Gala, Cameo, Stayman Winesap, Granny Smith, Jonathan, Empire, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Crimson Crisp, Red Delicious, Macoun, and Fuji.
Pick-your-own fruit is available at Terhune Orchards, just off Van Kirk Road (around the block from the farm), and is open daily.
Here, dwarf trees are planted and wired to a trellis to ensure the trees are kept short and the apples are easy to pick by hand.
As such, you don’t have to worry about using any long poles or ladders. The result is delicious, juicy, and crisp apples. Plus, you pay by weight.
At Johnson’s Corner Farms, they consider themselves to be more than just a ‘pick-your-own’ orchard. In fact, they have a motto of “Planting Seeds… Making Memories.”
Throughout the year, they host many events that the young and old can take part in and enjoy. For instance, there are rides for kids and petting zoos.
During the summer, they even have their own Friday Night Cruise and Barbeque where you can try delicious barbecue foods and admire classic restored cars.
Likewise, in the fall, they host Fall Festival Weekends, where you can enjoy everything from live entertainment to corn mazes and hayrides. You can find all their events on their website.
In addition to all of this, they have their infamous apple-picking. As part of their regulations, you must make a reservation before picking your own apples. However, this can easily be made online. That said, be quick, they sell out quickly!
Moreover, if online reservations haven’t sold out, the orchard will allow walk-ins.
Located in Belvidere, NJ, Stonyfield orchard is a family-owned and operated orchard. Here, you can pick the very best quality fruit and vegetables in the area.
In addition, you can also purchase fresh goods straight from their farm shop all year round. Plus, they are kid-friendly, too, with plenty of farm yard animals to see and enjoy.
At their Farm Store, you’ll find tons of freshly picked produce, including sweet & sour cherries, strawberries, apples, peaches, pears, pumpkins, potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, herbs, and cabbage.
Of course, apples are available too – throughout the winter until April. Here, they make their own pressed cider in the winter which is available throughout June.
In addition to this, you can also find cheeses, eggs, maple syrup, jellies, preserves, Vermont cheese, salad dressings, relishes, and much more!
There isn’t only one type of apple variety, either. In fact, you’ll find a range of apples, including Britemac, Baldwin, Empire, Cortland, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Ginger Gold, Gravenstein, Granny Smith, Jersey Mac, Ida Red, Jonagold, Jersey Red, Macoun, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Northern Spy, Stayman/Winesap, and Rome.
Alstede Farms provides guests with the opportunity to experience everything their farm has to offer. With each season, you’re provided with heaps of fun for both adults and children, alike – each visit brings a new discovery.
They strive to make each visit to the farm memorable. Whether you’re looking to visit the farm animals, explore the grounds, or pick your very own fruit and vegetables.
In fact, the last summer and early fall are the perfect time to enjoy some of the healthiest and tastiest fruits, including apples.
Here, you’re offered over 50 different apple varieties – each ensuring a unique flavor profile to suit your needs.
Whether you prefer a sharp and tart Granny Smith over the mildly sweet Galas, or even a juicy McIntosh over the zesty Winesap.
The best time to head over to the farm and pick your own apples is in the fall when the autumnal scents have made their way into the orchards.
Final Thoughts
When fall comes around, this only means one thing: apple-picking! Kick off the season the right way with the help of some of the best apple-picking orchards in the area.
Besides apples, you can find a range of other fruits and vegetables at these orchards, too, including blueberries, pears, peaches, tomatoes, corn, and much more!
In addition, you’ll find a range of homemade baked goods and treats, too. Hopefully, this guide has informed you about the best apple-picking orchards in New Jersey.
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