Where to go apple picking in New Jersey this fall

While the temperatures are dropping and the days are growing shorter, New Jerseyans still have a chance to head outdoors and go apple picking in this last stretch of the season. 

The Garden State is filled with places to pick your own autumnal produce, eat apple cider donuts and raise a glass of apple cider. 

Phillips Farm in Milford

Head to the rural backroads of Hunterdon County to pick your own apples at Phillips Farms, located at 91 Crabapple Hill Road in Milford. Just note: The last weekend to pick your own apples will be Oct. 25 and 26. 

Owned and operated by the Philips family for more than two centuries, the farm was founded in 1806 and has grown from 40 acres to now 300 acres of fruits, vegetables and other plants. During the fall, you can pick a wide variety of apples, pumpkins, pears, gourds, sunflowers, cherry and beefsteak tomatoes, flowers, and more. 

Once you’ve finished at the farm, check out downtown Milford, a small town perched along the banks of the Delaware River. There, you can check out locally owned shops and restaurants. Descendants Brewing Company, for example, is a nearly 40-year-old microbrewery that serves pub fare in a Victorian home.

Riamede Farm in Chester

Riamede Farm, located at 122 Oakdale Road in Chester, is packed with fall fun, from pick-your-own apples and pumpkins to a “monster mash line dance” on Oct. 24, a free weekly apple club, apple cider donuts, and scenic hayrides. 

In addition to apples and pumpkins, the farm also has a range of flowers you can pick, including sunflowers, zinnias and snapdragons, as well as various vegetables. 

If you’re looking for something to do after the farm, head to downtown Chester, where you’ll find brick sidewalks and locally owned boutique shops and eateries.

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm in Jobstown

Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm, located at 2691 Monmouth Road in Jobstown, has 325 acres of apples, pumpkins, a five-acre corn maze, sunflowers, field flowers, and more.

With its roots in the 17th century, the farm was owned by the Black family for generations. According to the farm’s website, the first-ever iron plow to be documented in the United States was tested at the farm.

Terhune Orchards in Princeton

For those who’d like a range of activities for the whole family, Terhune Orchards has pick-your-own apples, a winery, a fall art show, and a farm store that dates to the 1930s.

Terhune Orchards is located at 330 Cold Soil Road in Princeton, and the pick-your-own orchard is located at 13 Van Kirk Road.

There are plenty of kid-friendly activities at the farm, including farm animals, children’s tractors, a kids garden, a farm trail, and more. For the older farm-goers, there are wine tastings. In the warmer months, Terhune regularly hosts live music.

Downtown Princeton always shines in autumn. Take in the neo-Gothic architecture at Princeton University, get a bite to eat at the many restaurants in Palmer Square, and head to the annual Hometown Halloween Parade on Oct. 24.

Battleview Orchards in Freehold

Battleview Orchards, located at 91 Wemrock Road in Freehold, has been owned and operated by the Applegate family since 1908.

At the orchards, you can pick your own apples and pumpkins, visit the country store that’s open year-round, hop on a hayride, and pick up homemade pies. 

If you’re not sure what to do with your abundance of produce once you’re done, Battleview offers a variety of recipes on its website.

For those looking for some more autumnal happenings, you can head to downtown Freehold for a haunted hayride on Oct. 19, a monster mash on Oct. 25 and a costume parade on Oct. 26.