As the crisp air of early fall starts to grace the landscapes of the Bergen County-North Jersey, an age-old tradition beckons—one that fills hearts with anticipation and baskets with the bounty of the season.
Apple picking, a cherished autumn activity for families and individuals alike, offers a wonderful escape from the everyday and a chance to embrace the beauty of nature’s transition. It’s also a heck of a lot of fun!
Apple Picking Near the Bergen County-North Jersey Area
For many Bergen County-North Jersey area families, apple picking has woven itself into the fabric of their fall traditions. The journey to the orchard, the thrill of discovering the perfect apple nestled among the branches, and the joy of carrying home bags filled with nature’s treasures—these elements combine to create an unforgettable experience.
According to pickyourown.com, the apple picking season typically graces us from September 1st to October 25th, with some orchards extending their offerings until the spook-tacular date of October 31st.
Options in New Jersey and Beyond
Bergen County boasts its very own pick-your-own apple orchard, just a stone’s throw from home. But that’s not all! Beyond this local treasure, a bounty of apple-picking options awaits within an easy daytrip driving distance of the Bergen County-North Jersey area.
In northern and central New Jersey and the nearby Hudson Valley region of New York State lies a trove of orchards, farms, and fields ripe for exploration.
Your 2024 Guide to Apple Picking near North Jersey
Our dedication to curating memorable experiences has led us to compile the mybergen.com 2024 directory of our favorite apple picking destinations. Whether you’re a family eager to create new traditions, a couple seeking a romantic day amidst the orchards, or simply someone in search of autumnal delight, our guide promises an array of options that cater to every preference.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of orchards, the thrill of the hunt for the perfect apple, and the undeniable magic that only fall can bring.
Our comprehensive directory is your passport to an apple-picking adventure like no other, and it’s all within reach of North Jersey.
We’ve also included a delicious homemade apple pie recipe at the end of this directory! So, save this article for when you return from your apple-picking outing with your bags and bags of apples!
Where to Go Apple Picking Within Easy Driving Distance of North Jersey!
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale, New Jersey
- 244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale, New Jersey
- www.demarestfarms.com
- Demarest Farms Pick Your Own Apples opens in early September
- Reservations required
- Open: 8:00 am-5:00 pm daily
- Market: Famous fresh apple cider donuts, pies, and delicious baked goods, seasonal decorations, produce, and flowers
- Pick Your Own: Apples, pumpkins, peaches
- Apple Varieties: Over 21 varieties, including Galas, McIntosh, Empire, Red, and Golden Delicious, Rome, Winesap, more
- Pick your own activities require reservations during the summer and fall 2024 seasons Visit website for details
The Orchards of Concklin, Pomona, New York
- 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona, New York
- orchardsofconcklin.com
- Apple picking season begins September 9, 2023
- Open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm
- Apple Varieties: McIntosh, Red Delicious, Cortland, Empire
- Farm market and bakery
- Fresh pressed cider and cider donuts
- Garden center and nursery
- Always call ahead for apple picking. Every person entering the orchard is required to purchase a 1/2 peck bag (Price to be determined. Children under 3 free). Additional bags may be purchased before entering the orchard. Pick only into purchased bags.
Riamede Farm, Chester, New Jersey
- 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, New Jersey
- www.riamede.com
- Open: September – early November, daily 9:00 am-4:30 pm. The driveway closes at 4:30 pm. Salesroom remains open until all are finished picking
- Market: Apples, pumpkins, seasonal fresh vegetables
- Pick Your Own: Apples, pumpkins
- Apple Varieties: 34 varieties of apples; heirlooms, traditional, and moderns
- Also Available: Cider, donuts, fall wreaths, gourds, honey, Indian corn, jams, and jellies
- Free hayrides on weekends. School and group trips are available. Half-century-old tree orchards with 19th-century ambiance. Cut-your-own pumpkins off the vine for early birds. Roam 66 acres of fields, woodlands, and orchards and enjoy the fall colors.
- 2024 apple picking season begins early September.
Stony Hill Gardens, Chester, New Jersey
- 8 State Route 24, Chester, New Jersey
- www.stonyhillgardens.com
- Open: Daily, 9:00 am-6:00 pm. Apple picking season is early September-mid-October
- Pick Your Own: Apples, pumpkins, strawberries
- Also Available: Plants, orchids, poinsettias, annuals, hanging baskets, bulb plants, perennials, cut flowers, mums, cabbage, and kale
- Corn maze open September-November. See website for times
Sun High Orchard, Randolph, New Jersey
- 19 Canfield Avenue, Randolph, New Jersey
- www.sunhigh.com
- Open: Daily, May – December, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Roadside Market
- Pick Your Own: Pumpkins, apples, cut your own flowers in the summer
- Apple Varieties: Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap plus pumpkins, vegetables, sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries, peaches
- Also Available: Apple cider, donuts, bakery, pies, soup, salads, jams, honey, cut flowers, bedding plants, perennials, gifts & craft items, mums, hayrides, picnic tables, fall decorations, petting zoo, farm animals
- Turn of the century general store, 200-year-old authentic working beehive oven
- Call or visit website to confirm 2024 apple picking dates
Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- 181 Mountain Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- www.ripplehillfarm.com
- Open: September- October, Sundays only, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm
- Roadside Market: Apples, peaches, tomatoes, pumpkins
- Pick Your Own: Apples, tomatoes, pumpkins
- Apple Varieties: McIntosh, McCouns, Gala, Jonalicious, Mitsu, Laura Red, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Winesap, & Granny Smith
- Apple picking is available on Sundays from 12:00 -4:00 pm starting mid-September through mid-October
Melick’s Town Farm, Oldwick, New Jersey
- 170 Oldwick Road, Oldwick, New Jersey
- www.melickstownfarm.com
- Open: September-mid-November, call or visit the website for harvest dates & hours
- Roadside Market: Apples, blueberries, cherries, melons, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, strawberries, winter squash, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, snap beans, yellow squash, tomatoes, zucchini
- Pick Your Own: Strawberries, apples, pumpkins, flowers
- Apple Varieties: Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap, Mutsu, Rome
- Also available: Cider, cider donuts, Indian corn, jams, jellies, Halloween decorations, hay, gourds, flowers, corn stalks, herbs, cut flowers, annuals, perennials, and shrubs; Christmas trees, wreaths
- Weekend hayrides mid-September – October; School tours available
- Call or visit website to confirm 2024 apple picking availability and dates
Melick’s Town Farm, Califon, New Jersey
- 472 Route 513, Califon, New Jersey
- www.melickstownfarm.com
- Open: July – October, Daily, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Roadside Market: Apples, peaches, nectarines, melons, pears, plums, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins, squash, tomatoes, zucchini, flowers
- Pick Your Own: Apples, peaches, pumpkins. Apple Varieties: Empire, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Macoun, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Stayman/Winesap, Rome, Mutsu
- Also Available: Hay, honey, cider, cider donuts, pies, jams/jellies, Indian corn, corn stalks, gourds, Halloween decorations, Horse-drawn wagon rides, and Grass Maze mid-September-October
- Call or visit website to confirm 2024 apple picking availability and dates
Ochs Orchard, Warwick, New York
- 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, New York
- ochsorchard.net
- Open: Apple picking season is mid-September to early November. Call for availability.
- Pick Your Own: Apples, berries, peaches, pumpkins, tomatoes, veggies
- Family Fun: Petting zoo for the kids, scenic views, picnicking
- Market: Homemade cider, cider donuts, ice cream made from fruit grown on the farm, baked goods, and pies.
- Hot food from their eatery is also sold within the farm store on weekends during the fall season.
The mybergen.com Apple Picking Within Easy Driving Distance of North Jersey directory will be updated throughout the 2024 apple-picking season!
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Watcha Gonna Do With All Those Apples?
Savor the Flavor of Freshly Picked Apples with This Homemade Apple Pie Recipe!
When you get home from your apple-picking adventure, you’re bound to have a bounty of beautiful apples. Now it’s time to put them to good use. Why not try this delicious homemade apple pie recipe – a perfect way to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 medium-sized apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin, even slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and flour. Mix well.
Step 4: Pour the sugar-spice mixture over the sliced apples. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 5: Roll out one of the pie crusts and place it in a pie dish.
Step 6: Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 7: Dot the top of the apple mixture with small pieces of butter.
Step 8: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim any excess crust and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Step 9: Make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Step 10: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful golden finish.
Step 11: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 12: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Step 13: Serve your homemade apple pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect autumn treat!
Enjoy your delicious homemade apple pie, made with love and fresh-picked apples from the Bergen County-North Jersey area. It’s a sweet way to celebrate the season! For more local tips and recipes, visit the Food pages of mybergen.com.
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Where to go pumpkin picking in the Bergen County area.
Fabulous Day Trips and Fun Spots Within Easy Driving Distance of Bergen County!
