As sunny summer days lead into crisp evenings, it’s time to celebrate what makes fall great: Mainly, cozy sweaters and apple picking. New Jersey is home to dozens of family-owned and operated farms that pride themselves on growing juicy apples from August through October. These are our picks for Jersey’s 10 Best PYO Apple Orchards of 2026.
Whether you feel like spending a quiet day roaming around a quaint apple orchard or want to bring the whole gang to a lively fall festival, you’re sure to find the perfect autumn outing at one of these New Jersey farms. Ready to find The 10 Best PYO Apple Orchards in New Jersey? Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
Editor’s Note: These apple orchards all survived the spring frost and are offering PYO apple picking for 2026. However, some may have reduced crop yield this year. It’s best to check with each orchard to confirm their produce availability before visiting.
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The 10 Best New Jersey
PYO Apple Orchards
Featured From Morris County:
Riamede Farm
Where: 122 Oakdale Rd, Chester
Details: Riamede Farm comprises 68 acres, about 24 acres of which are apple trees dating back to the 1950s. In fact, these older acres still nurture apple trees planted by the original apple farmers, Lowry and Ria Mead. The farm’s expansive orchard features 57 varieties of apples, ranging from traditional classics and heirloom specialties to modern favorites. Their apple flavors run from very sweet (Galas and Ginger Golds) to very tart (Winesaps and Greenings). Of course, the farm store has plenty of fresh products to shop, including Riamede’s own sparkling apple cider. Other market highlights include apple butter, apple crisp mix, and Riamede Farm branded merch. Don’t forget to try their fresh-baked cider donuts! Keep an eye out for other PYO activities, from pumpkins to flowers and veggies during Bloom Fest in August. On fall weekends, enjoy wagon rides, the apple slingshot, a corn trail, live music, and local beer.
| Visit Their Website | Follow @RiamedeFarm on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 908-879-7762 |
Alstede Farms
Where: Chester
Details: This fan favorite farm boasts fields full of juicy apples ripe for picking. Once late summer/early fall rolls around, their selection of over 45 types of apples begin to ripen. Popular options include the Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Super Chief Delicious, and the Daybreak Fuji. The latter is an all-American cross between Red Delicious and Ralls Janet that harvest six weeks earlier than the typical Fuji apple. Stop by the farm store for delicious homemade treats. Check out their website for upcoming live entertainment and farm activities.
Demarest Farms
Where: Hillsdale
Details: Demarest grows 30 types of apples in their pick-your-own orchard. They typically open for the PYO season in late August. Their selection includes favorites like Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Autumn Gala, Mutsu/Crispin, and Winecrisp. Note: The ripening schedule ranges from early September to late October. Seasonal farm activities include a petting zoo, paint and sip nights, and holiday light shows during Halloween and Christmas. Their farm store features seasonal produce, a huge salad bar, homemade food, and apple cider donuts.
Longmeadow Farm
Where: Hope
Details: The apples are the main attraction at Longmeadow Farms, with over 15 varieties grown. (You’ll find Gala, Ginger Gold, Honey Crisp, Northern Spy, Stayman Winesap, and more!). But there’s much more to the farm beyond apples, including pumpkin picking and a berry patch. Longmeadow also sells homemade jams, jellies and honey. Their annual Harvest Festival is always the first weekend of October, offering craft vendors, live entertainment, and local food trucks. This year marks the 12th annual festival, set for October 4.
Melick’s Town Farm
Where: Califon | Oldwick
Details: Melick’s Town Farm produces nearly 25 different types of apples across both their orchards. Their available varieties include Fuji, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Cameo, Red Delicious, and Macoun. Locals also love their homemade apple cider, which Melick’s pasteurizes using ultra-violet light to preserve its rich flavor. Besides PYO apple picking, guests can enjoy wagon rides on most weekends throughout September and October. Melick’s is also a go-to spot for fall decor, as they sell hay bales, corn shucks, mums, and more.
Phillips Farms
Where: Milford
Details: Philips Farms is one of the oldest family run farms in New Jersey. Founded in 1806 by German immigrant Philip Rapp on 40 acres, the family’s operation now extends over 300 acres. The farm produces fruits, vegetables, and nursery plants, and hosts PYO apple picking beginning in mid August. Once September and October rolls around, the main farm is open for PYO every weekend. Phillips Farms has over 25 apple varieties to pick from August through November, as well as four types of Asian Pears (September and October only).
Stiles Farm and Nursery
Where: Cape May Court House
Details: Stiles is a dedicated Pick Your Own fruit farm that is open from May through September. Their seasonal crop yield includes apples, pears, Asian pears, and many types of berries and pit fruits. From the unique beach plums — that most local farms don’t grow — to blackberries, there is always a reason to visit. Their summer PYO hours are typically earlier in the day, from 9am to Noon. Be sure to check their social media before heading out, as Stiles PYO availability is weather dependent.
Stony Hill Farms
Where: Chester
Details: This big family farm is a fan favorite for its corn maze and fun park filled with rides, games, and activities for all ages. Kids in particular love the gemstone mining, trike rides, and life sized board games. When it comes to apple picking, they are open from September through October. Note: You can save a few dollars by purchasing an entry ticket online, they are more expensive at the farm. PYO apple picking tickets come with admission to the orchards and a hayride to the fields (weekends only). We highly recommend a visit to their bakery.
Sun High Orchards
Address: Randolph
Details: The months of September and October bring fresh apple picking to Sun High Orchards. (They also sell apples in their market by the pound or by the basket if you don’t want to pick them yourself.) Besides apples Sun High also produces peaches, watermelons, and cantaloupe, over a dozen vegetables, and three varieties of tomatoes. Stop by their market for freshly baked pies, breads, muffins, key lime pie, and their homemade wildflower honey. They also sell glass bottled milk from Springhouse Creamery in Fredon Township.
Wightman Farms
Where: Morristown
Details: All is well at Wightman Farms, as their crop yield has survived the tumultuous weather. Which is great, because this spot is a favorite for their Membership program. Patrons pay a single time and can access the farm from June through August. Their apple selection exclusively offers Ginger Gold and Zester. There is always something baking or brewing at the farm, including hot tea and freshly baked donuts, pies, and cookies. They also sell a selection of premade meals such as lasagna and chicken pot pie, plus soups and sandwiches.
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New Jersey’s
Best PYO Apple Orchards FAQs
New Jersey’s Apple picking season typically kicks off in late August and runs through the end of October or early November. Different apple varieties ripen at different times within this period.
Stony Hill Farms (Chester) offers a corn maze, gemstone mining, and trike rides. Meanwhile, Mood’s Farm Market (Mullica Hill) hosts an annual Apple Festival in early September. Finally, Demarest Farms (Hillsdale) offers seasonal petting zoos and holiday light shows.
Fresh cider donuts are a fall staple! You can find freshly baked apple cider donuts at Demarest Farms (Hillsdale), Riamede Farm (Chester), and Wightman Farms (Morristown).
Mood’s Farm Market (Mullica Hill) specializes in 10 apple varieties. Meanwhile, Stiles Farm and Nursery (Cape May Court House) is a dedicated PYO fruit farm operating through September.
Alstede Farms (Chester) boasts over 45 types of apples, while nearby Riamede Farm features 44 varieties ranging from classic heirlooms to modern favorites.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Demarest Farms / Instagram
