As the crisp air of early fall starts to move into the Bergen County-North Jersey area, we begin thinking about the cherished autumn activity of apple picking. Whether you go every year or you’re planning your first trip, local orchards are ready with rows of trees, fresh cider, and plenty of crisp apples waiting to be picked.
Apple Picking Near the Bergen County-North Jersey Area
For a lot of Bergen County and North Jersey families, apple picking is simply part of fall. It’s the drive out to the orchard, the fun of filling a bag straight from the tree, and maybe even sneaking a taste while you’re at it. It’s a simple tradition that sticks with you. Most local orchards kick off their season in early September and keep it going through the end of October.
Options in New Jersey and Beyond
You don’t have to travel far to get in on the fun. Bergen County has its own pick-your-own apple orchard close to home. If you’re up for a short drive, there are plenty more apple-picking options within an easy day-trip distance of the Bergen County-North Jersey area.
Your 2025 Guide to Apple Picking near North Jersey
We’ve pulled together the mybergen.com 2025 directory of some of the best apple-picking spots to check out this season. Whether you’re planning a family outing, looking for a fun date idea, or just want a taste of fall in the orchards, you’ll find plenty of options in our guide.
Get ready to enjoy the simple fun of a fall day in the orchards. Our 2025 directory makes it easy to plan your next outing, with plenty of options all within reach of North Jersey. And when you come home with more apples than you know what to do with, we’ve included a homemade apple pie recipe at the end of this guide to help you put them to good use.
Where to Go Apple Picking Within Easy Driving Distance of North Jersey!
Demarest Farms, Hillsdale, New Jersey
- 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, New Jersey
- www.demarestfarms.com
- Pick Your Own Apples: August 30-October 13
- Reservations required
- Open: 8:00 am-5:00 pm daily
- More: Petting Zoo, Farm Market
The Orchards of Concklin, Pomona, New York
- 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona, New York (1010 Route 45, Pomona on the GPS)
- orchardsofconcklin.com
- Pick your own apples: Saturdays and Sundays, September 6-October 26, 11 am-4 pm
- Open daily from 9:00 am-5:00 pm
- More: Farm market, bakery, garden center and nursery
- Always call ahead for apple picking. Every person entering the orchard is required to purchase a 1/2 peck bag (Visit website for pricing. 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
- Pick your own apples: August 23-Late October
- Open: Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesdays) August from 9:00 am 4:30 pm, September-November, 9:00 am-5:30 pm.
- More: Market, hayrides (after Labor Day), family activities, live music
Ochs Orchard, Warwick, New York
- 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, New York
- www.ochsorchard.com
- Pick Your Own Apples: September-October
- Open: 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily
- More: Farm market, petting zoo
- Visit Ochs Orchard on Facebook for updates before heading out to the orchard.
Stony Hill Gardens, Chester, New Jersey
- 15 North Road, Chester, New Jersey
- www.stonyhillgardens.com
- Pick your own apples: Early September thru mid-October
- Visit website for hours of operation
- More: Weekend hayrides, children’s play area, farm market, winery, corn maze
Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- 181 Mountain Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- www.ripplehillfarm.com
- Pick your own apples: September 14-October 19, Sundays from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Melick’s Town Farm, Oldwick, New Jersey
- 19 King Street, Oldwick, New Jersey
- www.melickstownfarm.com
- Pick your own apples: September 7 thru early November
- Open: 9:00 am-6:00 pm daily
- More: Wagon rides, market
- Make an online reservation
Melick’s Town Farm, Califon, New Jersey
- 472 Route 513, Califon, New Jersey
- www.melickstownfarm.com
- Pick your own apples: August 29 thru early November
- Open: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
- More: Wagon rides, market, baked goods, picnic area
- Make an online reservation
The mybergen.com Apple Picking Within Easy Driving Distance of North Jersey directory will be updated throughout the 2025 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!
