School is back in session, temperatures are cooling, sleeves are getting longer, and pumpkin spice beverages are everywhere, which can only mean fall is here! Before it gets too cold and we all retreat inside, it’s vitally important to commemorate the season with a trip to the local orchard or farm to pick up some delicious apples and pumpkins of all sizes. And since no family outing is complete without our fur babies, we’ve rounded up a list of U-Pick farms throughout New Jersey that are dog-friendly. The only caveat is that all dogs must be on a leash. Many of the farms have additional shops and cafes or seasonal activities like corn mazes and hayrides, which will surely fill your bellies with treats and your hearts full of memories. Read on to plan your perfect fall day out with your four-legged friends.
Habiak Farms | Deans Rhode Hall Road, South Brunswick
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Habiak Farms is officially open to the public for pumpkin picking. Unique to this farm is that the pumpkins and gourds can be picked straight from the vine on a vast field that sits next to the Christmas tree farm. The landscape is the quintessential backdrop for a crisp autumn day.
Read More: 25 New Jersey Festivals For Your Fall 2023 Bucket List
Hacklebarney Farms Cider Mill | 104 State Park Road, Chester
Built in the 1850s, the Hacklebarney Farm is home to the Pitney, Jacobson, and Collins families. In the fall, guests can enjoy picking pumpkins, getting lost in a corn maze, watching cider pressing demonstrations (which should immediately be followed by drinking some), playing a game of cornhole, and noshing on a farm favorite – the cider-braised hot dog. There is also a farm store full of local produce and items grown right at Hacklebarney.
Hill Creek Farms | 1631 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill
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Pick apples from one of over 17,000 trees in the orchard, sip on a glass of wine, or satisfy that sweet tooth with a homemade cider doughnut all at Hill Creek Farms. There truly is something for everyone in the whole family to enjoy. Send the kids off on a barrel train ride through orchards while the adults take a stroll through the Wine Garden, where there is a selection of wines from Auburn Wines made in partnership with Hill Creek Farms and small bites by Haddon Culinary. Don’t forget your freshly picked apples at the end of it all though!
Hillcrest Orchard & Dairy | 2 Davis Road, Branchville
On the weekends at the U-Pick orchard at Hillcrest, guests hop on a short hayride and are whisked away to find over ten varieties of apples at their peak ripeness. Not too far away is the home to the farm’s dairy cows, who produce milk for an assortment of Italian cheeses such as mozzarella and ricotta. The farmstand also has apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, and other products made at Hillcrest with its very own apples and dairy.
Ideal Farms | 222 Route 15, Lafayette
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Fall is king at Ideal Farms. There are hayrides, pumpkin patches, a petting zoo, and a bakery filled to the brim, with all things apples of course, but also, other pies, bread, and pastries. For the Halloween fanatic, ask about taking a stroll or hayride through Screaming Alley or the Haunted Tunnel. Year-round, Ideal Farms is known for growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants as well as sourcing high-quality meat and dairy products.
See More: Dog-Friendly Apple Picking Farms to Visit on the East Coast
Middle Valley Farm | 304 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham
From late September through October, Middle Valley Farm hosts various fall activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, hay and corn mazes, and visiting with farm animals. There are no admission or parking fees so it’s an ideal location for large groups and families. The farm also serves snacks and refreshments like candy apples and baked goods.
Ort Farms | 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley
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The Fall Festival at Ort Farms runs through September and October and is the epitome of seasonal family fun. With a pre-purchased admission ticket (valid for any day), guests will have access to a hayride to the pumpkin patches and the new apple orchards, a corn maze, farm animals, and a kiddie play area. The apples and pumpkins themselves are additional costs. For purchase, there are also pony rides, apple cannons (yes, a great way to let off some steam), and monster truck rides. Food trucks offer plenty of food and beverage options on the weekends. Check out the calendar for special events like Oktoberfest at the end of September!
Red Wagon Farm Market | 437 State Route 33, Manalapan
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Red Wagon Farm is the largest pumpkin patch in New Jersey where the pumpkins can be picked right off the vine. The patch and corn maze are now open daily for the season through Halloween. There is also a petting zoo on select weekend days. The market also sells produce from the farm all summer long!
