A Crisp Fall Day, a Few Farms, and a Lot of Cider Donuts

A fall guide to apple picking, pumpkin farms, corn mazes, hayrides, and cider donuts around Morris County, New Jersey.

There is something about fall in New Jersey that makes me want to spend every possible weekend outside. The mornings get a little cooler, the leaves start changing, pumpkins appear on every farm stand, and suddenly stopping for a warm cider donut feels like a perfectly reasonable part of the day.

Here in Morris County, we really are spoiled when it comes to fall farms. Within a relatively small area, you can pick apples, wander through pumpkin patches, take hayrides, get lost in corn mazes, visit farm animals and, of course, eat your way through more cider donuts than you probably planned.

Some of our farms have become full fall destinations where you could easily spend most of the day. Others are smaller and more relaxed, which can be just as nice when you simply want to pick some apples, grab a pumpkin and enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon.

Whether you are planning a family day, looking for somewhere to take out-of-town visitors or just want an excuse to get outside on a crisp October weekend, these are some of my favorite places to experience fall around Morris County.

* A Quick Apple-Picking Note for 2026

This year, New Jersey’s apple season has been a little more unpredictable than usual. Extreme weather has affected apple crops around the state, which means some farms may have fewer apples available, shorter picking windows, or may need to pause pick-your-own earlier than expected.

So before you load everyone into the car and promise them an afternoon of apple picking, check the farm’s website or social media that morning to make sure picking is still open and see which varieties are available.

Farm conditions can change quickly, especially after a busy fall weekend. And if the apples happen to be taking the day off? There are still pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, farm markets and, most importantly, cider donuts.

Alstede Farms – Chester, New Jersey

If you are looking for the full fall experience, Alstede Farms is probably one of the first places that comes to mind.

There is apple picking early in the season, followed by pumpkins as fall moves along, plus hayrides, corn mazes and plenty of activities that make it easy to spend several hours here. This is a particularly good choice when you have kids with you because picking apples or pumpkins is only part of the day.

There are farm animals, play areas and seasonal activities that can turn a quick farm stop into an entire afternoon.

The farm market is another reason to leave yourself extra time. You can pick up produce, baked goods, cider and all kinds of seasonal treats before heading home.

Alstede also hosts special events throughout the fall, including evening experiences later in the season. And yes, you should get the cider donuts.

One thing that makes Alstede a little different from some of the strictly seasonal stops is that you can find their cider donuts beyond just the few weeks of peak fall. So if the craving hits after apple-picking season is over, you still have options.

Website: www.alstedefarms.com

Best for: A full fall day with apple picking, pumpkins and plenty of activities.

Riamede Farm – Chester, New Jersey

If you are looking for more of that classic orchard feeling, Riamede Farm is a great place to start.

The apple trees are really the star here, and there is something about walking through an actual orchard and picking your apples straight from the tree that just feels like fall.

Riamede is one of New Jersey’s longstanding pick-your-own apple orchards, but the experience has grown to include plenty of other fall fun as well.

Depending on when you visit, you may find pumpkin picking, hay wagon rides, a corn trail, lawn games, seasonal displays, cider donuts and other activities happening around the farm.

The apple varieties change as the season progresses, so if you have your heart set on Honeycrisp, Cortland or another favorite, check what is currently being picked before you go. This is one of the farms I would choose when the orchard itself is a big part of what you are looking for.

Website: www.riamedefarm.com

Best for: Traditional apple picking and that quintessential fall orchard atmosphere.

Stony Hill Farms – Chester, New Jersey

Stony Hill is another Chester favorite, especially if your family loves a corn maze. Their large themed corn maze has become one of the farm’s signature fall attractions, and there are plenty of other activities surrounding it.

Depending on the day, you may find hayrides, apple cannons, smaller mazes, play areas and other seasonal activities. There is also pick-your-own produce throughout the growing season, including apples and pumpkins during fall.

Stony Hill is a good option for families with older kids who may have outgrown some of the little-kid farm activities but still want something fun to do together. I also like that you can make this as simple or as busy as you want. Go for the picking or stay and make an afternoon of the maze and activities.

Another reason to linger a little longer at Stony Hill Farm Market is Rebel Sheep Wine Co., the farm’s own winery and tasting room. You can settle in with a glass or tasting of their fruit wines and hard ciders, which makes Stony Hill just as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids running through the corn maze. 

They also have a surprisingly fun lineup of events throughout the year. Think trivia nights, sushi-making workshops, live music, seasonal workshops and special fall events. For 2026, the calendar even includes an adults-only Glow Maze with wine, sangria or cider, live music, a fire pit and s’mores. In other words, this is one farm where you could come back without the kids and have a completely different experience. Definitely check the Rebel Sheep event calendar before you go because the schedule changes throughout the season. 

Website: www.stonyhillfarms.com

Best for: Corn mazes, older kids and families who want more than just apple picking – and adults who want a farm day with a glass of wine or hard cider.

Ort Farms – Long Valley, New Jersey

Ort Farms in Long Valley is one of those places where you can very quickly turn a pumpkin-picking trip into an entire afternoon. Apple picking gets things started earlier in the season, and then pumpkins really take over as September turns into October.

Hayrides take visitors out toward the pumpkin fields, and there is also a corn maze along with lots of activities for kids. Depending on the season, you may find pony rides, the cow train, monster truck rides, farm animals and play areas.

There is also a large farm market, so I would definitely leave time to wander through before leaving. And here is one of the things that makes Ort’s cider donuts a little different: they bake them instead of frying them. You can usually find them in several versions, including the traditional cinnamon-sugar style. They have a slightly different texture than the hot fried version you may be used to, which makes them worthy of their own taste test. You may need to try both. Strictly for research purposes, of course.

Website: www.ortfarms.com

Best for: Pumpkin picking, lots of family activities and making a full afternoon of your visit.

Wightman Farms – Morristown, New Jersey

If you are closer to Morristown, Wightman Farms is an easy way to fit a fall farm day into the weekend without heading farther west.

This is one of those places where you stop in thinking you’ll grab a donut and somehow leave with lunch, a pie, a plant and something from the gift section. The farm market is much more extensive than I expected, with a full bakery, prepared sandwiches and salads, a meat section, seasonal gifts and plenty of potted plants and flowers outside.

It feels less like a quick farm stand and more like a little country market where you can wander for a while and actually stock up. And then there are the cider donuts.

In my opinion, Wightman Farms had my favorite cider donuts of the farms we tried. They were softer and more cake-like than some of the others, with that classic apple-cider flavor and sugar coating that makes it very difficult to stop at one.

Fall typically brings apple picking along with the farm’s seasonal harvest activities. Wightman offers corn pits, corn mazes, hayrides and seasonal farm activities, so it is easy to turn a quick stop into a full afternoon.

There were also plenty of vendors set up around the farm when we visited, which added to the atmosphere and gave it more of a fall festival feel.

Between the food, flowers, activities and market, this is one of those places that really has a little bit of everything, and it is definitely one I would go back to.

Website: www.wightmanfarms.com

Best for: A convenient Morristown-area fall outing with picking, seasonal activities, a full farm market, and in my opinion, one very good cider donut!

Parks Farms – Chester, New Jersey

Parks Farms is a nice option if you want something a little simpler and more traditional.

Depending on the season, the farm offers apple and pumpkin picking along with hayrides and other farm activities. There is also a farm stand where you can pick up seasonal produce, local products and baked goods.

Not every fall outing needs a dozen attractions and a four-hour itinerary.

Sometimes you just want to walk around a farm, pick some apples or pumpkins and enjoy the weather. This is the kind of place I keep in mind for exactly that.

Website: www.parksfarmsnj.com

Best for: A relaxed, traditional fall farm experience.

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill – Chester, New Jersey

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill deserves a place on any Morris County fall list. You don’t necessarily come here because you need a day packed with activities. You come because it is one of those places that simply feels like fall.

Hacklebarney is known for fresh apple cider, cider donuts, pies and plenty of other baked treats. It makes an especially easy stop when you are already spending the day around Chester because several of the area’s apple orchards and pumpkin farms are nearby.

And then there is the cider donut ice cream float. Yes, a cider donut and ice cream together. This is exactly the kind of fall indulgence I am willing to make room for. I actually love the idea of making Hacklebarney the last stop of a Chester farm day. Pick your apples or pumpkins first, then end the afternoon here with cider and something sweet. Because sometimes the cider donut is not the side attraction. Sometimes it is the destination.

Website: www.hacklebarneyfarm.com

Best for: Cider, cider donuts, baked goods and a sweet ending to a Chester fall day.

When Is Apple Picking Season in New Jersey?

New Jersey apple season usually begins around late August and continues well into October, but that doesn’t mean the same apples are available the entire time. Different varieties ripen at different points in the season. Earlier apples may be ready around the end of August or beginning of September, while many favorites appear throughout September and into October.

If there is a particular variety you want, always check the farm’s current picking schedule before you go. Apple availability can change quickly, especially after a busy weekend. And remember that these are working farms. Heat, rain, frost and other weather conditions can change a harvest from one year to the next.

When Is Pumpkin Picking Season in New Jersey?

Pumpkin picking usually starts becoming a bigger part of the farm experience around the middle to end of September and continues through October. If you want a good pumpkin selection without the biggest crowds, I like that window from late September into early October. As you get closer to Halloween, farms tend to get much busier, especially on beautiful fall weekends.

The trade-off is that October also gives you the full fall experience — changing leaves, cooler temperatures, pumpkins everywhere and all of the seasonal activities in full swing.

Make Your Own Chester Fall Farm Trail

One of my favorite things about this part of Morris County is just how many farms are clustered around Chester. You could easily build your own fall farm trail around Alstede Farms, Riamede Farm, Stony Hill Farms, Parks Farms and Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill. But I wouldn’t try to cram all of them into a single day.

Pick one farm for apple picking. Visit another weekend for pumpkins. Come back later in October for a corn maze or hayride. And somewhere along the way, stop at Hacklebarney for cider and donuts. Or skip the activities altogether one afternoon and take a drive through the changing leaves with the sole purpose of finding something warm and apple-cinnamon covered to eat.

Fall doesn’t have to be another thing we rush through. Part of the fun is stretching it out and enjoying these places while the season is here.

Tips for Visiting New Jersey Farms in the Fall

Fall weekends at New Jersey farms can get extremely busy, particularly from late September through the middle of October. If a farm offers advance or timed tickets, I recommend buying them before you go. Earlier in the day is usually easier if you want to avoid some of the crowds.

Wear shoes that can handle dirt, grass and mud. Even when the weather is beautiful, orchards and pumpkin fields can be uneven or damp.

And always check the farm’s website or social media the day you plan to visit. Pick-your-own crops change constantly, and hours, fields and activities can be affected by weather.

Most importantly, don’t expect to leave with only the thing you went there for. You may arrive for six apples and somehow go home with a pumpkin, three mums, a gallon of cider, a pie and a bag of donuts. That’s fall in New Jersey.

A Crisp Fall Day in Morris County

Fall doesn’t last nearly long enough around here. One week everything is green, then suddenly the leaves are brilliant shades of orange, gold and red, and before you know it the trees are bare.

So when we get those beautiful crisp fall days, take advantage of them. Pick the apples. Take the hayride. Walk through the pumpkin patch. Get lost in the corn maze. Buy the cider.

And definitely eat the donut while it’s still warm.

Whether you spend the whole day at one of the larger farms or simply stop for cider and something sweet, visiting our local farms is one of my favorite ways to slow down and actually enjoy the season while it’s here. And once you get home with a car full of apples, pumpkins and the mum you absolutely did not plan on buying, you might as well keep the fall mood going.

For more seasonal inspiration, take a look at:

•  A Warmer Way to Decorate for Fall: Modern Fall Home Decor Ideas for Every Room for easy ways to bring those warmer colors and textures indoors.

•  Fall Outdoor Living & Entertaining ideas will help you make the most of those crisp evenings outside.

A few farms, a beautiful fall day and probably more cider donuts than you planned.

That sounds like a pretty good way to spend autumn in Morris County.

Do you have a favorite Morris County farm I should add to the list? And, more importantly, who makes your favorite cider donut? Leave me a comment below — I’m always looking for another fall stop to add to the list.