Where To Go Apple Picking In And Around Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Although it's still summer, the days are getting cooler, and it's the unofficial start of fall.

Here are some Somerset County-area farms offering apple picking, many beginning this weekend (many places also offer peach and plum picking too):

Ripple Hill Farm, Basking Ridge: Pick your own apples is open on Sundays in September and October from noon to 4 p.m. McIntosh and Gala apples are available in early September. Garry Smith and Stayman Winesaps, and dozens of others, will be available later in the season.

Click here for more information about apple picking at Ripple Hill Farm.

Alstede Farms, Chester: This farm will have dozens of varieties of apples to choose from as the year moves along, including: Honeycrisp, Pioneer Macintosh, Macoun, and Fuji later on this month. Apples cost $2.39 a pound. Admission to pick-your-own areas costs $8.99 and includes tractor-trailer drawn wagon rides, access to mazes, and live entertainment.

Click here for more information about apple picking at Alstede Farms.

Sun High Orchards, Randolph: Apples may be picked in September and October. Apple bags are available for free. Apples are also sold in the farm's market by the pound. Prices and apple varieties vary. No dogs are permitted and adults must accompany anyone younger than 18.

Click here for more information about apple picking at Sun High Orchards.

Mackey's Orchard, Belvidere: Pick-your-own apples begin Saturday. More than 100 varieties will be available until November. Apples are purchased by the bag. A 5-pound bag is $7.50. A 10-pound bag is $14.50 and a 20-pound bag is $25, or about $1.50 a pound.

Picking apples in anything other than Mackey's bags will be considered theft.

Those who want to pick their own apples must take a $2 hayride.

Click here for more information about apple picking at Mackey's Orchard.

Wightman Farms, Morristown: Pick your own apples is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apple varieties include: Ginger gold, Mollie delicious, gravenstine, and blondee. A $7 membership card is available and required to enter. Cards may be used from strawberry picking season to the end of apple picking season. Call 973-425-9819 to confirm what is available to pick.

Click here for more information about apple picking at Wightman Farms.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com