Gorgeous Weekend Ahead? Here's Where To Go Apple And Pumpkin Picking

New Jersey's pumpkin picking season usually starts around September 15, with peak activity from October 1 to October 15. Pick-your-own apple and pumpkin farms are plentiful in New Jersey, but each offers something a bit different. Some have rides; others elaborate corn mazes. Check out our Patch list below for some ideas about where to go and please feel free to add your own favorite spots!

— Alstede Farms in Chester, New Jersey

84 Route 513 (Old Route 24)

Chester, New Jersey

Phone: 908-879-7189

At Alstede you can pick apples, pumpkins, get lost in mazes, and enjoy hayrides. There's also all sorts of veggies including tons of Jersey tomatoes on hand to purchase. Afterwards, you can take a stroll through lovely Chester, filled with quaint shops and cafes. For more information, go here.

— Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, New Jersey

244 Wierimus Road

Hillsdale, New Jersey

Phone: 201-666-0472

Weekends 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cost is $5 admission per person and includes the hay ride.

Apples are $8 per bag and hold about 15 lbs of apples.

Pick you own apples and enjoy a hayride. For more information, go here.

— Farms View in Wayne, New Jersey

945 Black Oak Ridge Road

Wayne, New Jersey

Phone: 973-839-1212

Pick your own pumpkins throughout October. Hayrides are offered on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) starting the last weekend in September until the end of October, and Columbus Day (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). No reservations are needed for hayrides. For more information, gohere.

— Grochowicz Farms in Glen Gardner, New Jersey

2401 Route 31

Glen Gardner, New Jersey

Phone: 908-537-4332

Fall Family Fun is open to the general public on Saturdays and Sundays. New for 2010 the farm will be open on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fun Filled Days start September 25 and last all weekends weather permitting until the end of October. The last day to enjoy family fun is October 31st. Drop by to see the animals on a 30-minute hayride and explore the corn maze. Open Saturday and Sundays starting at 11 a.m. with the the last admission at 4 p.m. For more information, go here.

— Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon, New Jersey

451 Route 94

Vernon, New Jersey

Open Daily at 9 a.m.

The Pumpkin Land Festival runs from Saturday, September 18 to Sunday, October 31. Not only can you take your kids pumpkin picking, but this weekend you can create a hay bale sculpture and win all sorts of prizes. In addition, there's a wide variety of family entertainment including rides and mazes at this popular pumpkin spot. For more information, go here.

— Horse Sleigh Farm in Washington Township, New Jersey

35 Kayharts Lane

Washington Township, New Jersey

This year the farm will have twice as many Pick Your Own pumpkins (Opens September 25) than last year as well as a difficult estimated two-to-three hour Wild Wild West themed corn maze! For more information, go here.

— Hurds Family Farm in Modena, New York

2187 Route 32

Modena, New York

Phone: 845-883-7825

Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weekends 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fall Season Farm Admission

Weekdays $5.00 - Weekends $10.00

Children 2 and under are free!

From August 31 through October 31, this farm offers apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, bonfires, and a cornfield maze. Feed farm pets at the Critter Corner and play at the Kid's Corral. Visit an 18th Century Dutch Threshing Barn for country gifts and refreshments. For more information, go here.

— Wrightman's Farms in Morristown, New Jersey

1111 Mt. Kemble Ave. (Rte 202)

Morristown, New Jersey

Hot Line: 973-425-0840

Market Phone: 973-425-9819

Weekends through November 9

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. P.Y.O.

With a market decked out with Indian corn and all sorts of painted pumpkins, this stop offers lots of products such as cider as well as giant pumpkins great for taking pictures. You can pick your own apples and peaches and also enjoy hay rides and a huge corn maze. For more information, go here.