The cool fall weather will soon be upon us, and that means it will be time for wearing soft, cozy sweaters and boots, drinking hot cider, carving pumpkins, going on hayrides, everyone’s favorite…apple picking, and more! Fall in New Jersey is perfect, and there is a lot to do outdoors. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do in New Jersey in the fall below.
- Peep the Leaves at a State Park: Head to one of the state’s many parks and spend the day hiking, while viewing the changing of the colors. New Jersey is a state that is covered in deciduous trees, making it a great place to view the explosion of colors the leaves have to offer this time of year. Make sure to pack a lunch so you have time to take a break and soak in all the beauty!
- Pick Your Own Pumpkins: Located in Sewell, NJ, Duffield’s Farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins and apples, plus hayrides, hot apple cider donuts, a petting zoo and more. This farm will quickly become a family favorite! This year pumpkin picking tickets must be purchased online in advance, no tickets will be sold at the farm. Click here to see this year’s pumpkin picking ticket availability.
- Go Camping: Fall camping offers it all! Crisp, cool air, the change of colors, and it is also a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying Nature. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a favorite for fall camping, hiking, and leaf peeping.
- Go to a Fall Festival: Fall festivals are big in New Jersey: from 4-H Fairs to Oktoberfest’s, you can find something for everyone! The Skyland Stadiums Jack O’ Lantern Experience is a popular one that runs from October 1st through November 7th. The stadium is transformed with over 6,000 jack o’ lanterns into a 45-minute spooky walk that’s fun for all ages. Afterwards, roast smores at the firepit, drink cider or cocoa, and for adults they offer a Beer Garden.
- Pick Your Own Apples: Apples, apples, and more apples! Located in Chester Township, NJ, Alstede Farms is home to over 50 varieties of pick-your-own apples! In addition to being open for daily apple picking, the farm offers a variety of pick-your-owns, including Flowers, Sunflowers, Pumpkins, and more. Plus, it has some special attractions, a corn maze, sunflower trail, petting zoo, cider mill, ice cream shop, wine tasting, and store. The farm does charge an admission fee (which includes a hayride, access to the hay pyramid, and evergreen maze).
- Visit a Cider Mill: New Jersey still has a couple of operational cider mills, like Ralston Cider Mill in Mendham, NJ. Spend the day experiencing the history and learning the process of pressing apples and drinking hot cider in an authentic mill that was once a part of the state’s thriving cider and applejack industry.
- Go on a Great Adventure: Six Flags in Jackson, NJ is a place you’re guaranteed to have fun, ride amusement rides, and play games during the day, but at night from September 10th through October 31st it gets spooky with Fright Fest! Dare to enter the Halloween event featuring family-friendly attractions during the day...and thrills once the sun goes down. Reservations and tickets are required for this event.
- Visit a Haunted House or Asylum: If you’re brave enough, head to a haunted attraction like Brighton Asylum in Passaic, NJ. This isn’t just a haunted asylum, this is a legendary complex that was once a working facility, but it was closed in 1952 due to staff and patient disappearances, as well as intolerable living conditions. Enter if you dare!
This Fall, go hiking or camping, take in the changing of the leaves, visit an orchard that’s an old family favorite, explore a cider mill, or get a good fright. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to get outdoors and enjoy all that New Jersey has to offer this fall!
Gear up for Fall with Ramsey Outdoor!
