Mmmmmm.....apple pie, apple pancakes, apple butter, apple cake....Make yours with the freshest of apples by picking your own this Fall in Northern New Jersey!  Team Nest Builder notes that prime New Jersey apple-picking season runs now through October 31st, so round up your friends and family and head to one of these top spots to get pickin’!

Note: As weather conditions dictate picking times, please contact your farm of choice prior to heading out to confirm the picking schedule and special events or for additional information on their activities.  Also, note that some farms accept cash-only and don’t allow pets or smoking.

Alstede Farms, Chester

In addition to apple picking, they offer Fall Family Fun Days featuring scenic hay wagon rides to a pumpkin patch and two corn mazes. Both mazes feature corn stalks over 10 feet tall with pathways carved through the immense plants. The adult maze is many acres in size and contains lots of turns and intersections. The children's maze is only one acre and much easier to transverse. Visit alstedefarms.com for more information.

Bonacorsi Family Farm, Flemington

Just want the apples? Find over 60 varieties here!  Visit bonacorsifamilyfarm.com for more information.

Demarest Farms, Hillsdale

In addition to apple picking, they offer pre-picked produce, a petting zoo, a gift shop, snacks and a refreshment stand, rest rooms, picnic area, and face painting.  Visit demarestfarms.com for more information.

Hillview Farms, Gillette

A family owned and operated 53-acre farm for close to 150 years, they offer a $5. tractor ride to and from the apple orchard.  Visit hillviewfarmnj.com for more information.

Mackey's Orchards, Belvidere

Come for the apples (varieties include MacIntosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Winesap, Granny Smith, Ida Red, Cortland, and dozens more) and stay for the ice cream and bakery!  Visit mackeysorchard.com for more information.

Phillips Farms, Milford

A family-owned farm situated along the scenic Delaware River in the rolling countryside of Holland Township that offers pick-your-own apple and peach picking.  Visit phillipsfarms.com for more information.

Riamede Farm, Chester

It’s their 45th pick-your-own season!  Go for 34 varieties of apples ranging from traditional classics to heirloom specialties to modern favorites in a scenic old orchard.  Take a free haywagon ride on weekends through the orchards out to the patch.  Be tempted by fresh pressed cider, local honey, old fashioned jams, and warm cider donuts.  Take home some gourds and Indian corn. Visit riamede.com for more information.

Stony Hill Farm Market & Gardens, Chester

In addition to apple picking, they offer a Maze Fun Park and lots of activities for kids, families, and groups.  Visit stonyhillfarms.com for more information.