Apple Picking Near Scotch Plains and Fanwood: 3 Orchards To Visit

SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD, NJ — Looking to spend a fall afternoon picking apples without venturing too far from Scotch Plains and Fanwood? These three New Jersey farms are welcoming visitors into their orchards this season.

Hillview Farms in Gillette offers a nearby option for a fall outing. The 53-acre, family-owned farm at 223 Meyersville Road offers pick-your-own apples in September and October, with pumpkins available for picking in October.

The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while its fields close at 5 p.m.

If you're making a weekend outing of it, Hillview also offers tractor rides to its apple orchard and pumpkin patch on weekends, although the farm recommends calling ahead. Its General Store carries produce along with cider, homemade pies, honey and other farm products.

A little farther north, Wightman Farms in Morristown is offering apple picking as part of its Fall Festival. The farm says apples are currently ready for picking, with more than 30 varieties grown there and different varieties ripening throughout the season.

The festival runs on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with entry gates closing at 5 p.m. Admission is $30 per person, while children under 3 are free.

The ticket includes apple orchard entry, scenic hayrides, a pumpkin, corn and other mazes and a souvenir tote bag. Apples are not included in admission and are weighed and purchased separately at $3.79 per pound.

Another option is Giamarese Farm & Orchards in East Brunswick, where apple picking is underway for the 2026 season. The farm currently lists Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji and Macintosh among the varieties available and says availability can change daily.

Pick-your-own hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with $3 admission. On weekends, the farm's Fall Harvest experience costs $15 per person and includes a picking pass, hayride tour, corn maze and either two sunflowers or one sugar pumpkin. Pick-your-own items are purchased separately.

Whichever orchard you choose, check the farm's website or call before leaving home. Apple varieties and availability can change as the season progresses.

Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.