One of the most beloved seasons in New Jersey has returned once again, with many eager to embrace autumn before the harsh winter sneaks in. Morris County offers many ways to ring in the fall season. Here are some of the top picks for activities to do this fall!

1. Visiting Local Farms: Living in rural Morris County is truly amazing during the fall months. The scenery and foliage are absolutely stunning, and there are always a multitude of outdoor activities to partake in. Visiting local farms is an amazing way to check many autumnal activities off of your bucket list and take in the beauty of nature’s changes.

Ort Farms

25 Bartley Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853

Ort Farms is one of Morris County’s most beloved family farms. Located in our very own Long Valley, New Jersey, Ort Farms’ wide variety of autumnal offerings draw in tourists from around the tri-state area. Ort Farms’ Fall Festival has returned again this year with activities such as pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and more. Hayrides to their pumpkin patch are offered daily, from 11 am-6 pm during the week, and from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on the weekends. On the weekends, Ort Farms also offers pony rides, train rides, monster truck rides, apple cannons, and food vendors. Throughout the month of October, Ort is hosting a series of events that are suitable for all ages. These include Storytime Down on the Farm Tuesdays and Flashlight Night Friday on October 14th.

Alstede Farms

1 Alstede Farms Ln, Chester, NJ 07930

Alstede Farms is one of the most popular farms in Morris County, and even in the entire state of New Jersey. Alstede Farms offers visitors a full day of fall experiences with so much to do and see! Purchasing one of Alstede’s Pick Your Own tickets gives you access to a full day of fall fun including scenic hay wagon rides around the farm, access to their giant hay pyramid, and admissions to their A-Maz-ing corn maze, Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail, and Evergreen Adventure Maze. In addition, Alstede Farms’ farm animals are available to visit, and live music performances take place on the weekends. Clearly, a fall day spent at Alstede Farms is a day well-spent!

Melick’s Town Farm 

472 County Road 513, Califon, NJ 07830

Melick’s Town Farm is New Jersey’s largest apple orchard, and an incredibly charming farm to visit this fall. Melick’s offers both apple picking and pumpkin picking during the fall season, however, apple picking is by far their most admired attraction. Apples available for picking include Empire, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Ambrosia, and Cortland apples. In addition, Melick’s also offers tractor wagon rides on the weekends, a tractor tire playground, a corn maze, and a lovely picnic area to enjoy some delicious food. Their Califon Orchard is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and will continue into November. 

2. Morris County’s Top Fall Hiking Spots: There’s nothing better than getting outside on a brisk fall day, getting some sun and fresh air, exercising, and seeing some breathtaking views. Below are incredible hiking trails to walk this fall!

Schooley’s Mountain Park: At this local park, you can find a large variety of trails perfect for the fall weather. The Boulder Gorge Loop Trail is about 2.4 miles. This moderately challenging hike takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete and highlights tons of waterfalls and foliage.

Hacklebarney State Park: The Hacklebarney Loop Trail is a moderate 2.1-mile hike that takes about 1 hour to complete. The path highlights waterfalls, deep ravines, picnic areas, and wild trout streams. 

Delaware Water Gap: This beautiful area is a bit far but well worth the drive. Mount Minsi via the Appalachian Trail is a challenging 5-mile hike that takes about 2 ½ hours. The hike offers breathtaking views of the Delaware River, Mount Tammany, and the Appalachian Mountains. 

High Point State Park: Monument Mountain Loop is a moderately challenging loop that is about 3.5 miles. The average completion time is about 1.5 hours. On this trail, there is a large variety of sights to see, and is perfect for views of the fall foliage! 

3. Scary Attractions: Nothing says fall quite like getting a good scare. From the comfort of your own home or out in the middle of a cornfield all alone, here are our top picks for the horrors of the Halloween season. 

Horror Movies: The classic slasher Halloween with Michael Myers will never get old especially with the new release of Halloween Ends, what is said to be Myers’ last spree. Other scary options include It featuring Pennywise, Friday the 13th or one of its many sequels, or a newer movie from this year like Black Phone or Smile. 

Field of Terror: Coming from the terrifying legend of Farmer Frank, located in East Windsor NJ, this attraction is like no other. The farm has 5 different options all sure to give you a good scare, The Kornfield of Karnage, The Karnival, Haunted Hayride to Terror Town, Timmery Manor, and Creepy Carnival Paintball Ride. 

Bloodshed Farms Drive-Thru: Just because you’re in the safety of your car, does not mean that you are safe from the scares. This unique attraction ensures frightening encounters with all sorts of spooky creatures. As you travel through the different sets you will experience petrifying displays and special effects that make it feel a bit too real. 

4. Enjoy Some Yummy Seasonal Treats: What better way to ring in such a festive season than with some delicious treats? In Morris County, there are many amazing places to enjoy festive foods and embrace cozy autumnal vibes. 

Hacklebarney Farms Cider Mill

104 State Park Rd, Chester Township, NJ 07930

Serving as one of Morris County’s busiest seasonal attractions, the Hacklebarney Farms Cider mill is the perfect place to enjoy some flavorful fall treats. Their famous apple cider attracts hundreds of visitors yearly, as well as products from their farm store, which include homemade pies, breads, cider donuts, and other baked goods, as well as home-grown produce. The Cider Mill’s outdoor lawn/picnic area is also open all season long so that visitors can enjoy their autumnal goodies and beautiful scenery.

The Coffee Potter

24 Schooleys Mountain Rd, Long Valley, NJ 07853

Looking for the perfect way to treat yourself this fall season? Check out The Coffee Potter! The Coffee Potter offers a wide variety of festive foods and beverages, from pumpkin spice and chai lattes, to pumpkin muffins and apple cider donuts. Its cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to embrace the season. 

Morris County is an extraordinary place to spend your fall season, with stunning farm locations, hiking trails, frightful attractions, and delicious autumnal goodies all within close proximity. While it is still upon us, go enjoy these amazing fall attractions!