APPLE PICKING ON THE RIVER LOOP
Orchards, Cider & The Sweetest Part of Fall
The orchards are opening, the cider is pouring, and one of our favorite fall traditions is back. From sprawling Hunterdon farms to beautiful Bucks County orchards, we’re taking you through some of the best places around The Loop to pick your own—plus cider donuts, farm markets, wagon rides, and plenty of ways to turn apple picking into an entire fall day.
Apple varieties and picking availability change throughout the season, and this year’s spring freeze affected crops at several local farms. Always check directly with each farm before heading out.
HUNTERDON COUNTY ORCHARDS
MELICK’S TOWN FARM — CALIFON ORCHARDS | CALIFON
A Hunterdon classic and one of the largest orchard experiences on our list. Head into the fields for pick-your-own apples, then make your way back for fresh cider, cider donuts and baked goods. It’s simple, beautiful and exactly what an early fall orchard day should feel like.
MAKE IT A DAY
Hit the trails at Hacklebarney State Park before or after the orchard, then make one more stop at Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill for cider dogs, warm cider donuts + hot cider. Fall day, officially complete.
MELICK’S TOWN FARM — OLDWICK CIDER MILL & ORCHARD | OLDWICK
The historic cider mill gives Melick’s Oldwick location a completely different feel from Califon. Apple picking, cider, donuts and seasonal wagon rides come together around the old mill and barn for one of those quintessential fall afternoons.
MAKE IT A DAY
Pair it with a drive through Tewksbury and an afternoon in nearby Clinton.
PHILLIPS FARMS | MILFORD
Phillips operates two nearby pick-your-own locations in Milford, with apples joining a rotating selection of fruit, vegetables and flowers depending on the season. Crop availability can change quickly, so be sure to check what’s picking before you go.
MAKE IT A DAY
This one practically plans itself—pick apples, head into Milford and then follow the river south to Frenchtown.
PETERSON FARM | FLEMINGTON
A smaller, more relaxed alternative to some of the larger fall destinations. Peterson offers seasonal pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, giving this stop a classic local-farm feel.
MAKE IT A DAY
Continue into Flemington for lunch, shopping and a stroll through town.
BUCKS COUNTY ORCHARDS
SOLEBURY ORCHARDS | NEW HOPE
This is the quintessential Bucks County orchard stop—beautiful countryside, rows of apple trees, a farm market, fresh cider and cider donuts. Weekend apple picking during peak season may require reservations, so this is one to plan ahead.
MAKE IT A DAY
Pick your apples and head into New Hope—or take the back roads toward Carversville for the rest of the afternoon.
MANOFF MARKET GARDENS & CIDERY | NEW HOPE
Manoff is a little different from the traditional orchard stop—and that’s exactly why we love it for this guide. The family-run farm grows numerous apple varieties and presses cider from its fruit, while its on-site cidery produces dry hard ciders from estate-grown apples.
MAKE IT A DAY
Pair Manoff with Solebury Orchards for your own little Bucks County apple trail, then head into New Hope.
SHADY BROOK FARM | YARDLEY
For anyone looking for a bigger fall experience, Shady Brook combines seasonal pick-your-own crops with wagon rides, a large farm market and its annual fall festivities. This is less quiet-country-orchard and more full fall day.
MAKE IT A DAY
Follow it with an afternoon or early dinner in Yardley.
STYER ORCHARD | LANGHORNE
A longtime Bucks County fall tradition with pick-your-own apples and wagon rides out to the orchard. Add cider and cider donuts to the equation and you have all the makings of a proper fall morning.
MAKE IT A DAY
Head toward Yardley afterward for lunch, shopping and a walk along the canal.
TABORA FARM & ORCHARD | CHALFONT
Apple picking is only part of the appeal here. Tabora adds a scratch bakery, farm market, deli and plenty of seasonal treats, making it particularly easy to turn a quick picking trip into a much longer visit.
MAKE IT A DAY
Head into Doylestown afterward for lunch, shopping and an afternoon around town.
SOLLY FARM | IVYLAND
A traditional Bucks farm experience with seasonal apple picking alongside a farm market and bakery.
MAKE IT A DAY
Continue into nearby Newtown for lunch, shopping and an afternoon around town.