Stephanie Spear 
During the fall season, the options are endless when it comes to seasonal happenings. Some of the most common activities include fall festivals, 5k runs, apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and most importantly, hayrides. This activity is fun for all ages, and many farms in New Jersey have hayrides for visitors to enjoy each fall. Read on for a list of the best hayrides right here in Northern New Jersey.
Disclaimer: As with many outdoor activities, we recommend checking directly with each venue before heading out for the weather. Know of another spot to add? Email [email protected].
Abma’s Farm | 700 Lawlins Road, Wyckoff + 282 Amwell Road, Hillsborough
This fifth-generation family farm in Bergen County is a year-round destination, but we think the fall activities are the best. Tickets are required for the hayride-plus-pumpkin picking activity, which also includes admission to the barnyard petting zoo. The hayrides can also be reserved for your group: a private hayride for up to 30 people is possible. We recommend that visitors stop at the farm market on their way out for freshly baked goodies, fresh produce, and seasonal decor. Check the farm’s Facebook or Instagram for the latest schedule and weather updates.
Read More: 40 Fall Festivals Happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond for 2025
Alstede Farms | 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester
There is truly so much to see and do at Alstede Farms. From visiting with the farm animals to enjoying the freshly-made ice cream, guests may even forget what they’re there for. Here’s a hint: the hayride! Alstede Farm uses a wagon to deliver visitors to the pick-your-own fields and along a scenic route to view the farm. There is also a tractor-pulled wagon ride just for kids aged 2 to 12 years old. And, Alstede has a handicapped-accessible hayride that follows the same scenic route and can deliver visitors to the pick-your-own fields. There is often live music on weekends, and the farm store here is not to be missed, both for the incredible fresh produce and the variety of canned and pantry goods. Be sure to visit the farm’s Facebook or Instagram for any last-minute schedule changes.
A.Casola Farms | 178 State Route 34, Holmdel
Spending a fall day at A. Casola Farms has been a rite of passage for many Holmdel-area families, as the farm has been in business for decades. In fact, the farm claims to have originated the concept of a pick-your-own-pumpkin and hayride farm. The crew at A. Casola takes fall seriously: the Fall Festival runs on weekends from September 13th to the 22nd and seven days a week from September 28th through October 31st. The hayrides at A. Casola is enormous — a covered wagon pulled by a huge farm tractor. The route takes riders around the farm and drops them off at the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Stop by the farm’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with any last-minute changes.
Bullock Farms | 83 Emleys Hill Road, Cream Ridge
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The hayrides at Bullock Farms take visitors to and from the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. But if you’re having too much fun enjoying the scenery, you can keep on riding. With fields of Christmas trees, friendly scarecrows, ghosts, and witches along the way, the journey is half the fun. Other fall activities at the farm make this a great stop for an entire day: a corn maze, a giant sandbox, and visiting with friendly farm animals are all on the agenda. The fall harvest season runs from September 20th to October 26th for 2025. Keep up with the farm on its Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest information.
Conklin’s U-Pick | 10 Vreeland Avenue, Montville
Conklin’s U-Pick Farm, which opens for the season on September 20th, is a one-stop shop for all your classic fall goodies. There are apple cider donuts, pumpkins galore, a barn store full of fresh-baked goodies, and seasonal natural decor for sale like corn husks, gourds, and hay bales. But the real magic is with the hayrides. On weekends, Conklin’s has both your standard hayride and, for those willing to risk it, a Haunted Hayride. Be sure to check out the Farm’s Facebook for the latest schedule changes.
Demarest Farms | 244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale
Demarest Farms, a Bergen County favorite, provides hayrides and a petting zoo, perfect for a fun family outing. Visitors should be sure to check out the farm store, as it’s stocked with a wide selection of fresh produce, deli specialties, bakery treats, snacks, and much more.
Donaldson Farms | 358 Allen Road, Hackettstown
Hayrides are just one of the quintessential fall activities on offer at Donaldson Farm’s Fall Fun Harvest Weekends. Activities include pick-your-own apples, Indian corn and pumpkins, a corn maze, pony visits, and all of the great fall foods like apple cider doughnuts. The hayride takes visitors to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch and apple orchard. On the way, you’ll enjoy looking out at this 500+ acre farm, which has been run by the Donaldson family since 1906. Check with the farm on Facebook or Instagram to see any last-minute changes.
Etsch Farms | 556 Buckelew Avenue, Monroe Township
Every fall, Etsch Farms opens its doors to visitors to enjoy all of the best that a fall day on the farm has to offer, and that includes hayrides. The fall festivities begin on weekends in September, and guests can participate in hayrides around the property, pick the perfect pumpkin, and meet the farm animals. This beautiful property has been farmed by the Etsch family since 1931, and you’ll get to see what makes it so special. Stay up to date with the Farm via its Facebook page.
Fairfield Farms | 177 Big Piece Road, Fairfield
This Essex County farm has been family-owned and operated for nearly 100 years. The Fall Festival opens on September 20th and has all of the classic fall farm activities kids of any size could want, including hayrides. The farm market features a wide variety of seasonal produce and treats, including fresh apple cider. Visit the farm on Facebook to check on any last-minute schedule changes.
Hillcrest Farm: Orchard + Dairy | 2 Davis Road, Branchville
The hayride at Hillcrest Farm isn’t just for show: it’s how visitors to the pick-your-own orchard get to the trees. Once you’ve picked your fill of apples, head back to the farm store, where you can stock up on Jersey Girl Cheese, which is made using milk from the farm’s dairy. Other goodies are also for sale in the store, including local honey and apple cider made from the farm’s apples. Check out the farm’s Facebook for updates.
Lupardi’s Nursery | 75 Blanch Avenue, Closter
Lupardi’s Nursery features a petting zoo with various animals and has a tractor-pulled wagon ride, where locals can relax or pick a sugar pumpkin. With numerous attractions, it’s the perfect spot for a fun fall day. Visit the nursery’s website for more.
Lentini Farms | 251 High Street Route 94 South, Newton
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This family-owned farm started in 1981. Every fall, Lentini Farms hosts a fall festival with various activities for visitors to enjoy. This year, guests can look forward to two festivals: the Harvest Festival, taking place every weekend in September, and the Fall Fest, which runs every weekend in October. If feeling bold, there is a Haunted Hayride here that is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 7PM to 10PM, starting October 3rd. Tickets are required to take part in the hayride, which also includes admission and other fall activities at the farm. Check out the farm’s Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Middle Valley Farm | 304 Pleasant Valley Road, Mendham
Spend a beautiful fall afternoon enjoying the scenes at Middle Valley Farm, where hayrides are just one of several fall fun activities on offer. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins and explore a hay maze. Private events can also be held at this charming farm: the staff will work with you to coordinate whatever is needed. The farm takes only cash or checks, so be sure to stop at the ATM on your way. Check out the farm’s Facebook page for the latest information.
Miller’s Hill Farm | 10 Combs Avenue, Mendham
A visit to Miller’s Hill Farm might be akin to traveling back in time, as this family-owned farm has operated on the same site since 1924. There’s something to enjoy each season, but fall has that certain je ne sais quoi that comes with the red and gold leaves. Visitors can enjoy a hayride around the farm before stopping at the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The farm store sells honey, beef, and eggs year-round, and whatever is in season, for produce. Visit the farm’s Facebook or Instagram to get the most up-to-date information.
Ort Farms | 25 Bartley Road, Long Valley
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With over 400 acres for visitors to enjoy, there is plenty to see and do at Ort Farms. The Fall Festival at Ort Farms is where guests will find the hayride, which takes visitors to the pumpkin patch for some pick-your-own fun. The farm store has seasonal baked goods, decorations, and produce available, as well as a year-round selection of meat, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, and baked goods. Be sure to check the farm’s Facebook or Instagram for the latest information.
Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery | 100 Franklin Turnpike, Allendale
Rohsler’s Nursery and Farm is beautifully decorated for the fall. Patrons can visit barnyard animals, navigate the fall-themed maze, + enjoy fun games. The hayrides pair well with the crisp autumn air and festive atmosphere. Visit the nursery’s website for more.
Secor Farms | 85 Airmount Avenue, Mahwah
Secor Farms, a beloved fall destination in Bergen County, has hayrides to the pumpkin field. This popular ride takes you on a scenic tour of the farm, where you’ll pass by willow trees, a charming pond, and festive fall decorations. See the farm’s website for more information.
Stony Hill Farms | 15 North Road, Chester
Stony Hill Farms’ logo might look familiar, and that’s because this farm has made different appearances throughout Northern New Jersey. The farm has a stand at both the Jersey City and Hoboken farmers’ markets. Locals can visit them for a change and enjoy all there is to see and do on the farm. Hayrides are available on the weekends for both pick-your-own farm visitors and visitors to the Maze Fun Park, a seasonal attraction with other games and activities. The hayrides go around the farm and to the pick-your-own fields. Tickets are required and are available online. The farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages will have the latest information about weather and schedule changes.
Union Hill Farms | 25 Cooper Road, Denville
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This Denville farmstand is open seven days a week. Come October, the hayrides will begin and will only be available on weekends. The hayrides take visitors to the pumpkin patch, where they can pick their own crop. Pick up some locally grown honey, fresh eggs, fresh apple cider, and other produce while you’re there. Visit the farm on Facebook or Instagram to get the latest information.
See More: The Best New Jersey Spots for Festive Fall Foliage
Wightman Farms | 1111 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown
The Fall Festival at Wightman Farms on Saturdays and Sundays is packed with all kinds of fun activities, including unlimited hayrides. Each ticket to the Festival includes unlimited hayrides and a pumpkin from the pick-your-own patch. Since 1922, Wightman Farms has been growing high-quality fruits and vegetables for sale, and the farm store has all of those and more, including fresh-baked pies and apple cider doughnuts. Check out the latest updates on the farm’s Facebook.
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