Top 5 Things to Do this Fall in Hunterdon County NJ

Want to experience Fall in Hunterdon? Start exploring now!

Hunterdon County is “the other side of Jersey,” offering vineyards, u-pick farms, a craft beer trail, charming towns, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty that shines in autumn. Whether you’re new or a seasoned local, here’s your updated guide to the top 5 things to do this fall in Hunterdon County, NJ.

1. Pick Apples or Pumpkins This Fall in Hunterdon

No fall in Hunterdon is complete without a trip to the orchard or pumpkin patch. Whether you’re craving the crunch of a freshly picked apple, searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, or simply looking for a wagon ride and some cider donuts, Hunterdon’s family farms deliver the full autumn experience. From historic orchards to cozy, family-run farms, here are some of the best spots to enjoy apple and pumpkin picking this season.

• • Melick’s Town Farm – Califon
    Enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a corn maze, tire playgrounds, and adorable goat-tower antics. Don’t miss the homemade cider donuts, pies, and fresh cider—perfect for a family outing.

  • Melick’s Town Farm – Oldwick Cider Mill
    Features apple picking, cider donuts, a hard cider tent, and fall festivals. Reservations are suggested for weekends.

  • Phillips Farms – Milford (Main Farm & Market)
    Now open for the 2025 season! The Main Farm at 91 Crabapple Hill Road offers pick-your-own apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, Autumn Crisp, Crimson Crisp, Pixie Crunch), Asian pears, late summer berries, and vegetables. Open Saturdays & Sundays, 9 am–6 pm (last check-in 5:30 pm)—with an extended Columbus Day Monday (October 13) service. A $5 minimum picking fee per person applies; buckets are available onsite. phillipsfarms.com

  • Bonacorsi Family Farm – Flemington
    Hosting Autumn U-Pick weekends in 2025: Saturday & Sunday, September 13–14 and September 20–21 from 11 am–4 pm. A relaxed, fruit-focused experience—no hay rides or games, just quality picking and gorgeous fall scenery. bonacorsifamilyfarm.com+1

  • Schaefer Farms – Flemington
    Open daily, 9:30 am–5 pm. While better known for its farm stand—offering pasture-raised eggs, meats, jellies, honey, ice cream, candles, and more—you can call ahead to inquire about seasonal apple or pumpkin availability.

    

More info on Hunterdon County’s farms, markets, and events can be found at Hunterdon579Trail.com.

#2 Stroll a Main Street

Fall’s crisp air and vivid foliage make Hunterdon County’s historic towns come alive—perfect for leisurely walks, boutique browsing, and café hopping. Whether you’re drawn by antique treasures, local art, or cozy seasonal flavors, Hunterdon’s Main Street towns—each with its own charm—invite you to relax, explore, and let the season unfold at your pace.

Lambertville, NJ

Named one of HGTV’s “50 Most Charming Small Towns in America,” Lambertville delights with Victorian architecture and riverside views. Start with dinner at Nomad Pizza or Pru Thai, then stroll to Sandy Scoops for a sweet treat. Grab a coffee at Union Coffee, walk along the D&R Canal towpath, or hike up Goat Hill Overlook for scenic views of the Delaware River.

Frenchtown, NJ

Frenchtown is a vibrant riverfront town known for its quirky boutiques, local crafts, and art studios. Its walkable downtown beckons with unique shops, cozy cafés such as Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile, and galleries—while Wild Fern Brewing lies just steps from the towpath. Feeling peckish? Trendy dining options like Finnbar and Piazzi bring creative, seasonal flavors to the table. Anchored by the creative energy of Art Yard, Frenchtown continues to flourish as a hub for arts and culture.

Milford, NJ
This small but charming river town offers a slower pace with riverside views and welcoming local businesses. Milford’s historic downtown is home to quaint shops, cozy eateries like Chocolate in the Oven, and the legendary Descendants Brewing Company at the Old Ship Inn—the oldest continuously operating brewery site in the country. It’s the perfect spot for a crisp fall afternoon along the Delaware River.

Stockton, NJ
Stockton’s Main Street is lined with historic buildings and unique shops. A stroll here feels like stepping back in time, with the Delaware River on one side and the historic Stockton Inn on the other. The Stockton Market offers seasonal bites, and the nearby Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath provides a scenic route for walking or biking.

Clinton, NJ
Clinton looks like it’s been lifted from a painting, with its iconic Red Mill Museum Village and the Hunterdon Art Museum sitting along the river. Main Street is lined with charming shops, cafés, and eateries. Outdoor lovers can extend their visit with a stroll on the Landsdown Trail or by exploring the South Branch of the Raritan River nearby.

Flemington, NJ
Flemington’s historic Main Street and Stangl road blends small-town charm with lively events. This fall, the town will host its 3rd Annual Hunterdon Harvest Fest, bringing together live music, craft beer, and farm-to-festival foods to celebrate the local harvest. The festival transforms Flemington into a seasonal destination for families and foodies alike.

#3 Visit a Vineyard this Fall

Hunterdon County’s vineyards boast spectacular views of fall foliage, live music, tasting events, and cozy heated outdoor seating.  Cabanas, fire pits, and fire tables are very popular so please check online for details and reservations.

Vineyards include: Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown NJ, Old York Cellars in Ringoes NJ, Federal Twist Vineyard in Stockton NJ, Mount Salem Vineyards in Pittstown NJ, Unionville Vineyards in Ringoes NJ, and Angelico Winery in Lambertville NJ.  

The Cider Garden at Ironbound Farm in Asbury NJ serves hard cider or seltzer, and seasonal fare made with fresh ingredients grown on the farm and cooked outdoors over an open fire. 

#4 Experience the Hunterdon Beer Trail

The Hunterdon Beer Trail invites you to visit each of the craft breweries on the beer trail.  Visit each of our unique stops, one even has goats!  Crab a pint and sit and many of the outdoor firepits that the breweries have.  Hunterdon County’s craft breweries are fun destinations for exploring and sampling over a weekend or a few weeks. 

In the fall, special events at the breweries include Oktoberfest, live music, comedy, trivia, and more.    

#5 Hike or Bike this Fall in Hunterdon

Winding roads, sweeping views of foliage, and lots of trails make Hunterdon County a premier destination for hiking and biking. 

The Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is known as the “towpath” because its first travelers were mules who towed barges of freight along the canals. Autumn leaves and crisp weather make the fall the perfect time to stroll on the path along the scenic Delaware river.  The family-friendly path is popular with parents “towing” little ones in wagons or strollers. You can enter or exit the path in the famed River Towns of Lambertville, Frenchtown, Stockton, or Milford which each offer unique options for food, drink, and exploration.

The Columbia Trail offers a spectacular ride, away from cars and distractions.  The leafy rail-trail runs alongside the Raritan River and through the scenic Ken Lockwood Gorge.  We recommend starting in High Bridge, so you can enjoy the coffee shops before your ride and the brewery Esker Hart upon your return. For other biking adventures, check out Bike Hunterdon for different routes throughout Hunterdon.

For more fun things to do in Hunterdon County, visit our calendar HERE!