Few things get me more excited than the start of fall in New Jersey. The weather gets cooler, most attractions are still open, and some of New Jersey's best farms shift into Autumn mode with a celebration of apples, sunflowers - and of course, pumpkins! The best pumpkin patches in New Jersey include some of the Garden State's most famous farms and orchards, but some are located in far-off rural areas of New Jersey. That makes them true hidden gems, where you can beat the crowds and find that perfect pumpkin - whether you're looking for a massive beast to decorate your front porch, or that perfect small pumpkin for a day of painting with the kids. No matter where you're headed, if you're going pumpkin-picking in the Garden State, you're in for a good time. Hopefully, you'll find your new favorite pumpkin patch in New Jersey this fall.

1. Heaven Hill Farm Garden Center and Farm Market (Vernon Township)

The Great Pumpkin Festival at Heaven Hill Farm takes place from Sept. 14 to Nov 3, 2024, and is one of New Jersey's best all-ages events. In addition to an amazing selection of pumpkins for both purchase and photo ops, the entire farm turns into a carnival complete with a paintball range, dog show, and pig racing. This is a great place to celebrate fall in New Jersey.

2. Terhune Orchards (Princeton)

Are you looking for "pumpkin patches near me?" Terhune Orchards is best known as New Jersey's most iconic apple orchard, but this popular Princeton destination has a popular fall weekend event during the season - every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 16 to the end of October. Guests will find corn mazes, live music, play tractors, duck races - and a massive pumpkin patch! Once families pick the perfect pumpkin, they can take it to the painting station to give it some personal flair.

3. Alstede Farms (Chester)

Alstede Farms. might be the state's most famous u-pick farm - offering not just a few iconic flowers or fruits, but a bounty of fruits, vegetables, and crops throughout the year. It's more like a shopping trip to the freshest market around. But during the fall, the pumpkin-picking is enhanced by the Harvest Moon Hayride event. Get the latest updates on the Alstede Farms Facebook page. As one of the best-known pumpkin patches in New Jersey, it's open all season long.

4. Snyder's Farm (Somerset)

Snyder's Farm is kicking off its fall festival in early October, and it runs weekends through the last week of the month. You can find hay rides, a corn maze, live music, and one of the biggest pumpkin patches in New Jersey to find the perfect gourd for your family.

5. Happy Day Farm (Manalapan Township)

Happy Day Farm is legendary in New Jersey farm circles. Its fall festival, featuring a massive pumpkin patch and various pumpkin houses and sculptures, features 35 activities on weekends between Sept. 14 and Nov. 6, 2024. A scaled-down version of the festival is available on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday in October and pumpkin picking is free access. However, to participate in the activities, you must pay an admission fee which is cash only, so come prepared!

6. Johnson's Corner Farm (Medford)

Johnson's Corner Farm might be the platonic ideal of a country farm, and that's never more the case than during the fall. A massive u-pick field of pumpkins, gourds, and apples is joined by a corn maze, gem mining, a food tent, a petting zoo, and a wagon ride to the field to kick off all the fun. For the 2024 season, this New Jersey pumpkin patch and festivities will be open between Sept. 7 and Oct. 31.

Have you visited any of these charming pumpkin patches in past years? What pumpkin patch in New Jersey is your favorite to visit in the fall? Let us know in the comments section.

Fall in New Jersey is an amazing time, and many of these farms also host some of the best fall festivals in New Jersey. So break out the fall clothing, and get in the autumn spirit - because it's time to join the fun!