
Melick Orchards sits in Califon, New Jersey, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of New Jersey.
Most visitors reach Melick Orchards by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. Set your GPS to Califon, NJ and follow local county roads into town. Signage from the main road usually points the way to the orchard entrance.
Landmarks in the area include downtown Califon, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.
Looking for the best apple picking near Califon, New Jersey? Melick Orchards is a working apple orchard located in Califon, New Jersey, welcoming families, couples, and photographers each fall for a classic American harvest experience.
Melick Orchards sits inside one of New Jersey's most beloved apple-growing regions. Between the smell of fresh cider, warm apple donuts, and rows of Honeycrisp and McIntosh trees heavy with fruit, it's the kind of place that turns a simple Saturday into a memory your kids will still talk about years later.
Apple picking availability at Melick Orchards depends on the week and weather. Call ahead the morning of your visit to confirm.
Apple season at Melick Orchards runs from late August through late October, like most orchards in New Jersey. The sweet spot for a first-time visit is the last two weeks of September through the first two weeks of October.
Weekends between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. are the friendliest time to arrive. Weekdays are the most peaceful, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning may have entire rows to yourself.
Melick Orchards sits in Califon, New Jersey, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of New Jersey.
Most visitors reach Melick Orchards by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. Set your GPS to Califon, NJ and follow local county roads into town. Signage from the main road usually points the way to the orchard entrance.
Landmarks in the area include downtown Califon, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.
Contact Melick Orchards directly to confirm whether pick-your-own apples are available on the date you plan to visit, availability can change week to week based on ripeness and weather.
Apple season at most U.S. orchards runs from late August through late October. Call ahead or check Melick Orchards's website before your visit to confirm which varieties are ripe.
Hours at Melick Orchards vary by season. We recommend calling ahead or checking their website the morning of your visit.
Pick-your-own apple prices in the U.S. typically run $1.50–$3.00 per pound, or $20–$40 for a half-bushel bag. Melick Orchards sets prices at the entrance each season based on the current crop.
Melick Orchards grows several classic apple varieties. Popular picks include Honeycrisp for eating, Cortland for baking, and Granny Smith for pies and cider.
Absolutely, Melick Orchards welcomes families and offers Pick-Your-Own Orchards, Sweet Cider Mills, Hard Cideries.
Most working orchards ask that pets stay home for food-safety reasons. Call Melick Orchards to confirm their current pet policy before bringing your dog.
Melick Orchards has on-site parking that's free for guests. Fall weekends are the busiest, mornings are the calmest time to visit.
Bring cash, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Melick Orchards usually provides picking bags or buckets.
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