Picking Apples & Pumpkins at Melicks Town Farm in Califon NJ

An Apple Orchard at Melicks Farm — Apple Orchards at Melick’s Town Farm ready for picking.

Located in the scenic hills of Califon, New Jersey, Melick’s Town Farm – Califon Orchards is a beautiful place to enjoy both apple picking and pumpkin picking in the fall. I visited recently in October and had a wonderful experience surrounded by stunning autumn colors and crisp mountain air. Here’s my full review of what I loved about this farm!

Beautiful hillside setting with breathtaking fall foliage

The orchard is set among rolling hills, and in October, the combination of the colorful apple trees and the surrounding autumn leaves made for an absolutely stunning view. The location feels peaceful and vast — a perfect escape into nature.

Apple orchard and pumpkin patch right next to each other

Tractor pulling a wagon to the orchard — The tractor ride out to the orchards.

On weekends, the farm offers tractor wagon rides that take you through the orchard and pumpkin fields. It’s a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the scenery and get into the fall spirit. One of the best parts is how easy it is to pick both apples and pumpkins in one visit. The pumpkin patch is located right beside the apple orchard, and we walked back through the apples, picking along the way.

Fresh apple cider and hard cider in different sizes — easy to try!

They make their own fresh apple cider, and you can choose from several bottle sizes — from small to large. I loved how easy it was to sample it right after apple picking. The cider tasted incredibly fresh and naturally sweet.

I also tried a few of Melick’s Hard Ciders, and they were wonderful! I sampled three varieties — Original, Semi-Dry, and Ginger — each with its own character and balance.

Semi-Dry had zero added sugar, and I loved its crisp, refreshing taste. It had a subtle apple-citrus tartness that gave it a bright, clean finish — well balanced and not too sweet.
Original was classic and smooth, with a sweet apple flavor that felt pure and satisfying.
Ginger added a gentle warmth and spice, perfect for a cool autumn afternoon.

All three showcased the freshness of their apples, and you could really taste the quality of fruit grown right there on the farm. If you visit, don’t miss trying grabbing a few bottles to take home — they’re worth it!

Open space for kids to play and restrooms

It’s not a large playground, but there’s a small area where kids can play freely. The playground is inside a fenced area, so it feels safe and while not huge, is a nice break for the kids.

There were four portable toilets on-site. They’re simple but convenient enough for a short visit — good to know before you go, especially for families with kids.