Summer is setting in Somerset County, and Fall is getting in full swing. It's time to stock up on cider and blankets and break out your finest flannel. Saying hello to fall isn't just about a change of wardrobe and culinary treats. The change of the season also brings plenty of activities, and there's no shortage of them in this area.

This guide covers the best spots and events to enjoy this fall in Somerset County.

Jump to a section using the links below:

• Fall Festivals in Somerset County
• Farmers Markets to Visit This Fall
• Weekend Adventures for Hiking and Fresh Air
• Tips for Planning Your Somerset County Weekend
• Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Activities in Somerset County

Fall Festivals in Somerset County

Fall festivals in Somerset County run nearly every weekend from late September through the end of October. Here are the ones that have locals coming back every year. 

Snyder's Farm Fall Festival in Somerset, NJ

Snyder's Farm opens its 80 acres for a festival every October weekend, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include:

• A corn maze and hay bale maze
• Pony hops and a big slide
• Pumpkin picking
• A tractor-pulled wagon ride to the event field

Admission is $24 per person at the gate. Snyder's doesn't accept credit cards or digital payments, though an ATM is available on-site.

Brite Nites at Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren, NJ

Brite Nites transforms Wagner Farm Arboretum into a quarter-mile walking path of hand-carved, LED-lit pumpkin displays every October. The event runs Friday and Saturday nights, 5 to 9 p.m., with food trucks and games along the path. General admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for kids and seniors, and free for those under 5. Proceeds support the arboretum's community garden programs, which donate fresh produce to local food pantries year-round.

Bernards Township Mayor's Fall Festival in Basking Ridge, NJ

Bernards Township hosts a free fall festival each October at its municipal complex, with live entertainment, food vendors, and kids' games. The exact date shifts year to year, so check the township's recreation page before planning around it.

Farmers Markets to Visit This Fall

Somerset County runs two farmers markets through the fall season: the Somerset County Regional Farmers Market and the Union Square Farmers Market, both in Somerville. Here's what these regional favorites offer visitors. 

Somerset County Regional Farmers Market in Somerville, NJ

The Somerset County Regional Farmers Market runs Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through November 23, in the Somerville Middle School parking lot. The market relocated here after eight years at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, and many of the same vendors made the move. More than 40 vendors sell produce, baked goods, and crafts.  

Union Square Farmers Market in Somerville, NJ

Downtown Somerville runs the Union Square Farmers Market on Saturdays, named the area's best farmers market by local news outlets. Vendors sell produce, bread, jams, and ready-to-eat food within walking distance of Main Street.

Weekend Adventures for Hiking and Fresh Air

Somerset County's parks stay free to visit year-round, and fall brings some of the clearest hiking conditions of the year. Here are the places in this area where you can appreciate autumn and keep up your wellness routine. 

Lord Stirling Park in Basking Ridge, NJ

Lord Stirling Park covers 1,015 acres along the upper Passaic River, next to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Somerset County Park Commission's Environmental Education Center sits inside the park and offers about 9 miles of hiking trails through 500 acres of swamps, marshes, and meadows. A newer connector trail links the hiking trails to the park's equestrian paths, bringing the total trail network to 22 miles. Admission is free, and the trails are open from dawn to dusk.

Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough and Montgomery Township, NJ

Sourland Mountain Preserve straddles the border of Montgomery Township and Hillsborough Township. The preserve covers more than 3,000 acres of woodlands and boulder fields, with a 5-mile Ridge Trail running through its center. Admission is free, and the trails stay open sunrise to sunset.

Colonial Park Gardens and Arboretum in Franklin Township, NJ

Colonial Park holds a 144-acre arboretum, a rose garden, a perennial garden, and a stretch of the Delaware and Raritan Canal towpath. The grounds are free and open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Tips for Planning Your Somerset County Weekend

Fall fun in Somerset County is just a quick trip away. Make sure you follow this checklist to be ready for your weekend excursion. 

• Map out your route the night before
• Check the forecast before you head out
• Pack a mix of cash and cards
• Leave extra time for parking and lines on weekends
• Bring a reusable bag or basket for farmers market produce
• Pack water and snacks for longer hikes at Sourland Mountain Preserve or Lord Stirling Park
• Dress in layers, since NJ gets chilly in the fall
• Confirm any pet policies before bringing a dog along, since rules vary by location
• Buy tickets online where available, especially for events with limited nightly capacity

Get Cozy in a New Apartment Home This Fall With Country Classics

Somerset County is a great destination to have some fall-themed fun, but there's plenty that this area has to offer year-round. The convenient access to metros like NYC and the numerous farms and parks make Somerset County a draw for people who want the best of suburban living in NJ, and no one knows as much about this area as Country Classics. Our team has been building award-winning rental communities in the county for over 35 years.

The Somerset at Montgomery has amenities made for modern apartment living, including pet-friendly policies, energy-efficient windows, vinyl plank floors, and private balconies. Check out our available units or take a virtual tour to see the floor plans in closer detail.

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to call Somerset County home, contact our team to schedule a visit. We can't wait to see you here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fall Activities in Somerset County

Is Snyder's Farm cash-only? Yes, though an ATM is available on-site.

When does Brite Nites run at Wagner Farm Arboretum? Friday and Saturday nights throughout October, 5 to 9 p.m.

Are there multiple farmers markets in Somerville? Yes. The Somerset County Regional Farmers Market runs Sundays at Somerville Middle School, and the Union Square Farmers Market runs Saturdays downtown.

Is Sourland Mountain Preserve in Montgomery Township? Part of it is. The preserve sits across the Montgomery Township and Hillsborough Township border.

Does Duke Farms require a reservation? No, but you need a parking pass on Saturdays from April through November, and the property is closed on Wednesdays.