Beautiful sunflower fields to stroll through in NJ

Among reasons why the “Garden State” remains a fitting nickname for New Jersey — the annual rotation of seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers that have become popular day trip attractions for residents and visitors.

Late summer means the arrival of sunflower season. There are fields in each part of the state, planted for the enjoyment of customers who often can also pay to bring a few stems home, if they choose.

Some fields are in bloom by early August, while others are planned to peak from late August to mid-September.

Calling or emailing before heading out is always advisable if weather appears to be an issue.

(Von Thun Farms)

Von Thun Farms New Jersey Sunflower Trail (Warren County)

438 Route 57 West, Washington, 07882
Phone: 908-689-3761
Open daily thru Labor Day. Weekend hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Weekday hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(Von Thun Farms Warren County)

Paid admission includes access to the New Jersey Sunflower Trail, photo op areas, and the farm animal barnyard area, as well as access to the picking fields (MUST purchase container for picking) and a hayride around the farm.

(Von Thun Farms)

Online tickets are strongly encouraged (ages 2 & under are free)

(Happy Day Farm)

Happy Day Farm (Monmouth County)

106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan, 07726
Phone: 732-977-3607
The farm is “cash only" and tickets are sold at the door for the summer season.

(Happy Day Farm)

Happy Day Farm is open for lavender viewing, zinnia and sunflower picking for late summer (through last weekend of August).

(Happy Day Farm)

At the Manalapan farm, Wednesday to Sunday hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Monday & Tuesday). “Last entry at 2:30 p.m. sharp.”

(Johnson's Corner Farm)

Johnson’s Corner Farm (Burlington County)

133 Church Road, Medford, 08055
Phone: 609-654-8643

Name the season and there's something literally growing at Johnson’s Corner Farm.

(Johnson's Corner Farm)

For 2022, they launched the "Sunflower Celebration" with a wagon ride, pictures in the sunflower maze, and flower picking.

(Johnson's Corner Farm)

Hayride tickets can be combined with a visit to the Discovery Barnyard Playground and Animal Farm, with discounts for evening hours.

Online ticket sales are posted once the farm can be sure of bloom dates.

(courtesy Jess Vogt Studios)

Holland Ridge Farms (Monmouth County)

86 Rues Rd, Cream Ridge, 08514
Email: info@hollandridgefarms.com

The farm has planted several varieties of sunflowers, along with other gorgeous flowers and is rolling out new “photo props.”

(Holland Ridge Farms)

Holland Ridge Farms is expecting to open for sunflowers in late September.

(courtesy Jess Vogt Studios)

After ticketed admission, visitors can pay a dollar a stem to bring home pick-your-own custom bouquets and arrangements.

(Sussex County Sunflower Maze)

Sussex County New Jersey Sunflower Maze at Liberty Farm (Sussex County)

101 Route 645, Sandyston, 07826
Phone: 833-SUN-MAZE (833-786-6293)
New Jersey's "original" sunflower maze is heading into its 12th year.

(Sussex County Sunflower Maze)

This year, the farm planted over 50 varieties and plans to open about 50 acres to customers, with over a million flowers.

(Sussex County Sunflower Maze)

Sussex County Sunflower Maze is slated to open after Labor Day.

(Keith Dalton, Dalton Farms)

Dalton Farms (Gloucester County)

660 Oak Grove Road Swedesboro, 08085
Phone: 856-628-7313

The expected season is to run through the month of September, with tickets to be added as blooms are monitored.

(Keith Dalton, Dalton Farms)

Dalton Farms is a 99-acre family owned and run farm, with roots extending back to 1790.

(Keith Dalton, Dalton Farms)

The first annual Dalton Farms Sunflower Festival was born in 2019.

Erin Vogt is a reporter and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach her at erin.vogt@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: