Unearth The Voyage
Bergen County is not exactly known for wide open fields and rustic barns. It sits right next to New York City and ranks among the most densely populated counties in the entire state of New Jersey.
Yet tucked away in the town of Mahwah, there is a working farm that has been drawing families, couples, and curious locals for decades. This farm manages to hold its ground as one of the last true agricultural spots in the area, and it does so with a charm that is hard to find anywhere else in the region.
From a well-stocked farm market to seasonal activities that fill up fast, this place has built a loyal following for good reason. Keep reading to find out exactly what makes this Bergen County staple worth a visit, and why so many people keep coming back year after year.
Where to Find This Hidden Bergen County Gem
Not many people expect to turn off a busy road and find themselves on a working farm, but that is exactly what happens when you pull up to 85 Airmont Ave in Mahwah, NJ 07430. The farm sits in a part of Bergen County that still holds onto its agricultural roots, even as development has taken over much of the surrounding landscape.
Mahwah is located in the northern tip of New Jersey, close to the New York state border, which makes Secor Farms a surprisingly easy destination for people coming from both sides of the state line. The farm is open every day of the week from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, making it accessible for weekday visits as well as weekend outings.
Ample parking is available on site, which is a welcome relief during busy fall weekends when the property fills up with families eager to take part in the seasonal fun.
A Farm That Has Stood the Test of Time
Since 1973, Secor Farms has been a steady presence in Mahwah, outlasting countless other agricultural operations that once dotted the Bergen County landscape. The farm has been passed down through three generations of the same family, a fact that gives it a sense of continuity that is rare in a region where land is constantly being converted into housing and commercial development.
Bergen County has a rich farming history that dates back to the late 1600s, and Secor Farms stands as one of the last living reminders of that past. While many of the old farmlands have long since disappeared, this property has managed to preserve both its land and its purpose.
That kind of staying power does not happen by accident. It takes a genuine commitment to the community and a clear understanding of what local families are looking for when they want a break from the urban pace that defines so much of life in this part of New Jersey.
More Than Just a Pumpkin Patch
The pumpkin patch at Secor Farms is one of the most talked-about features of the property, and it is easy to understand why. There are actually two separate pumpkin picking areas on the grounds, which gives the whole experience a sense of variety that a single patch simply cannot match.
The first pumpkin area is right near the main entrance, so even those who skip the hayride can still enjoy picking out their own pumpkins. The second patch is located further back on the property and is only accessible by taking the tractor ride, which adds a layer of adventure to the whole outing.
Pumpkins come in a wide range of sizes, so whether someone is looking for a small decorative gourd or a large carving pumpkin, the selection tends to be solid. The grounds are also dotted with painted wooden photo cutouts, which have become a popular attraction for families looking to capture the season in a memorable way.
The Hayride That Makes the Trip Complete
The hayride at Secor Farms is one of those simple experiences that ends up being far more enjoyable than expected. A tractor pulls a wagon full of riders through the decorated grounds, passing by creative fall displays and seasonal artwork before arriving at the back section of the farm where the second pumpkin patch and corn mazes are located.
The ride itself is roughly ten minutes each way, which is just the right length to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and doing so is strongly recommended during the busy fall season when spots fill up quickly.
Pricing has historically been around $8.50 per person for general farm admission, with hayride tickets available separately. The combination of the ride, the pumpkin patches, and the corn mazes makes the overall value feel solid, especially when compared to similar farms in the surrounding region that charge considerably more for fewer activities.
Getting Lost in the Corn Maze
Two corn mazes are set up on the back section of Secor Farms each fall season, giving visitors a chance to wander through the stalks and find their way out. The mazes are designed to be approachable for younger children, which means they are not particularly challenging for older kids or adults, but they still deliver a fun and genuinely enjoyable experience for families with little ones.
The paths are kept clean and well-maintained, and the overall layout of the maze area is organized enough that parents can keep track of their children without too much stress. For families with toddlers or kids visiting a corn maze for the first time, the manageable size is actually a plus rather than a drawback.
Visitors who are looking for a more intense maze challenge might want to set their expectations accordingly, but for a relaxed fall afternoon with the family, the corn maze at Secor Farms fits the occasion well and keeps the energy light.
The Petting Zoo and Its Furry Residents
The petting zoo at Secor Farms adds an animal element to the visit that younger children especially appreciate. During the fall season, the area typically features sheep and angora bunnies, giving kids a chance to observe farm animals up close in a relaxed outdoor setting.
It is worth noting that the petting zoo is more of an observation experience than a hands-on one, as direct contact with the animals may be limited depending on the day and the specific animals present. Families visiting with very young children who are just discovering farm animals will likely find this setup perfectly appropriate and manageable.
The petting zoo is located near the main entrance of the property, close to the first pumpkin patch, so it works well as a starting point before heading further into the grounds. Reservations for the full farm activity package, which includes the petting zoo area, are required during peak fall weekends and can be made through the farm’s website.
The Farm Market Worth Browsing
The indoor farm market at Secor Farms is a proper stop on its own, separate from all the outdoor activities. The space stocks fresh produce, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and a rotating selection of baked goods that change with the time of year.
The market is also a great place to pick up fall decorations, including gourds, mums, and various ornamental items that work well for home displays. The outdoor garden center area carries a strong selection of plants and seasonal arrangements, making it a useful stop for anyone looking to freshen up their yard before the colder months arrive.
Prices at the market are generally reasonable, though it is always a good idea to check item prices before heading to the register, particularly during busy periods when the lines move quickly. The staff at the market have consistently been described as friendly and helpful, which makes the whole shopping experience feel comfortable and unhurried even on the most crowded fall weekends.
Fall Decorations That Set the Mood
One of the things that makes Secor Farms stand out during the fall season is the effort that goes into decorating the property. From the moment visitors arrive, the grounds are filled with Halloween and autumn-themed displays that create a festive backdrop for photos and exploration.
Painted wooden photo cutout boards are positioned throughout the farm, offering fun and creative opportunities for families to take pictures together. The decorations extend all the way through the hayride route and into the back section of the farm, so the visual experience stays consistent from start to finish.
Mums, gourds, and decorative pumpkins are available for purchase both inside the market and in the outdoor garden center area, so visitors can bring a piece of the fall atmosphere home with them. The overall presentation of the farm during peak season has been a consistent highlight for families who return each year specifically to enjoy the seasonal setup and take fresh photos at the new displays.
A Garden Center That Earns Its Reputation
Beyond the fall festivities, Secor Farms operates as a full garden center and nursery throughout the year. The outdoor plant section carries a wide variety of options across different seasons, from spring flowers to summer perennials to the mums and ornamental cabbages that take center stage in the fall.
The garden center side of the business draws a different crowd than the seasonal activity visitors, attracting local gardeners and homeowners who are looking for quality plants and knowledgeable staff to help them make the right choices for their yards and containers.
For anyone who has never visited outside of the fall pumpkin season, the spring and summer versions of Secor Farms offer a completely different but equally worthwhile experience. The property transforms with color and greenery during the warmer months, and the market continues to stock fresh produce and local goods that make it a practical stop for anyone in the area looking to support a local, family-run operation.
What to Know Before You Go
A few practical details can make a visit to Secor Farms go much more smoothly. The farm is open every day from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, which gives visitors a solid window of time to explore without feeling rushed.
Arriving earlier in the day tends to mean shorter lines and more pumpkin selection before the best options get picked over.
Reservations for hayride tickets are strongly recommended during the fall season, especially on weekends between mid-September and late October. Tickets can be booked directly through the farm’s website at secorfarms.com, and the process is straightforward enough that even last-minute planners can usually find a slot if they check early enough in the week.
The farm is mostly accessible on foot, though it is worth noting that some of the back lot parking area is unpaved, which can be uneven terrain depending on recent weather. Wearing comfortable shoes is always a practical choice for a farm visit of this kind.
A Spot That Keeps Families Coming Back
There is something about Secor Farms that turns a first visit into a yearly tradition for many Bergen County families. The combination of accessible pricing, a variety of activities, and a genuine farm setting creates an experience that feels both special and approachable at the same time.
Many families have been making the trip to Mahwah for multiple generations, which speaks to the kind of loyalty this farm has earned over its more than five decades of operation. Children who visited as toddlers come back as parents, bringing their own kids to pick pumpkins and take the same hayride through the same decorated grounds.
That cycle of returning visitors is one of the clearest signs that Secor Farms is doing something right. The farm has not tried to reinvent itself into a theme park or an over-produced event space.
It has stayed true to what it is, and that consistency is exactly what keeps people marking it on their fall calendar every single year.
Why This Farm Still Matters in Bergen County
Secor Farms is not just a fun fall outing. It represents something larger about what Bergen County used to look like and what a small number of dedicated families have worked hard to preserve.
In a county where farmland has been steadily disappearing for decades, a working farm that has been in continuous operation since 1973 carries genuine historical weight.
The farm functions as an open-air reminder of the agricultural past that shaped this part of New Jersey long before the highways and apartment complexes arrived. For many younger visitors, it may be the first time they have ever stood in an actual pumpkin field or watched a tractor at work, which gives the experience an educational dimension that extends beyond the seasonal fun.
Supporting a place like Secor Farms means supporting local agriculture, local employment, and the kind of community anchor that becomes harder to find with every passing year in one of the most developed corners of the entire northeastern United States.
