The Personal Injury Attorney Near Me North Bergen, NJ, You Can Trust

China has its giant pandas and Australia its kangaroos. In New Jersey, the charismatic diamondback terrapin proudly inhabits its brackish waterways.

It is the only species of turtle in North America that exclusively lives in brackish waters, making the once freshwater basin of the Hackensack River an unlikely home.

“No one is going to look at a terrapin and not instantly love it,” said Drew McQuade, a senior biologist with the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute.

Story continues below photo gallery.

The institute, said McQuade, who heads its terrapin research, has captured, marked and recaptured more than 1,700 of the turtles. He said every week in the summer months, he's collecting turtles in the New Jersey Meadowlands.

“In urban areas in the Northeast, space is at a premium; there's not a lot of vacant or undeveloped land for these guys. Despite that, they've been doing great. We have turtles that we know are at least, bare minimum, 18 to 19 years old,” McQuade said.

There are estimated to be more than 5,000 terrapin turtles in McQuade's survey area, and as many as 15,000 in the entire Hackensack River, he said.

The Hackensack River, he said, presents a unique home for this specific type of turtle. Before the installation of the Oradell dam, the river was a freshwater system, and thus the terrapins would not have been able to survive there.

Terrapin turtles are not known to travel, and they live in relatively proximity to where they were born. The terrapins began to be spotted in the Meadowlands in the 1970s, but it is unknown if they were introduced into the environment through human intervention or through a natural migration.

“We really don’t know where they came from,” McQuade said.

The best time to see the diamondback terrapins is during their nesting season, which runs from May to mid-July, with peak time in June, when the females leave the salt marshes for the bays to lay eggs in the sandy spots above the high tide line. They will cross the roads to find nesting areas, so motorists should be on the lookout in those areas. High tides during full or new moon cycles tend to bring the terrapins out.

Each turtle that McQuade and his team capture is injected with a passive integrated transponder, or PIT tag. They behave similarly to a chip for tracking a pet, giving scientists the ability to perform long-term research without the constraints of battery life. The tag is not GPS-enabled but will stay with the turtle for the rest of its life and facilitate various statistics around the population size, survivorship and whether new turtles are coming in.

During the winter, the turtles burrow into the mud and brumate, a type of hibernation in which they slow their metabolism and conserve their energy during the colder months.

The turtles can be seen in the summer months throughout the Hackensack River, swimming around, poking their heads out of the water and, at low tide, sunning on the rocks.

In the Meadowlands, the turtles join the more than 200 bird species and dozens of mammals that live and hunt in the 30-square-mile open space in highly urbanized North Jersey.

The New Jersey Meadowlands offer a unique and dynamic home for these species as they survive despite the anthropogenic constraints.

“A great ambassador species,” McQuade called the terrapins. Despite everything they have been forced to overcome, they adapted to thrive in the middle of America’s largest metropolitan area.

Follow along with up-to-the-minute score updates and results from all of the high school football games across North Jersey.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Final: Ridgefield Park 48, Bergen Tech 12

Friday, Oct. 10

Irvington at Passaic Tech, 6 p.m.

River Dell at Teaneck, 6 p.m.

Kearny at Cliffside Park/Ridgefield, 6 p.m.

Becton at Garfield, 6 p.m.

Lodi at Pal Park/Leonia, 6 p.m.

Pompton Lakes at Manchester, 6 p.m.

Saddle Brook at Hawthorne, 6 p.m.

Paramus at Dumont, 6 p.m.

Bloomfield at Kennedy, 6 p.m.

Wayne Valley at Ramapo, 6:30 p.m.

Nutley at West Milford, 6:30 p.m.

Indian Hills at North Bergen, 6:30 p.m.

Elmwood Park at Lyndhurst, 6:30 p.m.

Ramsey at Lakeland, 6:30 p.m.

Dwight Morrow at Lincoln, 7 p.m.

Bergenfield at Millburn, 7 p.m.

Passaic Valley at Wayne Hills, 7 p.m.

Fair Lawn at Demarest, 7 p.m.

Fort Lee at Tenafly, 7 p.m.

Waldwick/Midland Park at Cresskill/Emerson, 7 p.m.

Rutherford at North Arlington, 7 p.m.

Secaucus at Hasbrouck Heights, 7 p.m.

Bogota at Wood-Ridge, 7 p.m.

Bergen Catholic at Paramus Catholic, 7 p.m.

Wallington at Weehawken, 7 p.m.

Westwood at Mahwah, 7 p.m.

Pascack Hills at Dover, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 11

Don Bosco at St. Joseph, 1 p.m.

Clifton at Morris Knolls, 1 p.m.

Park Ridge at St. Mary, 1 p.m.

Eastside at East Orange, 1 p.m.

Butler at New Milford, 3:30 p.m.

Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.

During the fall season, the options are endless when it comes to seasonal happenings. Some of the most common activities include fall festivals, 5k runs, apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and most importantly, hayrides. This activity is fun for all ages, and many farms in New Jersey have hayrides for visitors to enjoy each fall. Read on for a list of the best hayrides right here in Northern New Jersey.

Disclaimer: As with many outdoor activities, we recommend checking directly with each venue before heading out for the weather. Know of another spot to add? Email hello@hobokengirl.com.

This fifth-generation family farm in Bergen County is a year-round destination, but we think the fall activities are the best. Tickets are required for the hayride-plus-pumpkin picking activity, which also includes admission to the barnyard petting zoo. The hayrides can also be reserved for your group: a private hayride for up to 30 people is possible. We recommend that visitors stop at the farm market on their way out for freshly baked goodies, fresh produce, and seasonal decor. Check the farm’s Facebook or Instagram for the latest schedule and weather updates.

Read More: 40 Fall Festivals Happening in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond for 2025

There is truly so much to see and do at Alstede Farms. From visiting with the farm animals to enjoying the freshly-made ice cream, guests may even forget what they’re there for. Here’s a hint: the hayride! Alstede Farm uses a wagon to deliver visitors to the pick-your-own fields and along a scenic route to view the farm. There is also a tractor-pulled wagon ride just for kids aged 2 to 12 years old. And, Alstede has a handicapped-accessible hayride that follows the same scenic route and can deliver visitors to the pick-your-own fields. There is often live music on weekends, and the farm store here is not to be missed, both for the incredible fresh produce and the variety of canned and pantry goods. Be sure to visit the farm’s Facebook or Instagram for any last-minute schedule changes.

Spending a fall day at A. Casola Farms has been a rite of passage for many Holmdel-area families, as the farm has been in business for decades. In fact, the farm claims to have originated the concept of a pick-your-own-pumpkin and hayride farm. The crew at A. Casola takes fall seriously: the Fall Festival runs on weekends from September 13th to the 22nd and seven days a week from September 28th through October 31st. The hayrides at A. Casola is enormous — a covered wagon pulled by a huge farm tractor. The route takes riders around the farm and drops them off at the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Stop by the farm’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with any last-minute changes.

The hayrides at Bullock Farms take visitors to and from the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. But if you’re having too much fun enjoying the scenery, you can keep on riding. With fields of Christmas trees, friendly scarecrows, ghosts, and witches along the way, the journey is half the fun. Other fall activities at the farm make this a great stop for an entire day: a corn maze, a giant sandbox, and visiting with friendly farm animals are all on the agenda. The fall harvest season runs from September 20th to October 26th for 2025. Keep up with the farm on its Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest information.

Conklin’s U-Pick Farm, which opens for the season on September 20th, is a one-stop shop for all your classic fall goodies. There are apple cider donuts, pumpkins galore, a barn store full of fresh-baked goodies, and seasonal natural decor for sale like corn husks, gourds, and hay bales. But the real magic is with the hayrides. On weekends, Conklin’s has both your standard hayride and, for those willing to risk it, a Haunted Hayride. Be sure to check out the Farm’s Facebook for the latest schedule changes.

Demarest Farms, a Bergen County favorite, provides hayrides and a petting zoo, perfect for a fun family outing. Visitors should be sure to check out the farm store, as it’s stocked with a wide selection of fresh produce, deli specialties, bakery treats, snacks, and much more.

Hayrides are just one of the quintessential fall activities on offer at Donaldson Farm’s Fall Fun Harvest Weekends. Activities include pick-your-own apples, Indian corn and pumpkins, a corn maze, pony visits, and all of the great fall foods like apple cider doughnuts. The hayride takes visitors to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch and apple orchard. On the way, you’ll enjoy looking out at this 500+ acre farm, which has been run by the Donaldson family since 1906. Check with the farm on Facebook or Instagram to see any last-minute changes.

Every fall, Etsch Farms opens its doors to visitors to enjoy all of the best that a fall day on the farm has to offer, and that includes hayrides. The fall festivities begin on weekends in September, and guests can participate in hayrides around the property, pick the perfect pumpkin, and meet the farm animals. This beautiful property has been farmed by the Etsch family since 1931, and you’ll get to see what makes it so special. Stay up to date with the Farm via its Facebook page.

This Essex County farm has been family-owned and operated for nearly 100 years. The Fall Festival opens on September 20th and has all of the classic fall farm activities kids of any size could want, including hayrides. The farm market features a wide variety of seasonal produce and treats, including fresh apple cider. Visit the farm on Facebook to check on any last-minute schedule changes.

The hayride at Hillcrest Farm isn’t just for show: it’s how visitors to the pick-your-own orchard get to the trees. Once you’ve picked your fill of apples, head back to the farm store, where you can stock up on Jersey Girl Cheese, which is made using milk from the farm’s dairy. Other goodies are also for sale in the store, including local honey and apple cider made from the farm’s apples. Check out the farm’s Facebook for updates.

Lupardi’s Nursery features a petting zoo with various animals and has a tractor-pulled wagon ride, where locals can relax or pick a sugar pumpkin. With numerous attractions, it’s the perfect spot for a fun fall day. Visit the nursery’s website for more.

This family-owned farm started in 1981. Every fall, Lentini Farms hosts a fall festival with various activities for visitors to enjoy. This year, guests can look forward to two festivals: the Harvest Festival, taking place every weekend in September, and the Fall Fest, which runs every weekend in October. If feeling bold, there is a Haunted Hayride here that is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 7PM to 10PM, starting October 3rd. Tickets are required to take part in the hayride, which also includes admission and other fall activities at the farm. Check out the farm’s Instagram and Facebook for updates.

Spend a beautiful fall afternoon enjoying the scenes at Middle Valley Farm, where hayrides are just one of several fall fun activities on offer. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins and explore a hay maze. Private events can also be held at this charming farm: the staff will work with you to coordinate whatever is needed. The farm takes only cash or checks, so be sure to stop at the ATM on your way. Check out the farm’s Facebook page for the latest information.

A visit to Miller’s Hill Farm might be akin to traveling back in time, as this family-owned farm has operated on the same site since 1924. There’s something to enjoy each season, but fall has that certain je ne sais quoi that comes with the red and gold leaves. Visitors can enjoy a hayride around the farm before stopping at the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The farm store sells honey, beef, and eggs year-round, and whatever is in season, for produce. Visit the farm’s Facebook or Instagram to get the most up-to-date information.

With over 400 acres for visitors to enjoy, there is plenty to see and do at Ort Farms. The Fall Festival at Ort Farms is where guests will find the hayride, which takes visitors to the pumpkin patch for some pick-your-own fun. The farm store has seasonal baked goods, decorations, and produce available, as well as a year-round selection of meat, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, and baked goods. Be sure to check the farm’s Facebook or Instagram for the latest information.

Rohsler’s Nursery and Farm is beautifully decorated for the fall. Patrons can visit barnyard animals, navigate the fall-themed maze, + enjoy fun games. The hayrides pair well with the crisp autumn air and festive atmosphere. Visit the nursery’s website for more.

Secor Farms, a beloved fall destination in Bergen County, has hayrides to the pumpkin field. This popular ride takes you on a scenic tour of the farm, where you’ll pass by willow trees, a charming pond, and festive fall decorations. See the farm’s website for more information.

Stony Hill Farms’ logo might look familiar, and that’s because this farm has made different appearances throughout Northern New Jersey. The farm has a stand at both the Jersey City and Hoboken farmers’ markets. Locals can visit them for a change and enjoy all there is to see and do on the farm. Hayrides are available on the weekends for both pick-your-own farm visitors and visitors to the Maze Fun Park, a seasonal attraction with other games and activities. The hayrides go around the farm and to the pick-your-own fields. Tickets are required and are available online. The farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages will have the latest information about weather and schedule changes.

This Denville farmstand is open seven days a week. Come October, the hayrides will begin and will only be available on weekends. The hayrides take visitors to the pumpkin patch, where they can pick their own crop. Pick up some locally grown honey, fresh eggs, fresh apple cider, and other produce while you’re there. Visit the farm on Facebook or Instagram to get the latest information.

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The Fall Festival at Wightman Farms on Saturdays and Sundays is packed with all kinds of fun activities, including unlimited hayrides. Each ticket to the Festival includes unlimited hayrides and a pumpkin from the pick-your-own patch. Since 1922, Wightman Farms has been growing high-quality fruits and vegetables for sale, and the farm store has all of those and more, including fresh-baked pies and apple cider doughnuts. Check out the latest updates on the farm’s Facebook.

Follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Hoboken and Jersey City updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.

North Jersey awoke Oct. 13 to a series of weather issues including downed trees and power outages as a nor'easter slams the state.

Wind speeds of over 50 mph were reported in Jersey City by the National Weather Service and rain will likely continue for the whole day.

“We’re seeing winds gradually diminish but still gusty at times — not as strong as the overnight period,” according to meteorologist Sarah Johnson of the National Weather Service. “We’ll continue to have off-and-on lightning, but rain totals aren’t expected to reach flood levels.”

However, moderate tidal flooding remains a concern along most of coastal and tidal areas in New Jersey.

Here's what's happening Oct. 13 during the storm. Check back for updates from our staff throughout the day.

When will the rain end?

North Jersey can expect light rain to continue throughout Monday evening, but precipitation is not expected to be heavy or even moderate, said National Weather Service Meteorologist Bill Goodman.

The sprinkles of rain in Bergen and Passaic counties may continue overnight and into the early morning on Oct. 14. The rain should come to a complete stop later in the morning, said Goodman.

NJ power outages during storm

About 5,000 JCP&L customers were without power as of about 1 p.m. Oct. 13, but 4 p.m. the outages has dropped to 1,926.

The outages were spread throughout the state but Morris County was the hardest hit in North Jersey as of 1 p.m. About 1,100 Morris JCP&L customers were without power. By 4 p.m., it was down to 412.

Sussex County had a couple thousand the night of Oct. 12 but much was restored by the morning, with the number down to about 370 at 4 p.m. on Oct. 13.

PSE&G had about 200 customers throughout the state without service around 1 p.m. on Oct. 13, but was at 300 customers at 4 p.m.

Road closures in NJ

A downed tree closed all lanes of Route 23 south in West Milford near the Paterson Hamburg Turnpike, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Another closure on Route 23 happened in Jefferson Township due to a downed tree. All southbound lanes were closed near CR 513 and Green Road. However both closures were cleared by late morning.

NJ rain totals

The National Weather Service reported the following rain totals as of 11 a.m. Totals are expected to increase as rain continues Oct. 13:

NJ Transit delays

The morning of Oct. 13 an earlier downed tree near Glen Ridge caused a 30-minute delay for the Montclair-Boonton line, New Jersey Transit reported. It has since been cleared and normal service resumed. NJ Transit also made some service adjustments due to the storm, check them out here.

Columbus Day parades canceled

The Belleville/Nutley Columbus Day Parade was postponed to Oct. 19.

New York City's 81st annual Columbus Day Parade was also canceled.

Nothing says fall in New Jersey like a seasonal festival or fair. From classic Oktoberfest celebrations to family-friendly happenings at farms and orchards, the Garden State offers loads of fun events all autumn long.

NORTH JERSEY

????: Thru Sunday, November 2 ????: Heaven Hill Farm ℹ️: More than 35 family-friendly activities are on offer: hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals, carnival rides and more, plus food. ????: $10.99+

????: Friday, September 26-Sunday, September 28 ????: Overpeck County Park ℹ️: Enjoy a farmers market, rides, a petting zoo, food trucks and more. ????: Free

????: Thursday, October 2 (5:30-8 pm) ????: Table & Banter Market ℹ️: Enjoy beer flights, food, live music, a stein-holding challenge and more. ????: $65

????: Saturday, October 4 (10 am-2 pm) ????: Hamilton Park ℹ️: This year, the Harvest Festival is being combined with the city’s Cultural Diversity Festival. ????: Free

????: Saturday, October 4 (4-8 pm) ????: Reeves-Reed Arboretum ℹ️: This public garden in Summit is hosting a celebration with bottomless beer, German food, lawn games and live German music. ????: $85 for members; $95 for non-members

????: Saturday, October 4-Sunday, October 5 (noon-5 pm) ????: Fosterfields Living Historical Farm ℹ️: Sample Jersey wines at the farm alongside food trucks, craft vendors, live music and more. ????: $25+

????: Sunday, October 5; Saturday, October 11-Sunday, October 12 ????: Whippany Railway Museum ℹ️: Families take a round-trip train ride to pick pumpkins. Everyone receives a pumpkin-decorating kit. Wear your costume! ????: $13+

????: Saturday, October 11 (noon-8 pm); Sunday, October 12 (noon-5 pm) ????: Turkey Brook Park ℹ️: This celebration in Flanders features beer, food and music, plus hay rides and axe throwing. ????: $5; free for ages 17 and under

CENTRAL JERSEY

????: Sunday, October 5 (noon-5 pm) ????: West Main Street ℹ️: Vendors, beer, food, live music and more await. ????: Free

????: Saturday, October 11 (11 am-6 pm) ????: Forest Lodge ℹ️: Dance to a live German band while sampling craft beer and enjoying family-friendly entertainment. ????: $10 for ticket at door; $11.63 for online ticket; $32.64 for entry and unlimited rides; children under 10 enter free

????: Saturday, October 11 (noon-5 pm) ????: Edmund Wilson Plaza ℹ️: Enjoy food, drinks, a craft market, live music and a kids zone. There are also two tasting sessions (noon-2:30 pm & 2:30-5 pm); tickets must be purchased. ????: Free

????: Sunday, October 12 (11 am-4 pm) ????: Washington Park ℹ️: Activities include a pumpkin-decorating contest and apple pie competition, plus crafters, food and more. ????: Free

????: Thursday, October 16 (5-8 pm) ????: Middlesex College ℹ️: Enjoy hayrides, inflatables, food trucks, a car show and more. ????: Free

????: Sunday, October 19 (11 am-5 pm) ????: Veterans Park ℹ️: Celebrate Oktoberfest with food, alcohol and fall activities like hay rides and a corn maze.

SOUTH JERSEY

????: Saturday, October 4-Sunday, October 5 (10 am-5 pm) ????: Smithville ℹ️: Food, beer and music—plus 100 craft vendors, kids’ activities and more—make this annual celebration a perfect fall day out for the family in this charming village in Galloway. A free shuttle bus runs from Smithville Square. ????: Free

????: Sunday, October 5 (11 am-4 pm) ????: Mainstage Center for the Arts ℹ️: Now in its 32nd year, this festival features pumpkin painting, vendors and games. ????: Free

????: Saturday, October 11 (9 am-4 pm) ????: Kirby’s Mill ℹ️: Indulge in apple butter, cider, cider donuts and even apple ice cream. ????: Free

????: Saturday, October 11-Sunday, October 12 (noon-5 pm) ????: Heritage Park ℹ️: Sip from local wineries while taking in music and eating fall fare. ????: $20+

????: Saturday, October 18-Sunday, October 19 (9 am-4 pm) ????: White Horse Inn ℹ️: Celebrate the cranberry-harvest season with 100-plus vendors, music and even a car show. ????: Free

????: Saturday, October 19 (noon-4 pm) ????: Croft Farm ℹ️: Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden and plenty of games for the family—not to mention free pumpkins.