By: Marian LaRowe
From September 24 to October 30 passengers on the Black River & Western Railroad (BRW) can ride the train to the pumpkin patch and corn maze at Pumpkin Junction in rural Hunterdon County, NJ. Visitors may ride in antique passenger coaches, a unique open-air hayride car, or a classic bay-window caboose.
At Pumpkin Junction visitors can pick their own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, visit the petting zoo, take a horse-drawn wagon ride, and enjoy light refreshments before venturing into the 10 acre corn maze. This year’s maze design is for the Fall, Scarecrows, Pumpkins, etc. Visitors can find their way through over four miles of trails. Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights, or purchase flashlights or glow-sticks at Pumpkin Junction before entering the maze.
The Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze at Pumpkin Junction operate weather permitting every Saturday, and Sunday beginning September 24 with the final day of operation on October 30. During operating hours trains depart from Flemington Station for Pumpkin Junction every hour on the hour. The maze and pumpkin patch operate on Saturdays 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The last train departs Flemington Station to Pumpkin Junction one hour before closing. Train service to Pumpkin Junction is offered only from Flemington Station.
Children under age three are admitted free of charge. Children age three to twelve are $8 each. Passengers age twelve and older are $16 each. All tickets include train travel to and from the maze and admittance to the maze. Sales of pumpkins, refreshments, wagon rides, and souvenirs at Pumpkin Junction are cash only. Group rates available upon advance request by calling (908) 797-7300.
Trains are operated by the Black River Railroad Historical Trust (BRRHT) a 501c3 Not for Profit Organization. The BRRHT’s mission is to preserve the heritage and history of railroading while educating the public about railroad safety. To fulfill this mission, the BRRHT operates seasonal passenger excursion trains on the BRW. Other activities include hosting special events in partnership with the railroad, working towards the creation of a small museum at the Ringoes rail-yard, and ongoing acquisition, restoration and preservation of historic railroad equipment. For additional information about the BRRHT visit brrht.org, or call 908-782-6622
