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Local berry farms are the sweetest spots for U-pick blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries during the summer season.
By Sabrina Sucato, Raphael Beretta, and Olivia Cambalik
Picking your own fruit is one of the purest pleasures of summer. In the Hudson Valley, the season begins with strawberries in late-May and early June before continuing to blueberries, blackberries, and, later, juicy stone fruits like peaches and plums. If you go, look for plump, firm berries — but remember, they won’t keep for long. Other berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are available throughout the summer.
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DuBois Farms
Highland
DuBois offers a rainbow of produce during pick-your-own season. Keep an eye out for strawberries in June, nectarines and peaches in early July through September, and plums in early July to the beginning of September. Later in the season, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers are available as well. At the farm stand and café, visitors can pick up locally made goods, with ciders, beers, and wines for sale at the tavern.
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Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction
Strawberry picking is available in June, with blueberries in July and blackberries in late July to August. Other fruits at the farm include cherries, raspberries, peaches, apples, and pears. Plus, when onsite, sip farm-fresh ciders on tap at Treasury Cider.
Fix Bros. Fruit Farm
Hudson
A fifth-generation farm in the Hudson Valley, Fix Bros. is open daily for U-pick during the height of the season. Head to Hudson for sweet cherries from the end of June to July, black sour cherries from the middle of July, and peaches in August. Sign up for “fruit blasts” to stay up-to-date on the status of ripening produce in Hudson.
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Greig Farm
Red Hook
Get your berry fix with strawberries in June, blueberries from July to mid-August, and blackberries from early-August to mid-September. Take advantage of online ordering and contactless pickup for comfort and convenience. Those spending a day at the farm can enjoy four miles of farm trails, a farm market and cafe, 25 local artisans inside the SoHu Craft Market, and much more. Greig Farm’s playful goats are especially fun to watch.
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Halfway Acres
Campbell Hall
The family-owned blueberry farm is USDA certified organic, making it a delight for clean and juicy berries in the Hudson Valley. The U-pick season runs from the end of June through July, and a limited number of berry bushes are available for locals who want to try their hand at growing their own. Reservations are required for entry, and Halfway Acres is closed on Mondays.
Kelder’s Farm
Kerhonkson
Pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries at this farm, which also offers a market with locally made products and a mini-golf course that boasts what was at one time the world’s largest garden gnome. Get your tickets online now, or opt for a season pass to visit during each fruit’s prime ripeness.
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Lawrence Farms Orchards
Newburgh
The U-pick season starts in June with strawberries. Throughout the summer, Lawrence Farms Orchards offers a variety of unique produce such as sweet and sour cherries, apricots, currants, and gooseberries. Find other delicious treats at the concession stand, including muffins and pies. Children can explore the adorable mini-house playground. Season passes are available for purchase.
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Mead Orchards
Tivoli
Mead is a favorite for sweet cherries from mid-June through July, and this year the orchard is excited to introduce no-spray blueberry picking in July, thanks to cutting-edge netting imported from Germany. Over 100 acres of crops overlook the majestic Catskills at this Tivoli destination. This year, strawberries will not be in the rotation due to older beds and hungry deer. While onsite, shop for farm-fresh tomatoes, peaches, raspberries, sunflowers, and corn. In the fall, enjoy the giant corn maze. In addition to visiting for U-pick, look for the farm at markets in Pleasantville, Tarrytown, and Rhinebeck.
Ochs Orchard
Warwick
The 100-acre farm has been in operation since the 1920s. Plan a visit for pick-your-own strawberries in June and early July. Throughout the season, look out for peaches, plums, tomatoes, blueberries, and vegetables as well. At the farm market, lettuce, potatoes, onions, and eggs provide the base for homegrown meals. Wear good shoes, because the property is full of rolling hills. Once back from the fields, visitors can enjoy homemade ice cream from the ice cream counter.
Prospect Hill Orchards
Milton
Head to Prospect Hill for sweet and sour cherries beginning at the end of June (check the site at the start of the month for cherry picking). Apricots, plums, peaches, and nectarines are available from July through August. The Milton farm is sustainable and uses integrated pest management and solar panels, with organic orchards as well. Find breathtaking views and fresh products like homemade granolas and jams.
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Rose Hill Farm
Red Hook
Sitting on 114 acres of farmland, Rose Hill is a family-owned farm with holistic orchard management. In addition to selling cider and wine at its farm brewery, it offers U-pick strawberries in early June (new this 2022 season), cherries from the end of June to the beginning of July, blueberries from mid-July to mid-August, apricots in early July, nectarines in late July, and peaches in August and September. Plus, Rose Hill Ferments serves small-batch ciders and delicious naturally fermented wines.
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Samascott Orchards
Kinderhook
The U-pick season begins on June 10 at Samascott Orchards with ripe strawberries and rhubarb. Throughout the summer, the orchard offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables including cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and summer squash. For an extra layer of U-pick fun, check out the surrey bike rentals to transport your harvest (and your family) in style. Lastly, be sure to stop by the farm store for homemade apple cider donuts and ice cream.
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Saunderskill Farm
Accord
The farm is a must for U-pick strawberries in June and blueberries in July and early August. Stop by the bakery for fresh fruit pies, muffins, and biscotti, with plenty of gluten-free options available as well. Fresh flowers from the farm greenhouse are available for purchase.
Thompson-Finch Farm
Ancram
This family-owned farm specializes in organic berries and apples. With six acres dedicated to sweet fruit, berry pickers should be pleased with the selection. Strawberries are available from mid-June to mid-July, with blueberries from July through August.