It’s finally here, Hudson Valley. The magical time of year when local farms open their orchards for apple picking has arrived.
People travel from far and wide to experience this regional tradition, and one of fall’s favorite pastimes. “It’s such a great ritual,” says Andrew Richards, farm manager and head distiller at Millbrook’s Shady Knoll Orchards and Distillery. “Fall in the Hudson Valley is so beautiful, the smell of an orchard is so good.” Plus, is there a more Instagrammable activity? Head to these idyllic fall destinations for fresh cider, live music, donuts, pumpkins, and, of course, ripe apples.
Know Before You Go: How to Select Perfect Produce
Some tips to make the most of your PYO experience
- Go early, meaning September through mid-October, says Jesse Outhouse, co-owner of Outhouse Orchards in North Salem. Waiting until the end of the season means you’re likely to be left with nothing but unreachable, top-of-the-tree fruit.
- Head to the far end of the row. Dave DuBois, co-owner of Highland’s DuBois Farms, says most people cluster around the start of a row and pick the trees clean. Head to the back, and you should have your choice of prime produce.
- Take a bite while picking. “We expect you to!” says Mike Martucci, co-owner of Masker Orchards in Warwick. Make sure the variety appeals to you before loading up.
- Refrigerate apples when you get home. There are many apples (like the aptly named Evercrisp) that stay firm and juicy for six months or longer.
- When choosing a pumpkin, look for a sturdy stem. One with a wobbly or soft stem can indicate that the gourd might go mushy before Halloween, says Christine Moriello, farm manager at Apple Hill Farm in New Paltz.
Apple Dave’s Orchards, Warwick
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Purchased by Apple Dave’s family in 1949, this orchard has been growing apples on its 130 acres of land since 1950. Visit for the start of the U-pick season on Labor Day weekend to take home the early season apples like Honeycrisp and Macintosh, while Fujis, Galas, and more will be available in October. Before you leave, grab wine, beer, and more at the onsite distillery.
Apple Hill Farm, New Paltz
Ideal for a simple, non-commercial pick-your-own experience, this New Paltz farm is set on a sprawling hill (walk up to get your steps in or take a hayride). You’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the Shawangunk and Catskill mountains. The most popular fruit: Honeycrisp, Macoun, and Granny Smith, but don’t miss the vintage Opalescent variety when there—you won’t find it in supermarkets. Pumpkins are available too. Check the calendar for live music and food truck dates, and yes, dogs are welcome. The picking season runs from September through the end of October.
Apple Ridge Orchards, Warwick
Expect apples aplenty at Apple Ridge Orchards in Warwick, along with peaches or pumpkins if you time it right. The orchard is a must for families, with movie nights and hayrides scattered throughout the season. Whatever you do, don’t leave without picking up a fresh pack of apple cider donuts for the ride home.
Barton Orchards, Poughquag
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Midway between Pawling and Lagrangeville, Barton Orchards has perfected the PYO-as-entertainment experience. There are bushels of delicious apples, for sure, but also super-popular weekend events. Their Hudson Valley Apple Festival could compete with any state fair. It’s beloved for its live music, petting zoo, mega-slide, dog parks, hay rides, and more. The picking season runs from August through November 4. Take note: Tickets are needed for festival weekends.
Boehm Farm, Climax
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This farm with pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and peaches has been serving up quality produce for more than 100 years and is the only family-owned and -operated apple orchard remaining in Greene County. For anyone looking for a specific type of apple, the farm recommends calling in advance for availability.
Cedar Heights Orchard, Rhinebeck
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Take in great views of the Hudson Valley and pick some of the best apples Dutchess County has to offer. Cedar Heights Orchard has been family-owned for over 150 years. Picking begins on Labor Day weekend, so plan for breakfast in Rhinebeck before a day on the farm.
Clarke’s Family Farm, Modena
If you’re looking for a place that’s a little more low-key and old-school, this 200-year-old farm is it. Classic tractor rides and the opportunity to pick organic apples await, along with one of the few “pumpkins on the vine” patches where you can legit cut your own. The picking season runs from September 14 to October 20.
Dr. Davies Farm, Congers
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Family-owned since 1891, this scenic orchard offers an assortment of flowers, a farm stand, and apple picking. Activities including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze for Hudson Valley families to enjoy.
DuBois Farms, Highland
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Explore 70 scenic acres as you gather apples aplenty (Honeycrisp and Zestar are crowd-pleasers) and contemplate which pumpkin would make the best jack-o’-lantern. Wagon rides and farm animals make this a delightful spot for families, while the live music and Tavern—serving its own wine, craft beer, wings, and wood-fire pizza—keep the grownups happy. The picking season here runs from August to early November for apples and mid-September through October for pumpkins.
Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction
If you’re pining for amusement park rides, head elsewhere. What Fishkill Farms does so well is share what makes a Hudson Valley farm extra special. You’ll find organic and sustainable, eco-certified apples among the dozens of varieties nurtured here, as well as a mind-boggling array of heirloom apples (ever heard of Kidds Orange Red or Newtown Pippin?) that will delight those looking for something different. Adventure seekers can sign up for farm yoga, or head to the Treasury Cider Bar for a flight of the farm’s homemade tree-to-bottle hard ciders, plus donuts and other snacks—with magical Catskill Mountain views. The picking season here runs from September through early November, with pumpkins available until late October.
Greig Farm, Red Hook
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Since 1942, this family-run farm has offered 11 varieties of apples, including Jonamac, Gala, and Blondee (kids go crazy for them). Watching and feeding the playful goats behind the farm market is popular. Check the schedule for live music, explore the hiking trails with Catskill views, and swing by the pumpkin patch if your home needs some Halloween spirit.
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem
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This family-owned farm out of North Salem is conveniently located near the Metro-North’s Croton Falls train station for city dwellers to visit sans vehicle. Stroll the grounds for apple picking from September to October and visit farm animals like goats and bunnies. The orchard’s farm store also stays fully stocked with locally raised meats, freshly baked sweets, and pre-picked fruits and veggies. Grab a pint of Harvest Moon’s own Hardscrabble Cider while you lounge out and listen to live music near the pumpkin patch.
Hurds Family Farm, Modena
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Boredom? Impossible here, with giant slides, a bounce house, an obstacle course, duck racing, an apple bin train, a zipline, and a two-acre corn maze. Did we mention apple picking, too? It kicked off on August 20, with different varieties available throughout the season. Afterward, grab some eats (cider donuts, of course) at the café.
Indian Ladder Farms, Altamont
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Founded in 1916, this innovative place will legally remain a farm in perpetuity. Still, don’t wait too long to visit, pick a peck, have brunch in the café, or head to the cidery and brewery. Bags are sold in half-bushel sizes, with smaller pecks available for premium varieties.
Jenkins-Lueken Orchard, New Paltz
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Make your way to the U-pick orchards, which have more than 500 trees waiting to be picked, beginning on Labor Day weekend. Currently, Ginger Gold and Zestar apples are available at the farm stand. Later, hit the market for one-stop dinner shopping.
Lawrence Farms Orchards, Newburgh
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If you love to pick your own fruits and vegetables, then this is the place for you. Not only does the orchard have a medley of apples throughout the season, but it has pears, grapes, plums, and much more as well. Admission is $7 per person on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Admission is free for children two and under, and season passes are available if you plan to visit frequently.
Manza Family Farm, Montgomery
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This Hudson Valley orchard includes a nursery with a variety of beautiful perennials and grasses. Pick-your-own pumpkins are available during the farm’s annual fall festival. Enjoy a hayride and straw maze, then visit the friendly animals on the farm of over 40 acres before stopping by the farm stand and refreshment stand for delicious apple cider.
Masker Orchards, Warwick
This iconic orchard in Warwick has 200 acres of trees, but offers drive-up picking, which can be great for those with little ones or anyone who doesn’t want to huff and puff up hills. With 14 varieties of apples and pretty pastoral views, Masker also boasts its own radio station (tune into 87.9 FM for picking updates) and weekend pony- and mule-drawn wagon rides, a haunted house, and an apple maze. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, provided your fur baby is sociable and on a leash. And new this fall, Masker is debuting a cidery serving its signature apple cider—chilled, hot, or hard.
The picking season here typically runs from September 1 to late October. Take note: Masker Orchards has a pay-as-you-exit policy, so get ready to pile your picks in the back of your car and check out as you leave.
Mead Orchards, Tivoli
Here’s a little history: Back in 1916, G. Gordon Mead purchased a 100-acre farm and began shipping barrels full of apples down the Hudson River. His grandson Chuck now steers the farm and, rather than floating the apples downstream, the produce is available at local markets and to those PYO-ers who visit. Here you’ll find next-level eco apples: Querina, Rubyfrost, Suncrisp, and other hard-to-find varieties—but all delicious. Head to the highest hills; you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.
The Orchards of Concklin, Pomona
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Back in 1711, Nicholas Concklin purchased some land in Pomona and started farming. The farm is still owned by the Concklins, with apple picking available on Saturdays and Sundays beginning on September 7 with Macintosh and Honeycrisp varieties. Don’t forget to visit the farm store and bakery!
Outhouse Orchard, North Salem
Located in North Salem, Outhouse is ramping up for a major season that caters to guests of all ages and inclinations. Bring the kids and discover a house built of pumpkins, a pirate-themed corn maze, and a singalong hayride. Prefer to chill with friends? Grab a wood-fire pizza and a flight of house hard ciders. Of course, the main event also awaits: rows and rows of apple trees and a patch full of pumpkins. The picking season here runs from September 1 to November 1. Reservations are typically needed on fall weekends, so visit the website for details.
Pennings Orchard, Warwick
A visit to this sprawling orchard is like a day at the fair. First, pick whichever of the 20 different kinds of apples are ripe. Consider yourself warned that the Honeycrisps typically sell out by mid-September. Once you’ve loaded up on apples, take your time wandering through the vast farm market and garden center, grabbing a bite to eat, hanging out at the winery, and visiting the animal barn.
Philip Orchards, Claverack
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After two consecutive years of unsuccessful crops due to weather patterns, Philip Orchards is back and better than ever. This orchard is 100-percent pick-your-own, so there will be plenty of apples to choose from since the gems haven’t been plucked away in advance. The season will kick off with Macintosh apples as well as Bartlett pears.
Prospect Hill Orchards, Milton
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The land at Prospect Hill Orchard has been in the family for over 200 years and is now being maintained by its sixth and seventh generations of farmers. Modern technologies allow the farm to grow over 30 varieties of apples, including old favorites like Golden Delicious and Macoun, as well as newer varietals like Fuji and Honeycrisp. Prospect Hill Orchards has three farms for you to pick apples from this season, starting in early September.
Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook
Established in 1798, this Red Hook farm offers terrific apple picking, with Gingergolds in late August and Pink Ladies and Granny Smiths available until just a week or so before Thanksgiving. With a taproom, cidery, and food pop-ups, plus events like concerts and yoga in the orchard, it’s a welcoming mix of old meets new. Pumpkins are available during the season, too, and the 100 acres let you drink in the fall foliage. The picking season runs from late August through mid-November.
Salinger’s Orchard, Brewster
This orchard was established in 1901 and is still owned by the same family. It grows 26 types of apples that are already picked for you — along with fresh pies, candies, and honey.
Samascott Orchards, Kinderhook
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If you’re the curious type, Samascott Orchards will probably have enough apples—70 varieties—to keep you intrigued all season long. You’ll find elusive varieties, such as the Esopus Spitzenburg and Candy Crisp, as you explore this 1,000-acre orchard. There’s fresh cider, plus homemade cider donuts and ice cream at the farm store. The nearby Samascott Garden Market typically has an original, artistic, themed corn maze in the fall; past designs include everything from ice cream cones to spiderwebs.
Soons Orchards, New Hampton
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In the apple business for over 100 years, Soons is beloved for its many U-pick options, including apples. At the farm market, Soons keeps the apple-centric vibes going with sweet cider, homemade pies, and everyone’s favorite apple cider donuts. Thanks to the orchard’s convenient location near Middletown, it’s a great option for Hudson Valleyites who want to experience the beauty of farm country in Orange County.
Stone Ridge Orchard, Stone Ridge
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Head to the heart of the Rondout Valley—between the Gunks and the Catskills—to find this 200-year-old farm. Some of the ancient, original trees still exist on a hilltop, but now there are over 115 acres of apple trees bursting with fruit. If that isn’t enough to keep you busy, explore the beautiful land, sample cider and wood-fired pizza, and see if any live music is on the schedule.
Twin Star Orchards, New Paltz
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Also known as the home of Brooklyn Cider House, Twin Star grows crowd favorites like Cortland, Gala, and Mcintosh for local picking. After a trip to the orchard, visitors can stick around for wood-fired pizza and burgers, not to mention Brooklyn Cider House ciders and local beer and wine.
Wallkill View Farm, New Paltz
At Wallkill View, families can enjoy rollicking hayrides, a 3-acre corn maze, a hay tunnel, pumpkin bouncy house—and a big patch of pumpkins. No apples, but sometimes, it’s all about the gourd. And just as the farm’s name promises, killer Hudson Valley views await.
Picking season: Corn maze: daily in October 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; other attractions: October weekends, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; hayrides: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Weed Orchards, Marlboro
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Pick your own fruits, veggies, and flowers at this fifth-generation family farm offering acres upon acres of produce. Visit the tasting room and winery for homegrown and handcrafted cider and wine paired with a delicious meal. Weed is a great spot to enjoy fresh-baked goods from the bakery and listen to live music in the backyard.
Wilkens Farm, Yorktown
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Boasting a robust array of apples, this farm grows your favorites speckled among the relative rarities like Baldwin, Crispin, and Jonagold (some in limited quantities). There’s no entrance or parking fee, but you must pick and pay for at least a one-peck bag per every two adults. (See recipe ideas on page 47 for ways to make the most of all your fruit.) Also on offer: Hayrides, a pumpkin patch that opens at the end of September, and a corn maze with a new design every year. The picking season runs from the end of August to early November.
Windy Hill Orchard, Castleton
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Formerly Goold Orchard, the farm is now Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market. The season starts on September 6 for apple picking and more. After a trip through the orchard, visitors can relax by the fire pit and take in the sweet smell of applewood burning.
Wright’s Farm, Gardiner
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We conclude our list with an orchard that truly has it all: a farm store, a bakery, a brewery, a farmers’ market, and apple picking. Starting on September 6 and ending in October, pick apples to your heart’s delight at this orchard. In addition to picking apples on the orchard grounds, Wright’s encourages visitors to “lay out a blanket, picnic, take a hike, play football, and just plain relax.”
Related: These Are the Best Cider Donut Destinations in the Hudson Valley
