Best Orchards for Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley near New York City
Apple picking is a fun family activity during the fall months near New York City. This guide will show you all the best apple picking spots in the Hudson Valley for the entire family to enjoy.
Fall is a wonderful time to do some apple picking in New York especially in the Hudson Valley.
Even though you cannot pick apples in Manhattan, but there are so many orchards and farms in Hudson Valley that are only an hour or two drive away. And if you time it right, you can do apple picking and sunflower fields at the same farm (yup that means you need to go early September).
Whether you are looking for just apple picking, or delicious cider donuts, pizzas and fun kids activities, you will love all the apple and fruit picking spots in the Hudson Valley. The most difficult question would be which is the best apple picking orchard for you this fall in New York.
If you live in Queens or on Long Island, check out my complete apple picking guide on Long Island instead.
This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
When is Apple Picking Season in the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York?
Apple picking is a super popular fall activity in the Hudson Valley and upstate New York and many farms and orchards around New York City offer this fun activity (mostly on the weekends).
Most of the farms have a variety of fruits and vegetables that are open to the public to pick, but the best months to go apple picking in New York and the Hudson Valley is from Labor Day weekend to the end of October where apples are ripe and sweet.
If you visit orchards in the Hudson Valley early September, it is possible that the farms may offer peaches to pick instead of apples, so it really depends on the specific year and the weather/ climate that year.
Even during September and October, different types of apples will be ready for picking during different times within these 2 months timeframe.
If you are interested in when different types of apples are available for picking, see the table below!
| Ripening Dates | Types of Apples That Are Ripe |
| Early September | Ultima Gala, Zestar, Sansa, Blondee, Gale Gala, Rubymac, McIntosh, Jonamac, Tsugaru |
| Mid September | Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Crimson Crisp, Cortland, Macoun, Rhode Island Greening |
| Late September | Golden Delicious, Crown Empire, Snapdragon, Macoun, Pixie Crunch |
| Early October | Jonagold, Shizuka, Autumn Gala, Cameo, Keepsake, Red Jonaprince, Crimson Topaz, Red Delicious |
| Mid October | Suncrisp, Albemarle Pippin, Red Cameo, Ruby Frost, Spigold, Mutsu/ Crispin, Stayman/ Winesap |
| Late October | Enterprise, Gold Rush, Aztec Rose Fuji, Maslin Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Evercrisp |
How much is apple picking in the Hudson Valley, New York?
In general, it is not cheap to go apple picking in New York. There are two types of payment system for orchards near New York.
Many orchards and farms in the Hudson Valley charge a general admission fee plus a fee to apple pick (you have to pay to buy a bag and fill up the bag). Other farms may only charge for the apple picking bag or the amount of fruit you pick.
So depending on which orchard you decide to go near New York, it could cost a family (2 adults, 2 kids) between $20 to $50 dollars to visit a farm and pick apples in New York.
Why is it so expensive to just pick some apples in New York you ask? It’s because many of the orchards offer more than just apple picking! As you will see below, many farms offer many fun activities that are included in the general admission tickets, so you can do a lot more on the farm than just pick apples.
Can you take public transit to apple picking near New York?
As the orchards are located in the Hudson Valley or upstates New York, having a car is definitely the most direct way to get to these orchards.
However most of the apple picking spots are not too far from a major train station. Therefore it is possible to take public transit to a nearby town then take a ride sharing service to the actual farm but you will need to make sure trains are running on the weekend.
How to Prepare for Apple Picking?
- Always call the farm ahead of time to check for conditions. Sometimes when the apples are not ripe enough to be picked the farm will tell you not to come or if there are unexpected closures you won’t find out until you call them or check their facebook page.
- You cannot bring your own bags to the orchards. Most orchards will give you a bag to put the apples in to prevent stealing.
- Pre-booked tickets are non-refundable if weather is bad. We actually lost $60 last fall because we pre-purchased tickets to enter one of the orchards and it was storming that weekend. Oh well!
- Dogs need to be on a leash and only certain orchards allow dogs onsite. It’s best to keep your dog at home or check my list below to see which orchard allows dogs.
- Bring cash with you because most orchards are cash only.
- Go to the orchards with dwarf trees if you have small children with you. It’s more fun for them if they can pick the apples themselves. Some orchards (or specific types of apples) grow on very tall trees then you will need special tools to pick them.
Read Next: Best Strawberry Picking Spots Near New York City
Where to Pick Apples in the Hudson Valley & Warwick Area in New York
Hudson Valley has a large number of great orchards for apple picking in September and October. These orchards are generally about 1.5 hours drive from Manhattan, making it a great day trip for the entire family from New York City.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
1) Fishkill Farm
Address: 9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Website: https://www.fishkillfarms.com/visit/pick-your-own/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 64 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour 20 minutes
Reservation: required; open weekday and weekends
Pets: allowed. See restrictions below
Located about 1.5 hours from New York City, Fishkill Farm is one of the most popular apple picking spots in New York.
The farm was founded in 1913 and has been in the Morgenthau family for over 100 years. Fishkill Farm has over 270 acres of apple orchard and farm in the Hudson Valley, making it an ideal day trip from the busy New York City.
We were really surprised at how large the farm is. You can pretty much park anywhere along the “main road” in the farm, pick your apples or pears and hop on the free hayride wagon to go to the store and food area.
You will find a variety of apples for picking and there are new ones that ripe every week. We got a lot of Fuji, Gala and Golden Supreme the weekend after Labor Day.
You need to book a reservation in order to do apple picking at Fishkill Farm and they must be booked online on their websites. Weekends and holidays cost $58 per package (up to 5 people) as well as 1 half-bushel bag (about 22 pounds or 50 apples). Check official website for pricing.
Fishkill Farm also has Asian Pear, peach, raspberries, blackberries and other vegetables during different times of the year. You will also find hay ride, farm store, wagon rides and Treasury Cider Garden on the farm. We visited right after Labor Day Weekend and some of the Asian pears were ripe, the Yoinashi type is REALLY good.
Dogs allowed at Fishkill Farm in the courtyard area but not allowed inside the farm stores or in patches or orchards. You cannot bring your dog to apple pick at Fishkill Farm.
How to go to Fishkill Farm by public transit: Take Metro-North Hudson Line to Beacon, then Uber from Beacon to the farm
2) Weed Orchard & Winery
Address: 43 Mt Zion Rd, Marlboro, NY 12542
Website: https://www.weedorchards.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 80 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours+
Reservation: not needed
Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed outdoors only at Weed Orchard & Winery.
Weed Orchard & Winery is a family owned farm and winery in the Hudson Valley since 1913. The property has a winery and cafe, live entertainment, BBQ and other food on the weekend.
Between September to November, there is Apples & Wine Festival on the farm with special activities such as Live Music, Apple themed Menu Specials, Face Painting.
For Labor Day Weekend this year, there is a Honeycrisp Festival.
You have to pay a small admissions fee at the door (children 5 and under are free) but you can ride Hayrides for free starting around 12:30pm.
There is also a corn maze with lookout tower, a 7 foot tunnel slide, playground and lakeside picnic available at Weed Orchard, making it the perfect place to take your children!
For apple picking at Weed Orchard, you just need to pay apple by the pound or $42 for a full bag. If you are not visiting during a festival weekend, you don’t need to pay for general admission (but there won’t be any of the fun activities during the weekdays).
They also have a sister farm, Sonny Weed, that is open on Saturdays and Sundays. This sister farm is pet friendly as well.
How to reach Weed Orchard & Winery by public transit: Take Metro-North Hudson Line to Beacon, then Uber from Beacon to the farm
3) Lawrence Farms Orchards
Address: 306 Frozen Ridge Rd, Newburgh, NY
Website: http://lawrencefarmsorchards.org/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 70 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hour
Reservation: not needed
Pets: not allowed
Unlike some of the farms in the Hudson Valley, Lawrence Farms Orchards is a less crowded farm just for apple picking (and fruit picking during other seasons).
Fruit picking is available 7 days a week. You will need to pay a small admission fee per person (children 2 years and under are free) and pay for only what you picked. You have about 2 hours to explore the farm and the grounds once you get in.
Cash is preferred on the property to avoid 4% fees.
Tractors can bring you to the picking areas if you don’t want to walk, and there are farm animals on site. Besides apple, there are other fruits and vegetables you can pick and the farm sells produces as well.
Besides apples, Lawrence Farm has other pick-your-own for strawberries, cherries, peaches, and other fruits and vegetables.
How to go to Lawrence Farms Orchards by public transit: Take Metro-North Hudson Line to Beacon, then Uber from Beacon to the farm
4) Wilklow Orchards
Address: 341 Pancake Hollow Rd, Highland, NY 12528
Website: https://www.wilkloworchards.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 82 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour 40 min
Reservation: not needed
Pets: allowed, dog needs to be leashed
Wilklow Orchards is a family farm located near New Paltz.
Apple picking on Wilklow Orchards offer over 13 varieties of apples and they are open everyday from Labor Day weekend to the end of October. When you arrive at the farm, you can buy a large bag (for 4 people, holds 20-25 lbs) or a small bag (for 2 people, holds 10-12lbs).
Aside from Apple picking, the farm also offers berry picking and sell produce and other products at its road stand.
For entertainment, Wiklow Orchards offer live music, hayrides, farm yard playground and there are live stocks on the farm. You can buy apple, cider, hard cider and other food from food trucks while on the farm. In the summer the farm opens late on Friday and Saturday nights with local bands performing.
How to get to Wilklow Orchards with public transit: Take Metro-North Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie, then Uber from Poughkeepsie to the farm
5) Twin Star Orchards
Address: 155 N Ohioville Rd, New Paltz, NY
Website: https://www.twinstarorchards.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 80 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours
Reservation: not needed
If you are looking for great pizza and just apple picking, then Twin Star Orchards is the right place for you.
You won’t find hay rides and playgrounds and other activities here, but you will find 10 varieties of apples, farmstand, delicious pizza and Brooklyn Cider House.
The farm will give you a map showing you where each type of apples are, so you will know where and how to find the variety that you want.
The property also offers many other fall events, so be sure to check their events calendar for details.
How to get to Twin Star Orchards with public transit: Take Metro-North Hudson Line to Poughkeepsie, then Uber from Poughkeepsie to the farm
6) Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Address: 1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Website: http://wilkensfarm.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 45 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour 15 min
Reservation: not needed except for Christmas trees
Pets: not allowed
Located less than 50 miles from New York City, Wilkens Farm is a popular farm for apple picking in New York every fall.
Starting late August through mid-December, the farm is open for peach picking, apple picking (13 varieties of apples), pumpkin picking and Christmas tree picking!
On the property you will also find corn maze, bakery, farm market and winery.
There is no general admission fee but you need to pay for a minimum. There is a 1/4 bushel (1 peck) minimum (11 pounds) for every 1 or 2 people to enter the orchard or a 1/2 bushel minimum(22 pounds) for every 3 to 4 people.
How to go to Wilkens Farm by public transit: Take Metro-North Hudson Line to Peekskill, then Uber or bus from Peekskill to the farm
7) Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
Address: 130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY 10560
Website: https://harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 50 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour
Reservation: Required; non-refundable
Pets: not allowed at Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard is one of the most popular apple picking spots in upstate New York. Located in North Salem, Harvest Moon can be easily reached by public transit and it hosts many seasonal events throughout the year and during the growing seasons.
Apple picking at Harvest Moon is available from mid September (Sep 9th, 2023) to the end of October on weekends only.
You will need to pay for general admission ($12 per person; 3 years and younger enter for free) to get into the farm. You will need to purchase one of the apple picking bags on the farm (cash only) separately ranging from $15 to $40 depending on the size.
Note that if you buy the ticket and it rains, the event will be cancelled and they don’t give refunds or allow you to switch to a different date.
There are 3 bars on the farm, and food options include BBQ lunch, burger, cider, cider donuts with live music. After the fruit harvesting season, the farm will have light shows from mid November to the end of December.
You would be delighted to know that Harvest Moon also has a pumpkin patch that opens mid September! I thought it was super cute when I went.
How to get to Harvest Moon by public transit: Take the Harlem line on Metro North to Croton Falls then Uber to Harvest Moon.
8) Apple Ridge Orchards
Address: 101 Jessup Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
Website: https://appleridgeorchards.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 55 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hour
Reservation: Not needed but call before you go for PYO information
Pets: not allowed at Apple Ridge Orchards
Apple Ridge Orchards is one of the most scenic pick your own orchard in upstate New York, located only 55 miles away from midtown Manhattan.
The orchard is generally open from late June/ early July to November for visitors to pick sunflowers, peaches, apples and pumpkins. Apple picking at Apple Ridge Orchards start in early September and runs till the end of October.
There is a small fee for general admission ($3 per person for age 2 and over) to enjoy the farm grounds, which include petting zoo, farm animals, hay ride, farm stand. Apple Ridge Orchards also offers Spookley Movie Nights in mid October on a large outdoor screen (tickets sold separately) as well as a holiday light show in the winter.
Apple picking is a separate cost as you need to pay $34 for each 1/2 bushel of apples picked which includes a free PYO bag.
Admissions and pick your own is cash only. Only farm market accepts credit cards.
How to reach Apple Ridge Orchards by public transit
By public bus: You can take bus 197 from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the town of Warwick (takes 2 hours) and grab a Uber/ Lyft from Warwick to Apple Ridge Orchards.
By Woodbury bus: Book a bus to Woodbury premium outlets then Uber/Lyft to Apple Ridge Orchards
By train: Take the NJ Transit train from Peen Station to Tuxedo, NY on the Port Jervis or Suffern Line, then take a Uber/Lyft to Apple Ridge Orchards
9) Outhouse Orchards
Address: 139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY 10560
Website: http://outhouseorchardsny.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 50 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1 hour 10 minutes
Reservation: Required for weekends; 3 hour slots for each car
Pets: allowed
Located only 50 miles from New York City, Outhouse Orchards is the perfect place to take a scenic trip as leaves change colors and air become more crisp. The website will tell you information on the types of apples they have.
Outhouse Orchards offers fruit picking (including pears!), pumpkin picking as well as hay rides, corn maze, farm stands. Food options include baked goods, pizza, cider donuts, and you can buy even more produces at their farm stand.
Reservation is required per car on the weekend with a 3 hour slot. You will need to pay for reservation plus buy a bag for apple picking. Small bags cost $30 and fits about 15 lbs and large bags cost $45 and fits about 25 lbs of apples. Refunds will be issued for inclement weather.
How to get to Outhouse Orchards by public transit: Take the Harlem line on Metro North to Croton Falls then Uber to Harvest Moon.
10) Maskers Orchards
Address: 45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
Website: https://www.maskers.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 55 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours
Reservation: Not required
Pets: Allowed, on a leash
Maskers Orchards has been offering family friendly apple picking in the Hudson Valley region for more than 100 years. It is a short drive from New York City and you can spend the entire day on this fun filled orchard.
Maskers Orchards is pet friendly (need to be leashed) and only accepts credit cards.
This is one of the only farms in the Hudson Valley with free admission. You just need to pay for apple picking ($33.95 per half bushel bag) and you are allowed to eat all the apples while you are on the orchard for free.
The farm has 14 varieties of apples throughout the harvest season. Aside from apple picking, Maskers Orchards also offers family friendly activities such as pony rides, wagon rides, haunted house, farm animals, apple maze, etc.
How to get to Maskers Orchards by public transit:
By public bus: You can take bus 197 from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the town of Warwick (takes 2 hours) and grab a Uber/ Lyft from Warwick to Masker Orchards.
By Woodbury bus: Book a bus to Woodbury premium outlets then Uber/Lyft to Masker Orchards
By train: Take the NJ Transit train from Peen Station to Tuxedo, NY on the Port Jervis or Suffern Line, then take a Uber/Lyft to Masker Orchards
11) Ochs Orchard
Address: 4 Ochs Ln, Warwick, NY 10990
Website: https://www.ochsorchard.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 55 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours
Reservation: Not required
Pets: not allowed in the picking area
Located very close to Maskers is another fun Orchard called Ochs Orchard. Ochs Orchard is a 4 generation 100 acre family run farm with amazing view overlooking the Warwick Valley.
Ochs Orchard is known for its homemade ice cream, farm market and apple and vegetable picking (they have over 20 varieties of apples to pick!). The farm is open everyday for pick you own apple from September to early November. The farm offers pick-your-own peaches, tomatoes, vegetables, blackberries and flowers in the summer.
Apple picking at Ochs Orchard costs $19 for a small (1/4 bushel bag that fits 10-12 lbs) and $34 for a large 1/2 bushel bag that fits 20-22 lbs. The minimum is one 1/4 bushel bag per 2 adults.
The farm also has a petting zoo with goats, donkeys, sheep and peacocks.
Dogs are not allowed in the picking area and the orchard has a lot of hilly walks.
How to get to Ochs Orchards by public transit:
By public bus: You can take bus 197 from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the town of Warwick (takes 2 hours) and grab a Uber/ Lyft from Warwick to Masker Orchards.
By Woodbury bus: Book a bus to Woodbury premium outlets then Uber/Lyft to Masker Orchards
By train: Take the NJ Transit train from Peen Station to Tuxedo, NY on the Port Jervis or Suffern Line, then take a Uber/Lyft to Masker Orchards
12) Barton Orchards
Address: 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Website: https://www.bartonorchards.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 70 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours
Reservation: Not required (unless you are doing Tree top Adventure)
Pets: Allowed when leashed
Barton Orchards is a 175 acre apple orchard and vegetable farm located in Poughquag New York. It is the premier apple picking farm as well as a fun family friendly farm known for its festival weekends, homemade ice cream and Tap Room.
During non-festival weekends, you can enter the farm for free. There is an admission fee on festival weekends during the fall, but you will have access to activities and entertainment such as hay rides, live music, magic shows, corn maze, dog parks, giant slide, petting zoo, playground, etc. Children 3 and under are free.
Apple picking at Bartons cost $20 for a peck and $35 for a half bushel bag and you need to pay this on top of admission fee if you are visiting on a festival weekend. You can also pick hot and sweet peppers and tomatoes at the farm.
In addition, Barton Orchards has a Tree Top Adventure, featuring aerial adventure courses. Reservation is needed, no walk ins allowed.
Barton Orchards is dog friendly, but dogs must be leashed and they are not allowed in the vegetable garden, inside buildings or in the corn maze.
How to get to Barton Orchards by public transit: Take metro-North train to Pawling, then take Uber/Lyft to Barton Orchards.
13) Apple Dave’s Orchard & Distillery
Address: 82 4 Corners Rd, Warwick, NY 10990
Website: https://www.appledavesorchards.com/
Distance midtown Manhattan: 65 miles
Driving time from midtown Manhattan: 1.5 hours
Reservation: Not required
Apple Dave’s is a beautiful farm featuring large old apple trees, amazing views of the Appalachian Trail and rolling pumpkin patch. If you are looking for some fruit picking and craft beer then this is the right farm for you.
There is live music and wagon ride on the weekend. Admission on weekends and holidays is $5 per person and children over 5.
To apple pick, you need to buy a picking bag and pay only for the apples you pick. A full half-bushel bag of apples is $34 and a full peck bag is $18. There are 12 types of apples that you can pick from this farm. The farm is open until Halloween.
Additional New York City Travel Guides
If you want to find out the best way to do all these unique things in New York City, be sure to check out my other New York City travel guides below:
New York City Seasonal and Family Friendly Activities
- Why You should visit NYC in the fall
- Best Fall Hikes in NYC
- Where to Pick Strawberries near NYC
- Best Apple Picking Spots on Long Island
- A Complete Guide to Diggerland: a Construction Themed Amusement Park in NJ
- Best Sunflower Fields in NYC
- NYC Winter Survival Guide
New York City Itineraries & Things to Do
Christmas and Holiday Season in New York City
- Most Instagrammable Places in NYC during the holidays
- Most Festive Pop Up Bars and Restaurants in NYC during the holidays
- Best Holiday Markets in NYC
- Things to do with kids in NYC during the holidays
How to Save Money Traveling to NYC
New York City Food Guide
- Best Ice Cream Shops in Lower Manhattan
- Best Brunch Spots in New York City
- Tim Ho Wan Restaurant Review
Other New York City Guides
- Coolest Airbnbs in New York State
- Best New York Themed Gifts
- Unique Brooklyn Themed Gifts
- Cold Spring Day Trip from NYC
Like this post? Share the best apple picking spot in the Hudson Valley near NYC on Pinterest!