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Apple picking near NYC
Photograph: ShutterstockApple picking near NYC

The best apple picking farms and orchards near NYC

We’ve rounded up the best farms and orchards in the tristate area to go apple picking this fall

Allie Early
Written by
Time Out editors
&
Allie Early
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Fall has officially begun, so reinforce your baskets and ready your red wagons! If you’re looking for a cool out of town spot for a sweet day trip from NYC, hit one of the dozens of orchards opening to the public for apple picking season. If you’re looking for more bang in your basket, you’ll love the wineries, vegetable farms, petting zoos and pumpkin patches we’ve included to upgrade your apple-picking experience. Times, prices and availability vary, so phone ahead or you may find yourself, well, up a tree! For additional info on apple picking in the area, visit nyapplecountry.com or pickyourown.org.

RECOMMENDED: Find more things to do in New York this fall

New York

Applewood Orchards & Winery

Choose from 10 kinds of apples—Macintosh, Cortland, Rome Beauty, Red Delicious, Empire, Macoun, Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Jonagold and Golden Delicious—at this upstate farm, which also sports a lush pumpkin patch, herb and rose gardens, hayrides and petting zoo. Best of all, you can leave the basket behind and indulge in the on-site winery. 82 Four Corners Rd, Warwick, NY (845-986-1684, applewoodorchards.com). Daily 9am–5pm; $28/half bushel, no admission or parking fees. Sept 5 through late October.

Barton Orchards

A 220-year-old white oak marks the center of this 122-acre farm filled with 25 apple varieties—everything from Cortland to Macintosh. Even if you’re not into pommes, you can still enjoy a petting zoo, weekend hayrides, a haunted house (in October) and a five-acre corn maze. 63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY (845-227-2306, bartonorchards.com). Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm. $3, children under 2 free (includes petting zoo, hayrides, kids' special events); fun pass $9.50 (includes admission, corn maze, haunted house and family theme park). Apples: $15/10lbs, $24/20lbs. Through Nov 2.

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Dr. Davies Farm

Though it's home to more than 4,000 apple trees spread across 35 acres, this Hudson Valley farm—originally built by Dr. Lucy Virginia Davies and her husband, Arthur, in 1891—is less than a half hour from the George Washington Bridge. Reward yourself after a day of picking and tractor riding with a bottle of fresh-pressed cider. 306 Rte 304, Congers, NY (845-268-7020, drdaviesfarm.com). Daily 10am–4pm after Labor Day. 25lbs/$37.

Grieg Farm

With its stunning views of the Catskill Mountains, the Greig Farm is an elegant spread. Greig's has opportunities for pick-your-own apples in September and October and for grabbing seedlings and plants at the greenhouse, plus fall raspberries and pumpkins. For lunch, head to the market (under renovation this year), where the menu showcases Hudson Valley produce, cheeses and meats, and kid-friendly offerings like seasonal flatbread "Skizzas." 223 Pitcher Ln, Red Hook, NY (845-758-1234, greigfarm.com). Daily 8am–8pm; $20/half bushel. Through the end of October.

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Hurds Family Farm

This farm caters to the seasons. In fall, expect plenty of apple-picking opportunities, and on select weekends leading up to the Christmas holiday, you can choose a tree from its crop of evergreens. In addition to a corn maze, Hurds offers an apple launcher, an "eco-discovery trail" and a cow-train ride (Holstein-painted go-karts rigged up to a tractor). At the Kids Corral, tykes can pedal trikes, meet farm animals, feed fish off a dock and take on a giant slide. Don't forget to grab a pumpkin out of their patch before you head home. 2187 Rte 32, Modena, NY (845-883-7825, hurdsfamilyfarm.com). Wed–Sat 9am–5pm. $14, children under 3 free. $20/half bushel of PYO apples; pumpkins 50¢/lb. Season begins in late August.

Kelder's Farm

An impressively large garden gnome, Chomsky, stands as sentry at the entrance to Kelder's Farm. The spot offers all the classic fall farm amusements: a petting zoo, hayrides and a corn maze. The biggest draw is a minigolf course ($3.75) designed by artist Maria Reidelbach, coauthor of Miniature Golf (said to be the first book ever bound in artificial turf). The whimsical course is constructed from recycled tractor wheels and other repurposed farm implements. Along with the standard pick-your-own apples, the space is lined with plenty of vegetables, herbs, flowers and other types of fruit—including pumpkins—that you can pick along the way. 5755 Rte 209, Kerhonkson, NY (845-626-7137, kelderfarm.com). Daily 10am–6pm; $1.50/lb. Through October.

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LoveApple Farm

Its name is no lie; tending to more than 15,000 fruit trees is proof enough that this farm hearts its harvest. Along with fall faves like a market and a petting zoo, the orchard features weekend pony rides, a Mexican cantina and an old-fashioned ice cream shop, which serves homemade cones and sundaes made from their own fruit. 1421 Rte 9H, Ghent, NY (518-828-5048, loveapplefarm.com). Daily 9am–5pm. Apple prices subject to change.

Lawrence Farms Orchards

In addition to over a dozen types of apples, including Empire, Cortland, Macintosh, Macoun, Jonagold, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red and Golden Delicious apples, this Newburgh farm cultivates a cornucopia of other fruits and vegetables. From late September through October, pears, yellow peaches, grapes, sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins and other natural bounty are in season. 306 Frozen Ridge Rd, Newburgh, NY (845-562-4268, lawrencefarmsorchards.com). Daily 9am–4pm; $3, children under 2 free. Call ahead for produce pricing. Through Nov 23.

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Masker Orchards

Perennial pickers swear by this 200-acre orchard with 20,000-plus trees, the first fruit farm in the state to switch to pick-your-own (back in 1972). Visitors can drive right up and enjoy a picnic lunch under the tree of their choice. Don't be afraid to sample the goods: Here, unlike in Oz, snacking on apples while you pick is encouraged! Wagon rides, a haunted house, barnyard animals and pony rides add to the atmosphere on weekends, along with a corn maze that's open daily. The town of Warwick is also home to Applefest (warwickapplefest.com), which features live music, crafts and a highly competitive apple-pie-baking contest. 45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY (845-986-1058, maskers.com). Daily 9am–5pm; $26.95/half bushel. Free admission and parking. Some attraction fees may apply. Sept 5 through early November.

Milk Pail Farm and Orchard

At this 44-year-old homestead (which started out as a dairy farm), you can pluck more than 20 different varieties of apples that grow on dwarf apple trees. Also available: wagon-led farm tours, fresh cider at the Milk Pail country store and a pumpkin patch with more than 58 varieties of gourds weighing up to 150 pounds. And for the first time, RubyFrost, a new apple just released by Cornell University will be available for picking—just be sure to check their website for weekly updates on its availability. 1346 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY (631-537-2565, milk-pail.com). Fri–Sun 10am–5:30pm; free admission, $43/half bushel. Sept 8 through October.

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Minard Farms

Construction executive Derrick Doubrava purchased this Hudson Valley farm in 2003, but it's been a family-owned orchard for more than century. Visitors take a hay-wagon ride to more than 100 acres of easy-to-reach apples and—as the season allows—areas devoted to peaches, nectarines, Asian pears, strawberries, pumpkins and other veggies available for purchase at the farm stand. Doubrava's wife, Debbie, a former banker, is something of a local legend for her homemade apple-cider doughnuts, available at the farm market. 250 Hurds Rd, Clintondale, NY (866-632-7753, minardfarms.com). Sat, Sun 10am–5pm; $22/half bushel. Apple prices subject to change. Through Nov 1.

Mr. Apples Orchard

Philip "Apples" (his well-earned nickname) inherited this orchard from his parents. He uses a modern, Earth-friendly approach to farming and sprays his apples and pears with only a minimal amount of pesticides. McIntosh and Cortlands are at peak in September, while October is prime time for Red. Phil says you can still pick in early November: "A light frost won't hurt 'em." This part of Ulster County is rife with natural wonders, including the nearby Rondout River and its eye-catching waterfalls, so leave time for an invigorating hike. 25 Orchard St, High Falls, NY (845-687-9498, mrapples.com). Daily 10am–5:30pm; prices subject to change. Through mid-November.

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The Orchards of Concklin

This venerable orchard has been around since 1712 and boasts special monthly offerings including apple-and pumpkin–picking in October (plus their annual Harvest Festival), and in November freshly baked Thanksgiving pies are up for sale. Sample a homemade quiche or pick out a pumpkin to take home. 2 South Mountain Rd, Pomona (845-354-0369, theorchardsofconcklin.com). Sat, Sun 10am–5pm for five weekends (call for availability). $9 (includes 1/2 peck bag), children under 3 free. Pole rentals for $2 with $5 deposit. Season begins Sept 20.

Outhouse Orchards

Its name may not inspire hunger pangs, but Outhouse's mouthwatering selection of homemade doughnuts, fudge, pies and other goodies will. No sweet tooth? Then gnaw on a smoked turkey leg, one of the other savory options available here. Our favorite part of the farm is its selection of PYO apples, including Red Delicious, Cortland, McIntosh, Empire, McCoun and more. After filling up on food, you can pay a visit to the farm animals and saunter over to the hayrides on weekends. 130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem, NY (914-277-3188, outhouseorchardsny.com). Daily 9am–5pm. $25/half bushel.

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Stone Ridge Orchard

There have been fruit-bearing trees here for more than 200 years, but the farm's approach to sustainability is very 21st century. Eco-friendly practices like minimal pesticide use and substituting mulch for synthetic fertilizers helped the orchard get certified by Eco Apple, a program of the organic/fair trade nonprofit Red Tomato. But Stone Ridge is, primarily, apple-crazy: There are more than a dozen kinds of organic apples for visitors to pick—including classics like McIntosh, Cortland and Stayman—but much of the land has been given over to newer breeds growing on smaller, more densely planted trees, which manager Elizabeth Ryan says puts less stress on the soil and produces bigger and sweeter fruit. Take a bite and judge for yourselves. 3012 Rte 213, Stone Ridge, NY (845-687-2587, stoneridgeorchard.us). Daily 9am–5pm; $9/5lbs, $17/10lbs, $20/27lbs. Labor Day weekend through late October.

New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Alstede Farms

This Garden State homestead has a lot more than apples to pick from (though it's got plenty of those). Visitors can load up on peaches, pumpkins, Indian corn, blackberries and raspberries throughout the fall. On Family Fun Days, little ones run wild in a bouncy house, take a pony ride, hop along at the bunny run and trot along the new goat walk. There's also a cornucopia of corn activities, including a maize maze. All those ears will probably make folks hungry—so reward yourself with homemade ice cream, flavored with bounty from the farm. 84 Route 513, Chester, NJ (908-879-7189, alstedefarms.com). Daily 9am–6pm; apples $2/lb, pumpkins 65¢/lb. Admission Mon–Thurs 9am–6pm free; Mon–Thurs noon–6pm, Fri 9am–6pm $5; Sat, Sun 9am–6pm $7. Through end of October.

Demarest Farms

Demarest Farms’ PYO won’t disappoint—you can pick your own apples, pears and pumpkins, depending on the season (August through October is prime time for picking). It's also a great place to cruise through a corn maze, sip freshly pressed apple cider, taste local ice cream, grab a handful of Indian corn to decorate the house and pick up seasonal flowering plants like mums. 244 Wierimus Rd, Hillsdale, NJ (201-666-0472, demarestfarms.com). Mon–Fri 3–4:30pm; Sat, Sun 10am–4:30pm. $5 (includes a hayride and access to the corn maze and farm animals). 

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Hillview Farms

At this Central Jersey farm, you can fill your barrel with Cortland, Empire, Fuji and Granny Smith, or sweeten the pot with in-season peaches. Tractor rides start in late-September and run through the top of the orchards to picking areas. In October, you can pick jack-o'-lanterns-to-be and enjoy a bumpy hayride on weekends. At the nearby roadside market, visitors can load up on fresh produce, homemade doughnuts, apple cider and pumpkin pies. 223 Meyersville Rd, Gillette, NJ (908-647-0957). Daily 9am–6pm; various prices. Through late October.

Solebury Orchards

The 70-acre orchard has amassed a devoted following—not just for its bountiful apples, flowers and pumpkins but also for its legendary cider. Winesap, Braeburn and Fuji apples are up for grabs in the pick-your-own area, or choose pumpkins from the farmers' market. Leave time for a leisurely drive through scenic Bucks County. 3325 Creamery Rd, New Hope, PA (215-297-8079, soleburyorchards.com). Thu–Sun 9am–6pm; Aug 29 through Nov 15.

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Sun High Orchards

Fred and Ranghild Bostrom planted the first fruit trees on Sun High's 25 acres back in 1945. Today, you can pick apples and pumpkins and relax with board games in front of a refurbished beehive oven while fresh fruit pies bubble and bake. Weekend hayrides are a popular draw as are visits with the farm's inhabitants, including sheep, rabbits, ducks (and adorable ducklings in springtime), donkeys and an alpaca named Jersey Gold. The farm's on-site market sells crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, apple cider and homemade ice cream. 19 Canfield Ave, Randolph, NJ (973-584-4734, sunhigh.com). Daily 9am–6pm; various prices. Through late October.

Terhune Orchards

Right around the corner from Gary and Pam Mount's main farm, the couple's Van Kirk Orchard is ideal for apple picking, with dwarf trees planted in blocks so that they're easy to find and plunder (no ladders or poles necessary). Guests can meet farm animals, get lost in a corn maze, take wagon rides and naturally, pick plenty of apples and pumpkins. Wooded trails and the barnyard (filled with sheep, goats and ducks) are open year-round. And be sure to take a long break in the new Terhune Orchards Vineyard & Winery tasting room, where you can taste award-winning wines grown on the farm. 330 Cold Soil Rd, Princeton, NJ (609-924-2310, terhuneorchards.com). Daily 9am–5pm; $1.35/pound. Through October.

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Weavers Orchard

Visit beautiful Weavers Orchard for pick-your-own apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, kiwi berries, peaches, pears, plums, pumpkins, raspberries and strawberries. It also has freshly pressed cider in the year-round farm market, alongside a bakery, deli and delicious Nelson’s ice cream. If you’re not sure what to do with all the seasonal fruits and veggies you’ve plundered, then attend a cooking class and leave the orchard as a master. 40 Fruit Ln, Morgantown, PA (610-856-7300, weaversorchard.com). PYO Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 7am–5pm; $1.69/lb

Wightman’s Farms

The Wightman family—which started this homestead in 1922—has a plethora of labyrinths, including a crawl maze, giant hay maze, pipe maze and a challenging rope maze. After you’ve plucked some peaches and Granny Smiths, swing by the market for healthy produce and not-so-healthy homemade apple-cider doughnuts. 1111 Mt. Kemble Ave (Rte 202), Morristown (973-425-0840, wightmansfarms.com). Sat, Sun 9am–5pm; $11 membership fee plus $1.79/lb. Through October.

Connecticut

Averill Farm

This family-owned farm in scenic Washington, Connecticut, has been continuously operated by the Averills since 1746, functioning for many years as a dairy farm. Today, it offers about 20 varieties of delicious apples and pears grown on 30 acres of orchard (with more than 100 varieties grown in total throughout the season). Don't leave without a cider donut or cup of cider (both made on the premises)! In recent years, the Averills have also started offering sparkling hard cider and apple wine, both available for purchase by the bottle. Pro tip: In December after the farmstand closes, there are cut-your-own (and pre-cut) trees along with frozen cider donuts available for purchase at a stand in front of the Averill residence. 250 Calhoun St, Washington, CT 06794 (860-868-2777, averillfarm.com). PYO at the farmstand runs Aug 15–Nov 25 9:30am–5:30pm. At the homestead December 9:30am–4:30pm. Free orchard entry and parking. Various prices.

Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard

The Beardsley family has owned this farm since 1849. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith and other varieties hang off the more than 5,000 dwarf and semidwarf apple trees. In the farm store, you'll find homemade pies, cookies, apple-fried dough, cider donuts, pumpkin cheesecake, local honey and more. 278 Leavenworth Rd (Rte 110), Shelton, CT (203-926-1098, beardsleyscidermill.com). PYO Sat, Sun 10am–5pm. Various prices. September through October.

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Drazen Orchards

Since 1951, this fruit orchard has been growing peaches, Bartlett and Bosc pears, plums and 16 different varieties of apples. But the original trees, which required ladders and poles to harvest, have been replaced with smaller ones grown on trellises, and there are wagon rides to ferry visitors to the picking areas on weekends. At the farm stand, visitors can pick up home-canned preserves, corn, cider and honey (and even get up close to the honeybees during beehive demonstrations). 251 Wallingford Rd, Cheshire, CT (203-272-7985, drazenorchards.com). Daily 9am–5:30pm. $1.35–$1.75/lb. 

Silverman’s Farm

Buy a bag and pick your favorite apples—or try less-common varieties like Mutsu Crispin, Nittany and Cameo—at this farm founded by owner Irv Silverman's father in the 1920s. The amazing petting zoo also offers exotic animals such as buffalo, llamas, emus and longhorn cattle. Get psyched for Halloween early at the farm's decorated pumpkin patch, which goes up in mid-September: It's home to colorful fall squashes, gourds, cornstalks and scarecrows. 451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT (203-261-3306, silvermansfarm.com). Daily 9:30am–4:30pm; $10 (seven-pound bag), children under 2 free. Through early October.

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