Your Official Hudson Valley Apple Picking Farm Guide

August 29, 2023
Apple orchard

Article by Sabrina Sucato and Janet Siroto via HV Mag

There's nothing better than a weekend of apple picking, cider donuts, and seasonal treats at these upstate farms in the Hudson Valley.

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.

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.

Perks: food, hayrides, events

Barton Orchards, Poughquag

 

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Incredibly delicious apples + every possible kind of entertainment = Barton Orchards. This 175-acre orchard offers something for everyone: trees dripping with fruit (from HoneyCrisp to McIntosh), hayrides, kids’ petting zoo and fun park, Bark Park for pups, live music, and all kinds of food, from pickles to still-warm cider donuts. Arrive early if you don’t like lines. And take note of the special weekend events, too: Oktoberfest is slated for the weekend of September 9-10.

Perks: food, hayrides, events, taproom, rides, live music, farm store

Boehm Farm, Climax

 

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This farm stand 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


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.

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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With picturesque views everywhere, DuBois is a dream for apple picking in the Hudson Valley. During a visit, stop by the farm market, café, and bakery for local bites made with ingredients fresh from the farm. The Tavern is the place to go for music, barbecue, and local hard cider.

Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction

This is the spot for eco-certified and organic apples—100-plus varieties—including heirlooms (Cox’s Orange Pippin and Cortland). Family-owned for over a century, Fishkill Farms’ PYO season stretches from late August into November. Reserve your spot online to pick your own, and check out which vegetables are ripe, too. Then allow time to hop on a hayride and take in the view of the Catskills and join in any of the farm’s special weekend events, from festivals to yoga.

Perks: food, live music, hayrides, events, taproom, farm store

Greig Farm, Red Hook

 

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Celebrating 81 years, this family-run farm offers 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 the SoHu artisan market, explore the hiking trails with Catskill views, and swing by the pumpkin patch if your home needs some Halloween spirit.

Perks: food, events, farm store, petting zoo

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem

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

Boredom? Impossible here, with giant slides, a bounce house, an obstacle course, duck racing, an apple bin train, a zipline, and four corn mazes. Did we mention apple picking, too? It kicks off on August 26, with different varieties available throughout the season. Afterward, grab some eats (cider donuts, of course) at the café.

Indian Ladder Farms, Altamont


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

Make your way to the U-pick orchards, which have more than 500 trees waiting to be picked, beginning in early September. Later, hit the market for one-stop dinner shopping.

Lawrence Farms Orchards, Newburgh

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.

Love Apple Farm, Ghent

 

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This one-stop farm has apples, peaches, plums, and berries to pick from, but it’s also a market, café, and bakery all in one. The market features fresh food from the farm and local producers. The café is also a great spot if you want a quick bite to eat. You can enjoy a panini, fresh salad, sandwich, and more. The bakery offers fresh, homemade pies, apple turnovers, scones, and the fan favorite, warm apple cider donuts.

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 during the farm’s annual fall festival. Enjoy a hayride, straw maze, and visit to see the friendly animals on the farm of over 40 acres before stopping at the farm stand and refreshment stand for delicious apple cider.

Maskers Orchard, Warwick

 

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Twenty-thousand trees dot Maskers, with 14 types of apples to tempt you. You’ll find a great mix of red and golden varieties; familiar names and some off-the-beaten-path ones, like McCowan, Smoothies, and Surprise. Cars can drive right up to the trees, which is a blessing (convenient) and a curse (dust clouds). The vibe is ultra-welcoming: “Admission is free, parking is free, bags are provided free, and best of all, eat all the apples you wish while visiting our orchard—free!” says the website. There are kiddie rides, donuts, and more to help make a day out of your outing.

Perks: food, farm store, rides, maze

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 some 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.

Perks: maze, rides, farm store

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 9 with Macintosh and Honeycrisp varieties. Don’t forget to visit the farm store and bakery!

Pennings Orchard, Warwick

A visit to this sprawling orchard is like a day at the fair. First, pick whichever of the 15 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 at the Farm Grill, hanging out at the winery, and visiting the animal barn. Check the schedule for events, like live music and goat yoga.

Perks: rides, maze, petting zoo, beer and pub garden

Philip Orchards, Claverack


Be ready to start picking here beginning September 9 through October 8. 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

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 generation 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 on September 9 at Hilltop Farm, and September 16 at both The Homestead and Clarke’s Family Farms.

Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook

A favorite site for families and those seeking the perfect Instagram feed, Rose Hill is nestled in the glorious rolling hills of Dutchess County. Established in 1798, this family-owned farm has been doing things right for almost 225 years. The PYO season kicks off with Ginger Golds in late August and closes out with Granny Smiths in mid-November. Beyond the rows of apple trees, there’s much more to keep you occupied, like live music, food trucks, and Rose Hill’s wine and cider served in its soaring-ceilinged taproom, plus pop-up markets and events.

Perks: food, live music, taproom

Salinger’s Orchard, Brewster

 

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This orchard was established in 1901 and is still owned by the same family. It grows 18 types of apples that are already picked for you — along with fresh pies, candies, and honey.

Samascott Orchards, Kinderhook

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. Rent one of Samascott’s four-person surrey bikes (first come, first served) to cover more ground. 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.

Perks: food, maze

Soons Orchards, New Hampton

 

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In the apple business for over 100 years, Soons is beloved for its 85 apple varieties spread across 35 acres. 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

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. Ready to make a weekend out of it? Reserve an on-premises campsite.

Perks: food, cider, live music, farm store

Twin Star Orchards, New Paltz


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.

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. While enjoying fresh baked goods from the bakery, listen to live music in the backyard.

Wilkens Farm, Yorktown

 

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This Westchester farm, over 100 years old, draws hungry hordes from across the tri-state area. It’s so popular, in fact, they encourage visitors to come in September for the best variety of apples—Gala, McIntosh, Baldwin, Cortland, Macoun, and more. (Tip: Rent a pole to help you whack fruit off the upper branches.) But don’t stop with just a bushel and a peck; hit up the charming farm market, which is a carb-craver’s dream come true. Don’t even think about leaving without Wilkens’ famous apple-cider donuts, strudel sticks, brownies, and possibly a pie.

Perks: farm store, wine, maze

Wilklow Orchards, Highland

 

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Starting on Labor Day and running to October 31, the orchard is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pick your own apples or visit the road stand for convenient “pickings.” Not only does the orchard sell its own products, but it also offers goods from local businesses such as honey, cheese, baked goods, and much more.

Windy Hill Orchard, Castleton


Formerly Goold Orchard, the farm is now Windy Hill Orchard & Farm Market. The season starts on September 8 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. Don’t forget to stop by the sunflower field for photos, too!

Wright’s Farm, Gardiner


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. During September and October, show up to Wright’s any day of the week between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. and pick apples to your heart’s delight. 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.”

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