Just like other delicious summer fruits like strawberries, cherries, and blueberries, apples taste even better when you pluck them directly from the tree. Fortunately, numerous orchards and farms near New York City allow you to pick your own apples.
In Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, apple orchards invite visitors to fill their baskets with fresh apples by the bushel. You can take your sweets, harvest them home for snacking, or use them to bake delicious pies. Apple picking is not only a delightful activity for individuals but also a fantastic family day trip.
Many of these farms offer additional attractions like hayrides, corn mazes, warm cider donuts, and the chance to interact with friendly farm animals. Keep in mind that crop availability varies, so it is a good idea to check with each destination:
Where to go apple picking in NY
Here are some places to go for apple picking in NY; have a look:
Apple Ridge Orchards
Once September arrives, this charming orchard transforms into a delightful celebration of autumn. Visitors can partake in picking their apples (PYO), meet friendly animals, enjoy a hayride, savour freshly made cider doughnuts, and indulge in other farm-fresh treats crafted from the orchard’s own apples. Do not forget to collect some honey from the hard-working honey bees in the Observation Hive.
Apple Dave’s Orchard
When Labor Day Weekend arrives, this popular spot in the Hudson Valley kicks its apple-related activities into high gear. Explore Apple Dave’s Walking Trail to find a variety of apples, including Rome Beauty, Cortland, and Jonamac. There are a total of eleven apple varieties available, and they change depending on the month. Indulge in cider donuts and fresh farm treats, and enjoy live music on weekends.
Greig Farm
At this farm in the Hudson Valley, you can pick from eleven different types of apples, like Ginger Gold and Jonagold. The farm offers more than just apple picking; it spans 300 acres and has beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains.
It features an indoor market selling items from the local area, including sweet apple cider doughnuts. Also, a craft market, a pond with koi fish, and an old schoolhouse are available for overnight stays.
Davies Farm
The Davies Farmhouse, constructed in 1836, holds a rich history. This New York gem has been a beloved pick-your-own (PYO) destination for years, boasting an impressive 4,000 apple trees with 20 diverse varieties, including Golden Delicious, Winesap, and Crispin.
While apple picking takes centre stage, visitors can also enjoy additional seasonal delights like navigating a corn maze and taking scenic hayrides.
Barton Orchards
At Barton Orchards, there are lots of things to do, not just picking apples. The farm covers 175 acres and offers activities like a corn maze, hayrides, a haunted house, and an exciting treetop adventure with rock walls and zip lines.
Hurds Family Farm
Hurds Family Farm is often one of the first to begin its apple-picking season, typically starting in late August. Visitors can leisurely explore the farm to find a variety of tasty apples like Macoun, Ginger Gold, SnapDragon, and Granny Smith.
The farm also offers fun activities beyond apple picking, including hayrides, a corn maze, pony rides, a large slide, and an obstacle course for everyone to enjoy.
Kelder’s Farm
Families in search of apple orchards where they can pick fruit themselves will find a bountiful harvest and much more at Kelder’s Farm. Children will have fun with the animals in the petting zoo, take hayrides, navigate through a corn maze, and use a huge jumping pillow to use up their energy.
After picking fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, all visitors can try out their golf skills on a miniature golf course. Do not forget to say farewell to the very large garden gnome as you leave.
Fishkill Farms
The apples are sweet at this Hudson Valley farm, and the vast landscape is even sweeter. The farm covers 270 acres, and apple pickers can choose from a variety of eco-friendly apples. About half of the farm’s apple trees are organic. Some delicious apple varieties include Sweet Sixteen, Shizuka, Pixie Crunch, and Suncrisp.
If you are visiting without kids, visit the farm’s Cider Bar. You can sample their estate-made Treasury Cider while enjoying the refreshing Catskill Mountains views.
Milk Pail Farm and Orchard
Families can enjoy apple picking with their kids at Seven Ponds Farm in Water Mill. The farm has over 14 varieties of dwarf apple trees to choose from. While you are there, do not miss the fresh Milk Pail country store cider, wagon-led farm tours, and the pumpkin patch with more than 60 types of gourds, some of which weigh up to 150 pounds.
Lawrence Farms Orchards
The orchard in Newburgh is not only filled with a wide variety of apples, including more than twelve types like Empire, Cortland, and Macintosh, but it also offers a rich selection of other tasty treats. These will ensure your basket is brimming with the fall season’s finest tastes.
Drop by from late September to October to enjoy winter squash, fresh cabbage, sweet corn, gourds, and other top seasonal produce.
Here’s a more concise table for apple picking near NYC, without the websites:
| Farm/Orchard | Location | Distance | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terhune Orchards | Princeton, NJ | ~1.5 hours | Apple picking, farm store, pumpkins |
| Wilklow Orchards | Highland, NY | ~1.5 hours | Apple picking, cider donuts, pumpkins |
| Blueberry Hill Orchards | Hopewell Junction, NY | ~1.5 hours | Apple picking, pies, scenic views |
| Applewood Orchards | Warwick, NY | ~1.5 hours | Apple picking, cider, wine tastings |
| Demarest Farms | Hillsdale, NJ | ~45 mins | Apple picking, hayrides |
FAQs
When is the best time for apple picking?
The apple-picking season varies depending on where you are and the types of apples you like. Generally, you can start as early as late summer and continue into early fall. At Chelan Ranch Organics, we harvest SweeTango apples in late August and soon switch to Honeycrisp apples from our high-elevation orchard.
Can I taste the apples while picking?
Yes! Many orchards allow you to sample apples before picking. At Chelan Ranch, we are happy to let you taste and find your perfect apple.
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