While you may not be ready for full-on flannel and pumpkin spice lattes yet, apple picking season is the beginning of fall festivities. Whether with kiddos, with friends or with the person you've decided to cling to this cuffing season, pick-your-own apples can help make the transition from summer into fall a little less painful. Besides, have you ever said "no" to an apple cider doughnut? Exactly.
For all the Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and Fuji lovers, this one's for you. We created this guide to ensure you know everything you need to know in order to plan your trip. Here are some of the best places for apple picking near NYC, along with some of the other awesome seasonal experiences they offer, from hayrides to pumpkin picking to live music.
The 20 Best Places to Go Pumpkin Picking in New Jersey and New York
Courtesy of Harbes Family Farm
There are pumpkin patches and then there's Harbes Farms. In addition to apples, you can pick your gourds (some still on the vine) straight from the patch, as opposed to simply selecting your favorite from a patch of grass, as per usual. For apples, you can also head to the Harbes Orchard in Riverhead; current offerings include lesser-known varieties like Cameo and Shizuka, plus 25 others. With more than 78 acres, the orchard uses a special system that allows for easier reach while picking. Open from September 3 through October 30, pricing depends on the weekend; Harbes Farms in Jamesport is open on weekends and holidays through the same dates for picking Honeycrisps, and they also have a corn maze, a fall sunflower maze, hayrides and fall foods. They also have a family farm in Mattituck where they have pumpkin picking, but no apple picking.
Multiple locations
Courtesy of Twin Star
Less than two hours from the city, you'll find a little slice of apple-scented heaven in the form of this idyllic spot. Apple picking season starts at the end of August here, which is a little earlier than most other farms. The orchard grows several sustainably farmed varieties, including Macoun, Jonagold and Empire. After filling an "ugly apples taste better" tote bag, stick around for live music, wood-fired pizza, burgers, craft brews and delicious Brooklyn Cider House ciders. Dogs are welcome, too, so bring the whole family for a perfect fall day. Make sure to check the events calendar beforehand for live outdoor music, pig roasts and more.
155 N. Ohioville Rd., New Paltz, NY
courtesy of applewood winery
When someone calls out, "Hey! We have cider doughnuts!" you have to answer that call. And, at Apple Dave's Orchards, you'll be very happy you did. Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Labor Day weekend, you'll find all the makings of a perfect fall day at this charmer in the Warwick Valley. Even better? No reservations required and there are no parking or entertainment fees. Admission is free on weekdays with a $5 fee on weekends and holidays. Choose from 13 varieties of apples that are ripe between September and October or head to the pumpkin patch for some pre-Halloween decor for your stoop, window or desk. And definitely grab a local craft beer or cocktail and a doughnut and spend some time enjoying the lovely outdoor area that overlooks a pond.
82 Four Corners Rd., Warwick, NY
Courtesy of Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
A family-owned favorite, Harvest Moon has started taking reservations for weekend apple picking opening weekend on September 10. Your reservation includes entry for up to four people (kids under 10 go free), one half bushel apple picking bag (which holds approximately 25 pounds) and admission to the farm store and pumpkin patch. The on-site restaurant has an expansive menu of breakfast and lunch bites, too. All of this fall fun, however, will only be on weekends, as the farm doesn't allow guests during the week.
130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem, NY
Wilkens
This year marks the 106th harvest season for this Westchester homestead, so yeah, you could say the Wilkens family (which still runs the place) knows a thing or two about apples. Apple picking at Wilkens begins on September 3, with no reservations and no parking or admission fees. Along with pumpkins and many local-favorite varieties like Winesap and Northern Spy, the farm is known for growing another season-specific crop: "choose-n-cut" Christmas trees. Don't leave without a visit to the corn maze and bakery (in that order). If you're looking for a specific type of apple, make sure to check their website for when it'll be ready for picking.
1335 White Hill Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY
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Open since 1941, in addition to apples, Giamerese Farm and Orchards offers seasonal pick-your-own strawberries, sugar snap and English peas, peaches, pumpkins and greens. After loading your bag with apples (Suncrisp, Golden Delicious, Nittany, Red Delicious, and Winesap varieties currently available), check out the greenhouse and market to stock up on plants and baked goods. Fun for a weekday, the weekend's fall harvest atmosphere is where it's at: the farm adds pony rides, hayrides and a corn maze.
155 Fresh Ponds Rd, East Brunswick, NJ
Melick's Town Farm/Facebook
Where better to embrace the season's bounty than at the largest apple orchard in New Jersey? Book a reservation online to pick your own apples or check out the Cider Mill. Love flowers? The Oldwick Farm Market is open with no reservations required. Just bring your own garden shears and cut fresh flowers until your heart is full. As if you needed another reason to get to the farm, there is one-Melick's Town Farm hard cider, apple wine, rose, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are all available on-site. Cheers!
?Multiple locations
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Stock up on Pristines, Early Golds and Ginger Golds that you can pick yourself at this apple orchard. The best part? You only pay for what you pick. And, it gets even better as this popular apple picking spot has plenty of fall activities to keep visitors entertained, including an ice cream stand famous for its apple cider doughnut sundae, a dog park, a petting zoo, mini golf and the taproom offering local craft beer, cider and wine. They also offer pick-your-own tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, squashes, kirbys, cucumbers, zucchinis and eggplants. But you won't want to miss the show-stopper of the season: Tree Top Adventures, an aerial adventure course at Barton Orchards.
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag, NY
Courtesy of Masker Orchards
This 100-plus-year-old farm allows visitors to drive in their cars to any of their 10,000 trees for easier picking and carrying-you'll pay as you exit when the checkers take count of your haul. And once you've picked your spot, you can enjoy a picnic while you collect your apples. You can also get apple pies and donuts at Grandma's Apple Pie and Donut Shop on-site, as well as shop for selected snacks and treats at the Hot Dog Stand, the Snack Barn and the Country Store. Want more family fun? On weekends and holidays, they also have pony rides, mule-drawn wagon rides, a haunted house and an apple maze.
45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY
Courtesy of Demarest Farms
Home to more than 14 varieties of apples, this orchard-just 30 miles from the city-is now open for reservations. For the full experience, please make sure to arrive promptly, as you will only have a set amount of time to explore all of the things this farm has to offer. For $7 (or free for kiddos under 2), you'll have access to the petting zoo, orchard and playground. There's also an on-site café that serves homemade soups, freshly baked pies and apple cider doughnuts so good, they made the cover of Bergen Magazine.
244 Wierimus Rd., Hillsdale, NJ
Holly Britain
Established in 1798, Rose Hill Farms is a Hudson Valley must-see. Known for growing a variety of fruits-like cherries, plums, apricots, blueberries and more-on its 114-acre picturesque farm, the establishment puts an emphasis on holistic growing practices, focusing on plant and soil health. The best part? After you spend time filling your apple (or blueberry or sunflower) bag and taking the cutest Insta photos ever, you can head to the taproom and bottle shop for wine and cider. Check out the calendar of events for live music, food pop-ups, orchard yoga, events and classes to schedule your visit accordingly.
19 Rose Hill Farm, Red Hook, NY
Angry Orchard/Facebook
OK, you may not want to pick your own apples but you still may want to get festive! Well, we have a solution to that-Angry Orchard Cider House. You can sip on cider, cider cocktails and some of the brand's most unique offerings, while sitting surrounded by stunning views of hills and 60 whopping acres of apple orchards from Thursdays through Sundays. There's food available on-site, as well as through weekend food trucks and you can tour the orchard, too. A don't miss: The Treehouse tour. It has the best views of the Shawangunk Mountains.
2241 Albany Post Rd, Walden, NY
Ashley Reese
Apple season lasts from mid-August to the end of October at Eastmont Orchards and they're officially open for the fall on Saturday, September 17. On weekends, for $2 per person 2 and older, guests can enjoy mini donuts, apple cider, popcorn, roasted corn, ice cream and hot dogs along with free bags while supplies last, unless you'd prefer to bring your own. Pose for an Insta-perfect photo on the corn stalks or hay bales shaped into farm animals all over the property and wow your friends with the gorgeous foliage. If you're picking and purchasing produce on weekdays, admission is free; the farm is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends. And make sure you snag a hayride on weekends!
321 Route 537, Colts Neck, NJ
Courtesy of Apple Ridge Orchards
Starting September 1, pick apples for $3 per person 2 and up at this family-run farm that's open every weekend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. just 50 miles from NYC. With an on-site farm stand filled with baked goods-did someone say apple cider donuts?-local products, and a petting zoo, this is the ultimate family fun destination. Starting September 17, guests can pick their own pumpkins at the farm too while enjoying classing BBQ offerings. For an extra spooky time, stop by the pumpkin-picking Spookley movie nights on October 14 and 21. FYI: Admission and pick-your-own are both cash-only.
101 Jessup Rd., Warwick, NY
Courtesy of Ochs Orchard
Tomatoes and peppers and eggplants, oh my! Stop by from September through October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick your own apples of nearly 30 varieties. Visit the on-site petting zoo, try some homemade ice cream made with fresh fruit grown right there on the farm, or gulp down some apple cider and apple cider donuts through the winter at this year-round, fourth-generation, family-owned orchard. Want to give your apples to someone outside of the Tri-State area? They let you mail them for holidays. Yes, really. Just make sure to call ahead before you go.
4 Ochs Ln, Warwick, NY
Courtesy of Soons Orchards
Beginning September 3, make a reservation or walk right in from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holiday Mondays to pick your own apples at this New Hampton farm, located just around the corner from the orchard's market, which is open daily. If the market's farm-grown fruits and vegetables, plus homemade pies, apple cider (and cider slushies), donuts, apple sauce, peanut butter, fudge and kettle corn-with lots of free samples-don't do it for you, we're not sure what will. You can also stop by the tap room, Orchard Hill Cider Mill, which serves homemade hard ciders and pommeau along with a curated selection of New York State wines, spirits, beers and outstanding food. Keep your eyes on their website to make sure you don't miss a Farm Dinner prepared by a local pro chef or a Family Fun Day with magic shows, face painting and more.
23 Soons Circle, New Hampton, NY
Katie Ross
The Fall Harvest Festival kicks off on September 10, marking the true start to the fall harvest season at Fishkill Farms. Open Tuesday through Sunday plus Monday, September 26 and October 10, for pick-your-own apples, weekday visits are recommended if you're hoping to beat the crowds. Reservations are required and will be available on their website, and in mid-September, they'll also open up their corn maze and pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Don't forget to stop by the farm store or Treasury Cider Bar for hard cider made from start to finish at the farm using fruit grown or foraged on the land from Tuesday through Sunday throughout the season. Can't make it this fall? Don't worry, they're open year-round (and make their donuts year-round too).
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY
Courtesy of Dr. Davies Farm
Looking to bring your four-legged friend apple picking? We've got just the ticket. Not only is Dr. Davies Farm one of the closest farms to NYC, it's also one of the only pet-friendly farms in the area. Open starting September 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m daily for apple picking, hayrides, corn maze and lots of delicious apple cider donuts (are you sensing a theme here?), they're also hoping to offer their own Dr. Davies Hard Cider this upcoming season. They boast an impressive 5,000+ trees and 27 different varieties of apples on over 65 acres, which you can pick yourself and take home for $15 per ½ peck bag per person over age 3. Just beware they only accept cash at the farm and farm stand. Cheers!
306 NY-304, Congers, NY
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