Apple picking season has arrived in Westchester County! For some, it’s not fall until that first shiny, juicy apple has been plucked from the highest branch of the tallest tree and an oversized orange gourd has been hauled to the trunk. Just in time to kick off one of the region’s most enjoyable traditions, we’ve picked the top places to pluck the perfect apples. No matter if you’re looking for a fun day trip to one of the Hudson Valley’s premier family fun destinations or you just want to pop down the street for a few Granny Smiths and some cider, we’ve got you covered.
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln, Poughquag; 845.227.2306
Barton Orchards of Poughquag is open for business. Apple picking is available to the public, with live music and events on the schedule throughout the season. The “Bark Park” for dogs is open daily, as well as the petting zoo. Additional activities like hay rides, the corn maze, and a “Fun Park” for family entertainment are also available during festival weekends. Ticketing is not necessary on weekdays, but is required on festival weekends and certain holiday weekdays. Check social media for the latest on weekly events, pricing, and hours, as well as fruit and vegetable variety and availability.
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Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction; 845.897.4377
Pick-your-own season at Fishkill Farms will run from September 3 through October 27, with reservations needed. Special reservations for apple and pear picking are available for Labor Day weekend. The Dutchess County farm will soon be open for apple picking, while pumpkin picking will be available in October. The farm also offers hayrides, live music, hard cider sips, and a corn maze throughout September and October. The farm even features sip n’ stretch and farm yoga.
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Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard | Hardscrabble Cider
130 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem; 914.485.1210
More than 30 varieties of apples are prime for the picking at this family-owned and -operated orchard, including Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Jonagold, and McIntosh, along with Bosc pears, plus pumpkins previously plucked from the vine and plopped down in a large grab-n-go patch. Summer peach picking stretches into early September, and the stocked farm market, hot food, warm apple-cider doughnuts, and house-made Hardscrabble Cider make this a stay-the-day destination.
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Outhouse Orchards
139 Hardscrabble Rd, North Salem; 914.277.3188
Open for picking from September to November, this orchard grows 12 varieties of apples, like Empire, Fuji, McIntosh, Idared, Golden Delicious, and Rome, alongside harder-to-come-by Cameos, Wine Crisps, and Rhode Island Greenings. Expect three types of pears (Bartlett, Bosc, Seckel) and early autumn peaches.
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Pennings Orchard
169 State Rd 94 S, Warwick; 845.986.7080
Pennings Orchard is open for daily apple picking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No reservations are required (unless a large party is bussing in). During this fall season, hay rides, mazes, and dairy barn tours are just some of the fun you can expect. Don’t forget to say hi to the newly welcomed mini cows.
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Related: Where to Buy Apple Cider Donuts in Westchester County
Soons Orchards
23 Soons Cir, New Hampton; 845.374.5471
At Soons Orchards, apple picking will be available for the fall season starting Labor Day weekend, with pumpkin picking soon to follow. Be sure to check out the orchard store, Scotty’s Country Kitchen, and the Cider Mill Tap Room, or reserve a seat at one of the orchard’s famous farm dinners.
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Stuart’s Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Rd, Granite Springs; 914.245.2784
Family-run since 1828, this sprawling orchard offers more than 20 types of apples, including Empire, Jonagold, Jonamac, Macoun, and McIntosh, in addition to Mutsu, Nittany, Northern Spy, Suncrisp, and Winesap. Apple picking starts September 6. Hop on a hayride, pick a pumpkin from the patch, and don’t miss the fresh apple cider doughnuts and baked-daily apple pies.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Rd, Yorktown Heights; 914.245.5111
The 2024 season (late August to mid-December) marks the 108th year of harvest at this fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated orchard, where 13 apple varieties decorate the branches and range from sweet, juicy Galas, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, and Macouns to crisp and tart Baldwins, Jonamacs, and Winesaps. Apple picking begins Labor Day weekend. A pumpkin patch is also on the premises, with peach picking at the start of fall, cut-your-own Christmas trees when the air turns chilly, and a winery to usher warm vibes all around.
