Hudson Valley Apple Picking: Best Spots for Bountiful Fun

Apple Picking Season in the Hudson Valley: A Guide to Fun and Fresh Produce

As the summer heat begins to fade, the Hudson Valley's apple picking season kicks off in September, offering a delightful way to enjoy the changing seasons. From Westchester to Rockland, Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties, there are numerous orchards where visitors can pick their own apples and experience a range of activities.

Apple varieties typically start to peak around this time, with some reaching their best in October. It's always a good idea to check with individual orchards through their websites or by calling ahead to confirm what's available. Many farms also offer additional seasonal activities like pumpkin picking, berry picking, and even opportunities to pick tomatoes and vegetables for a short period.

In addition to apple picking, several orchards provide live music, corn mazes, haunted houses, cafes, eateries, wine and beer tastings, hayrides, cider, apple cider doughnuts, and various baked goods. Some even offer season passes, making it easy to return for multiple visits.

Where to Go Apple Picking in Westchester

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
This farm offers apple picking on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting in September and continuing through late October. The cost for a quarter peck bag is $15, a peck bag is $25, and a half-bushel bag is $40. The farm also features a restaurant, hard cider on Thursdays, and live music on Friday nights.

Outhouse Orchards
Apple picking is available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Tickets for a quarter-bushel bag are $30, and for a half-bushel bag, $45. Reservations are required for weekend visits.

Wilkens Farm
Picking hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Monday, through late October. Visitors must purchase at least one peck bag for every two people (12 years and older) or a half-bushel bag for every three to four people. No reservations are needed, and there are no parking fees.

Where to Go Apple Picking in Rockland

Dr. Davies Farm
Apple picking is available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The farmstand is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hayrides and a corn maze are available on weekends. Admission is $17 per person, which includes a half-peck bag and parking. Group admission for up to five people costs $62 and includes a half-bushel bag and parking.

Orchards of Concklin
Apple picking is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A half-peck bag costs $16, a peck bag is $32, and a half-bushel bag is $60. Guests must purchase a half-peck bag to enter the orchard. Children under age 3 are admitted for free.

Where to Go Apple Picking in Orange County

Apple Ridge Orchards
Apple picking runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. General admission is $3 per person (age 2 and older), which includes parking and entrance to the orchard, petting zoo, play area, and farm stand. A half-bushel of apples costs $39. Sunflowers, apples, and pumpkins are also available for picking.

Lawrence Farms Orchards
Apple picking is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Admission is $7 per person on weekdays and $10 per person on weekends and holidays. Children under age 2 are admitted for free.

Maskers Orchard
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through early November, this 200-acre orchard requires a $39.95 bag per carload. There is a snack barn, country store, and food trucks available.

Ochs Orchard
Apple picking is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day through October. The store/farm market and petting zoo are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can find ice cream, pies, specialty nut butters, local honey, jams, jellies, baking supplies, apple cider, and apple sauce.

Pennings Orchard
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Reservations are recommended for peak weekend visits starting September 13. A per-vehicle reservation includes two one-peck bags of apples, parking, and access to the cidery, farm market, beer garden, pub and grill, bakery, ice cream stand, food trucks, and vendors.

Soons Orchard
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, typically running through October. A $1 entry fee applies for those aged 5 and older. Apple-picking bags were previously priced at $20 for a peck and $30 for a half-bushel. Parking is free.

Where to Go Apple Picking in Dutchess County

Barton Orchards
Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is free except during festival weekends. Live music is available on Fridays and Saturdays, and there is a petting zoo.

Greig Farm
Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day through mid- to late-October. No reservations are needed, and there is a market, cafe, and walking trails.

Fishkill Farms
Apple picking is available through October 31, with reservations required for picking. The Treasury Cider Bar and yoga classes are also available. Fall festivals include live music and wagon rides.

Mead Orchards
Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There is a corn maze, hayrides, food trucks, and a farmer’s market.

Where to Go Apple Picking in Ulster County

DuBois Farms
Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The Tavern at DuBois Farms is open from noon to 5 p.m. daily.

Hurds Family Farm
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays through Mondays through late October. Visitors can pre-order apple-picking bags and enjoy weekend special events and a wide range of activities.

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards
Apple picking is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. During the week, a smaller picking area is near the farm stand. Visitors can choose from speck bags and larger half-bushel bags.

Prospect Hill Orchards
Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Apple picking takes place at Hilltop Farm, the Homestead Farm, and Clarke's Family Farm. There is a $2 entrance fee, and reservations are required.

Stone Ridge Orchard
Picking is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The farm stand is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Farm Bar and Tasting Room are open on weekends from noon to 6 p.m.

Twin Star Orchards
Open from noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends through the end of the season. Bags are priced at $18 for a half-peck, $30 for a peck, $45 for a tote, and $50 for a half-bushel. Pizza, burgers, and barbecue are available at a lakeside pavilion.

Weed Orchards and Winery
Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. There is also a baked goods shop. An apples-and-wine festival is held from September 20–21 and 27–28, and October 4–5. An Indigenous Peoples Day event is scheduled for October 13.

Wright's Farm
Open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through early November. Admission is $22 for guests over 10 and $12 for ages 5 through 9. Ages 4 and under are admitted for free. Each ticket category includes one free bag, adult or child where applicable. Additional bags can be purchased at the farm.