Apple picking near NYC
Late August to early November, peaking in October
The Hudson Valley is New York City's orchard. Ninety minutes north of Manhattan, the hillsides above the river carry heritage and modern apple varieties that ripen from late August into November, alongside a cider trail of tasting rooms in converted barns. Weekends in October are the busiest of the year, so an early train and a weekday visit both pay off.
Plan your day out
Six real orchards worth the journey
Choose by journey, atmosphere and what is ripe. Details come from each farm's official visitor information, but crops and opening days can change with the weather.
- Official details
Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County
A working farm with organic and eco-certified apples, an unusually broad variety list, wagon rides on festival weekends and the Treasury Cider bar.
- Getting there
- Metro-North to Beacon, then a short car ride
- Picking season
- Apples from late summer into autumn, as crops allow
Know before you go: Advance pick-your-own reservations are required. The farm posts the varieties currently ready, so check before choosing your date.
- Official details
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Yorktown Heights, Westchester County
Pick Gala and McIntosh early in the season, followed by Cortland, Macoun, Empire, Winesap, Fuji and other later varieties.
- Getting there
- Metro-North to Croton-Harmon, then a car ride
- Picking season
- Apple harvest generally begins in early September
Know before you go: No reservation is required. The farm has a minimum apple-bag purchase for each group entering the orchard and lends picking poles for a small fee and deposit.
- Official details
Outhouse Orchards
North Salem, Westchester County
Apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides, fresh cider and doughnuts make this a full autumn day rather than a quick picking stop.
- Getting there
- Best reached by car from New York City
- Picking season
- Fall picking usually runs from late August into early November
Know before you go: The fall festival is ticketed and pick-your-own bags cost extra. Check the current ticket page because dates and prices change each season.
- Official details
Stuart's Fruit Farm
Granite Springs, Westchester County
A family-run farm dating to 1828, with more than twenty apple varieties as well as pumpkins and a bakery known for cider doughnuts and pies.
- Getting there
- About an hour from NYC by car
- Picking season
- Apple picking from Labor Day weekend into autumn
Know before you go: Bring cash or a check and use the farm's own picking bags. There is no orchard admission or parking fee.
- Official details
Barton Orchards
Poughquag, Dutchess County
A large agritourism farm with apple rows, a tap room, farm animals and seasonal activities. Varieties include Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Ginger Gold and Zestar.
- Getting there
- Around 65 miles from NYC; best reached by car
- Picking season
- Typically late August through late October or early November
Know before you go: General admission is normally free outside festival dates, while apples are sold by the bag. Confirm opening hours and event admission before travelling.
- Official details
Masker Orchards
Warwick, Orange County
Fourteen apple varieties ripen in sequence, and visitors can park beside the trees for an easy picnic-style picking day. Leashed dogs are welcome under the farm's rules.
- Getting there
- About 55 miles from Manhattan; drive directly into the orchard
- Picking season
- Usually early September through early November
Know before you go: Parking and the family area are free, with a minimum half-bushel bag purchase per car entering the orchard. Check the live crop update before setting out.
Plan the drive
Route planner from New York City
Pick a farm to see how long the journey takes, what is worth stopping for along the way, and where to eat or stay nearby. Times are estimates for a clear run; autumn weekend traffic can add an hour.
Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County
- Drive time
- Roughly 1 hour 20 minutes off peak, longer on autumn weekend mornings
- Distance
- About 65 miles from Midtown Manhattan
- Without a car
- Metro-North Hudson line to Beacon, then a taxi or rideshare of about 15 minutes
Scenic stops
Dia Beacon
Beacon
A vast riverside museum of large-scale contemporary art in a former printing factory, an easy pairing with a morning of picking.
Mount Beacon Park
Beacon
A steep climb to the old incline railway ruins with wide views over the river valley, best in clear autumn light.
Where to eat
Beacon Main Street
Beacon
A walkable strip of bakeries, coffee roasters and casual restaurants for lunch on the way home.
Treasury Cider, at the farm
Hopewell Junction
Cider made from the orchard's own fruit, poured on site when the tasting bar is open.
Where to stay
The Roundhouse
Beacon
A converted mill building beside the waterfall, useful if you want a two-day trip rather than a long drive back.
Places to pick, on the map
How to pick well
Go on a weekday in October
Peak-weekend orchards near the city sell timed entry and fill their car parks by mid-morning. A Tuesday visit is a completely different day out.
Take the train, then a short ride
Metro-North up the Hudson line puts you within a short taxi ride of several orchards, which makes the trip possible without a car.
Mix eaters, bakers and cider fruit
Ask which rows are open and take a few of each: a crisp eating apple, a firm baker for pie, and something sharp if you want to press juice.
Common questions
- When is apple picking season near New York City?
- Late August through early November, with the largest choice of varieties and the best colour in the first three weeks of October.
- Can you go apple picking near NYC without a car?
- Yes. Several Hudson Valley orchards are a short taxi ride from Metro-North stations on the Hudson line, and some run seasonal shuttles at weekends.
- How much does apple picking cost in the Hudson Valley?
- Most orchards sell fruit by a required bag rather than by general admission. Bag sizes, festival tickets and parking policies differ, so use the farm links above to check current prices before travelling.