Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals
Apple picking season is here, and many Hudson Valley and Westchester farms celebrate with kid-friendly entertainment, including live music, corn mazes, and hayrides.
I used to look forward to apple picking every year as a child, and now I have just as much fun watching my little ones run through the orchards—not to mention indulging in fresh-pressed apple cider.
For more fall fun, be sure to check out our rundown of the top spots for hot, delicious cider doughnuts in the area and our Pick-Your-Own Guide to Hudson Valley and Westchester farms.
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Note that many of these spots are family-owned and operated, and hours may change with little or no notice. It's worth checking websites, Facebook pages, or trying to call up the farms before you head out.
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Where To Go Apple Picking in Westchester County
1. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem
This family-run farm traditionally allows visitors to pick apples daily beginning in September, though official dates for 2024 haven't been announced as of mid-August. The farm also offers homemade doughnuts, cider, produce, and fresh eggs, as well as lunch and live music. Note: Dogs are no longer allowed on the premises.
2. Stuart's Fruit Farm – Granite Springs
With close to 20 different varieties of apples plus pumpkin patches, this family-run farm has lots of fall fun to offer. Apple picking starts in early September and hayrides are available on weekends. The original barn now serves as a fruit and produce stand. You can also enjoy fresh pies, doughnuts, and more, all made on the farm. Note: The farm only accepts cash or checks.
3. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights
Head to the farm to get your bags and rent picking poles starting August 31, 2024. The farm offers more than a dozen varieties of apples available at different times (Check the calendar for the apple variety ripening schedule) as well as other fun weekend activities, like a corn maze. Later in the season, you'll also find pumpkin picking, and the farm offers cut-your-own Christmas trees starting in late November. Its bake shop and markets offer freshly made pies, cookies, apple cider doughnuts, strudel sticks, and more, as well as snacks, and seasonal crafts and gifts. If you're planning a mid-week visit, note that the farm is closed on Tuesdays.
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Apple picking and more fall fun await at Dr. Davies Farm. Photo by Matt Nighswander
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4. Dr. Davies Farm – Congers
Dr. Davies offers 5,000 trees spread over 65 acres, weekend hayrides drawn by tractor-trailers, and homemade doughnuts, pies, and more. Bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted. Be sure to go to the farm's website to make a reservation before you head out. As of mid-August, the farm is open for peach and apple picking.
5. The Orchards of Concklin — Pomona
This farm—open just on weekends—offers a variety of apples throughout the season, with picking starting on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Don’t forget to visit the farm store and bakery, which offer tons of goodies to choose from.
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6. Apple Dave's Orchards – Warwick
Formerly Applewood Orchards, Apple Dave's was renamed for its founder, David Hull, in 2015. In addition to delicious apples and pumpkins, the farm has live music, chickens strutting about, and fresh apple cider donuts. Activities are free, and you only pay for what you pick, with apple picking starting August 31, 2024.
7. Lawrence Farm Orchards – Newburgh
Apple picking starts in mid-late August at this Newburgh farm, which offers more than 15 varieties of the fruit. Along with the picking, kids can have fun in the playhouses that make up the “Little Village.” You’ll also find apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, and lots of other tasty treats.
8. Masker Fruit Farm – Warwick
Instead of taking a wagon ride out to the orchards, drive your car up to the tree of your choice once picking begins on Saturday, August 31, 2024. On weekends, check out the apple maze, pony rides, a family-friendly haunted house, pumpkin patch, and more. The farm offers 14 different types of apples, so be sure to check the ripening schedule to find out when your favorites will be ready. Also fun: The farm's radio station—FM 87.9—offers up-to-date news on picking.
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Indulge in homemade apple cider doughnuts at Ochs Orchard.
9. Ochs Orchard – Warwick
There are lots of different varieties of apples grown at this farm, from Gala in early September to Golden Delicious at the beginning of October. Along with a market, there’s a petting zoo and cider made on the premises. Apple season runs from the end of August to October, but call first or check the farm's Facebook page for regular orchard updates.
10. Pennings Orchard – Warwick
Pennings Orchard offers more than a dozen varieties of apples, as well as a pumpkin patch. Opening day for apple picking is Saturday, August 24, 2024. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a play area, a kiddie maze, and visiting with animals, like cows and more.
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11. Barton Orchards – Poughquag
This 122-acre farm offers extensive pick-your-own options, including apples, pumpkins, squash, and more. Barton, where picking is currently open as of mid-August, also boasts additional activities, including a petting zoo and playground. The farm also hosts the Hudson Valley Apple Festival on the weekend of September 21 & 22, 2024, with live music, food trucks, and entertainment.
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Fishkill Farms offers a huge variety of apples and plenty of other treats. Photo by Diana Natal for the farm
12. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction
There are lots of different types of apples at this 270-acre Hopewell Junction farm, all of which are either organic or eco-certified. You’ll also find doughnuts, a farm store, and more. Reservations must be made in advance and can be done on the farm's website. Apple picking is currently open as of mid-August.
13. Greig Farm – Red Hook
Apple picking at Greig Farm kicks off at the end of August with pumpkins available later in September. On the farm, there are opportunities to feed goats and koi fish, and various trails for a post-picking walk. Also check out its Farm Market & Café, where you can get lunch before (or after) your visit.
14. Rose Hill Farm – Red Hook
There are several different varieties of apples ready to be picked at this 100-plus-acre farm. Events and pop-ups are held throughout the year, so keep an eye on the farm's website or Facebook page. The season will run from late August through mid-November; here's a full rundown of the farm's 2024 guide for pick-your-own.
Apple Festivals in the Hudson Valley
Labor Day Weekend Pig Roast and Apple Picking at Twin Star Orchards – New Paltz
Celebrate Labor Day and the start of the orchard's apple season with a pig roast featuring live music and apple picking on Saturday, August 31, 2024. The orchard is family- and pet-friendly, so bring the whole family for a fun-filled weekend. Twin Star Orchards specializes in “ugly apples" that are grown for flavor rather than looks. Picking is available starting Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Honeycrisp Fest at Weed Orchards & Winery – Marlboro
Celebrate fall and Honeycrisp apple season at Weed Orchards every weekend from Saturday, August 31 to Sunday, September 15, 2024. Multiple varieties of apples will be available for picking, and there will be family-friendly activities including face painting, hay rides, and live music. The playground will be open, tractor rides begin at noon, and the farm allows friendly, leashed dogs on the property.
Apple Picking Days at Kelder's Farm – Kerhonksen
Celebrate the harvest season and fall foliage at Apple Picking Days at picturesque Kelder's Farm, on select days from Tuesday, September 3 to Friday, September 20, 2024. Pick your own apples and enjoy all the usual attractions, including the giant jumping pillow, mini-golf, tube slides, and farm animals. The farm store, snack bar, and taproom will be open, serving local craft brews and special fall-themed treats.
Hudson Valley Apple Festival – Poughquag
Barton Orchards hosts this annual festival with apple picking plus a full day of fun for the whole family on the weekend of September 21-22, 2024. Admission includes live music, food trucks, unlimited hayrides, a petting zoo, a wooden ship playground, plus a whole lineup of family-friendly entertainers.
Warwick Apple Fest – Warwick
Held downtown in the village of Warwick on Sunday, October 6, 2024, Apple Fest features more than 150 craft vendors, more than 75 food vendors, four stages of live music, and an apple pie baking and eating contest. There's also a children's carnival, and Warwick stores are within easy reach for additional browsing.
Apples & Wine Festival at Weed Orchards & Winery – Marlboro
Celebrate harvest season at Weed Orchards at the Apple & Wine Festival, held every weekend from Saturday, September 21, 2024 to Sunday, October 13, 2024. Enjoy the beautiful Hudson Valley views as you pick your own produce. Family-friendly activities include face painting, hay rides, and live music, and the farm will be serving special apple-themed food and treats.
This post was originally published in September 2013 and is updated every year.
Places featured in this article:
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Stuart's Farm
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
The Orchards of Concklin
Dr. Davies Farm