A visit to a U-Pick apple farm is the perfect way to welcome the fall season
NYC apple-picking season has begun, which also means you and the kids can enjoy some fun on the farm with corn mazes, petting zoos, and hayrides if you go to the right place. We’ve rounded up our favorite places to pick apples in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Most places open this year on Labor Day weekend, and it’s the perfect family activity to usher in the fall season. Be sure to check if you need a reservation before you go!
U-Pick Apple Locations in New York
Harbes Orchard
This Long Island farm and orchard in Riverhead, NY has pretty much whatever you want when it comes to apple picking near NYC. There are 78 acres of 27 varieties of apples and, thanks to a trellis growing system, they’re filled with low-hanging fruit—great for the kids.
Harbes site has an excellent guide to apple varieties and when they ripen.
In addition to apple picking, there are lots and lots of activities for kids, including an obstacle course, pig races, a corn maze, playgrounds, farm animals, hayrides, a sports zone, “bunnyville,” and more! (Plus, there’s a “Barnyard Adventure” in nearby Matituck, NY.) You can also catch some live music and take a ride on a tractor-pulled wagon.
For the adults, there’s a winery, farm fresh produce, and blooms. Harbes opens September 2 and online ticketing is only needed for weekends and holidays.
Price: Weekday and non-holiday prices start at $19 per person for a 3 lb. bag; weekends and holidays start at $24.
Hours: Mon. & Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and weekends & holidays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
5698 Sound Ave.
Riverhead, NY
Online: harbesfamilyfarm.com
Fishkill Farms
Head to Fishkill Farms for organically grown apples and a lower-key vibe. Besides its massive apple orchard, Fishkill grows peaches, pears, nectarines, black currants, tomatoes, pumpkins, and flowers—all of which you can pick yourself. Flights of alcoholic cider with a cheese plate are also available.
From mid-September to mid-October Fishkill hosts Harvest Festivals on the weekend, with music, hayrides, cider donuts and more.
Pick-your-own apples (and everything else) is by reservation only. Apple picking reservations open up in late August for September-Mid-October. Can’t get enough of Fishkill Farms’ produce? They have a CSA box!
Price: Starting at $32 for orchard admission for 1-5 people and 2 half-peck bags to fill. You can add on more people or bags on-site.
Hours: Varies—you can see the available times when you go to reserve.
9 Fishkill Farm Rd.
Hopewell JCT, NY
Online: fishkillfarms.com
Apple Ridge Orchards
Apple Ridge Orchards declares itself “the Hudson Valley’s most scenic and rustic pick-your-own orchard.” Apple picking starts on September 2 this year, and they’ve got lots of varieties to choose from, including Cortland, Empire, Fuji, and many more. Check the orchard’s Facebook page for what’s ripe.
Admission includes free parking, as well as entry into the petting zoo, play area, a BBQ diner and winery, and a farm stand where you can get your fill of apple cider donuts, fresh apple cider, and more. There’s also a cute kids’ garden, two scenic ponds, pedal tractors, and a little farm trail perfect for small explorers. Don’t miss the bee observation hive, where you can buy 100% orchard-produced raw honey, and stop by on a weekend for a chance to catch some live music.
While admission is cash only, the farm stand accepts credit cards. No reservations are required.
Price: $3 admission fee, $34 for 1/2 bushel of apples.
Hours: Thu.-Sun. and holidays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
101 Jessup Rd.
Warwick, NY
Online: appleridgeorchards.com
Apple Dave’s Orchards
The vibe is festive and fun at Apple Dave’s, an Orange County spot that opens for apple picking this season on September 2. Macintosh is up first, but to see when your favorite variety is ripe, click here.
In addition to apples, you’ll find adult drinks from Dave’s Distillery (beer, farm cocktails, and more) and an easy ramble on Dave’s Walking Trail around a small lake, flower and herb gardens, wagon rides, and all-around beautiful views.
New for 2023, check out weekend live entertainment and local food trucks.
Price: Admission fee or $5 per person, free on weekdays or rainy weekends. Picking bags are $1 for a peck bag and $2 for a half bushel. $38 for a full half-bushel bag, $25 for a full peck bag.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
82 Four Corners Rd.
Warwick, NY
Online: appledavesorchards.com
Hurds Family Farm
About 90 minutes outside of New York City, this Hudson Valley farm has a lot going on all the way into winter when you can cut down your own tree there. Apples are sold by the bag, not by the pound, and must be picked in Hurds Family Farm bags (get a slight discount by pre-purchasing the bags online). Apple picking season starts August 26.
The list of activities for kids is long and includes a giant slide, pony rides, petting zoo, cow train, bounce house, giant koi fish feeding, obstacle course, duck racing, mini-zipline, hayrides to the orchard, and even more. Hurds often hosts live music (bluegrass, jazz, etc.) on the farm. This is also a dog-friendly farm, but you must keep your pet on a leash.
Price: $14 for a small bag, $22 for a medium, and $45 for a large ($15, $25, and $50 when paid at the farm).
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
2187 Route 32
Modena, NY
Online: hurdsfamilyfarm.com
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Only an hour north of NYC, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm offers seasonal pickings of peaches, apples, pumpkins, and even coniferous (aka “fir”) trees come Christmas time. They know what they’re doing: this year marks the farm’s 107th season, and they open for picking September 2.
There’s a picking minimum of 1 pec bag of apples for every two adults or a ½ bushel bag for every 3-4 adults, so plan ahead. And don’t miss out on the famous apple cider donuts, pies, fresh-pressed apple cider, and more goodies.
Be prepared to walk to the orchard: wagon rides to and from the orchard will be offered on select weekends in early September only. Check the harvest calendar on the website or call ahead to know what’s available.
Price: No admission or parking fees. Price varies depending on the variety of apples and the weather. Email wilkensfruitfarm@gmail.com for pricing information.
Hours: Open daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
1335 White Hill Rd.
Yorktown Heights, NY
Online: wilkensfarm.com
Masker Orchards
Way back in 1913 Ora and Rena Masker had a good feeling about the 200 acres of farmland they purchased in Warwick, New York and it’s easy too see why: The views are picture perfect! And now with over 100 years of experience, this Hudson Valley gem is at the top of its game. The farm prides itself on having incredible prices at an incredible price, and no fees on anything—admission, parking, and picking bags are free. Plus, you’re welcome to eat as many apples as you like while you’re wandering around the premises.
Masker Orchards opens for apple picking on September 2 this year. Check out the Masker’s Orchard ripening schedule to see when your favorite ones will be ready for picking. Stop by the Maskers Country Store for pies, donuts, apple cider, jams, honey, and many more local goods for purchase.
The orchard has a family fun area with a petting zoo, pony rides, and more fun for the kids. Plus, it’s dog-friendly!
Price: $33.95 per half bushel (2 pecks), no admission or parking fees
Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends & holidays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
45 Ball Rd.
Warwick, NY
Online: maskers.com
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
This family-owned and operated farm offers a robust selection of fresh and healthy food grown on-site. You’ll find everything from herbs, vegetables, and fruits to vegetable-fed, antibiotic, and hormone-free poultry and meats, as well as farm-fresh, free-range eggs. Bring the harvest home with the Harvest Moon CSA box, or pick your own apples in September and October.
While you’re here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and live country music. Harvest Moon has also gotten into the hard cider business, with Hardscrabble Cider. Order some food from the extensive menu and grab a picnic table to eat al fresco.
Price: Prices haven’t been posted yet as of mid-August. Check the website for updates.
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
130 Hardscrabble Rd.
North Salem, NY
Online: harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com
Barton Orchards
Barton Orchards features several attractions that take the apple-picking experience to the next level, including a petting zoo (there are baby goats!), a five-acre corn maze, a wooden ships playground, a haunted house (during spooky season), and live music. The fall season brings festivals every weekend (like the Apple Festival, the Sunflower Festival, and Oktoberfest) and Barton even has a dog park and Tree Top Adventure — the latter of which gets you admission to Barton Orchards for the day.
With over 120 acres of apple trees, apple picking is available from mid-August through November. You can also find a pumpkin patch ripe for picking from late September to the end of October. Don’t miss the legendary apple cider donut sundae at the farm’s ice cream stand, and pay a visit to the Tap Room for a great selection of local craft beer, wine, and cider. The farm has a beautiful outdoor seating area where you can wind down.
Price: $20 per peck. No fees for parking or admission except on festival days weekends.
Hours: Tue.-Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Mondays.
63 Apple Tree Ln.
Poughquag, NY
Online: bartonorchards.com
Jenkins-Lueken Orchards
Another orchard for purists (i.e., giant inflatables and the like won’t be found here), Jenkins-Lueken Orchards is home to 500 apple trees of scores of varieties. The farm offers lovely views of Mohonk Tower and the Shawangunk escarpment to the west and uses an integrated pest management system to keep chemical spraying to a minimum.
Apple picking season opens on September 5, and there’s no requirement on how many people get in with a bag—you can choose from the smaller peck bag or half-bushel, or bring your own bags. Admission is cash only but if you forget, you can swi[e your card at the farm stand and get a receipt for picking. Take note: You can also pick your own pumpkin here, as well as berries in the summer.
Price: Prices aren’t posted as of mid-August, so check the website for updates.
Hours: Main U-Pick fields are open Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. On weekdays, there’s a smaller U-Pick available near the farm stand, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
69 Yankee Folly Rd.
New Paltz, NY
Online: jlorchards.com
Outhouse Orchards
Despite the… questionable name, Outhouse Orchards is a wonderful place to visit with the fam. They have an incredible array of apple varieties, and each has a description and ripening schedule on the site so you can plan your trip.
Grown-ups, this one’s for you: Outhouse Orchards has teamed up with Merchant’s Daughter to bring you fresh hard cider. Swing by their hard cider truck to quench your thirst with a crisp dry cider, an award-winning semi-dry, or Clara’s Reserve, a sweet treat perfect for orchard snacks or fancy dinners at home. There are plenty of goodies for all ages at open-air market at The Barn, too, including local honey, maple syrup, oils, vinegars to jams, jellies, and preserves — all local. You can also snag some freshly baked donuts and other baked goodies.
Know before you go: Weekends and certain holidays require a reservation, but weekday visits don’t. Just know that you won’t be admitted if you show up on a weekend without a reservation! Your reservation gives you a 3-hour stay on the farm—plenty of time to gather those yummy apples and explore. Apple-picking season starts on September 2nd, and the orchard recommends that you aim to visit early in the ripening season for the best fruit selection.
Price: $30 for a small bag (15 lbs of fruit) or $45 for a large bag (25 lbs of fruit).
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
139 Hardscrabble Road
North Salem, NY
Online: outhouseorchardsny.com
Stuart’s Fruit Farm
Located only about an hour away from central NYC, Stuart’s Fruit Farm has been a family affair since 1828. The apple-picking season starts on September 6 and runs all the way through November. There are over 20 apple varieties to choose from, including Macintosh, Cortland, Empire, Fuji and a bunch of other favorites.
While you’re here, you can also hop on a hayride around the orchard (weekends only) and swing by the farm stand for fresh produce, bakery delights like apple cider donuts and homemade pies. Best of all, there are no orchard entrance fee, and parking is always free. Note that it’s cash or check only!
Price: Prices aren’t posted yet as of mid-August. Check the website for updates.
Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
62 Granite Springs Road
Granite Springs NY
Online: stuartsfarm.com
Lawrence Farms Orchards
Lawrence Farms Orchards is a true family affair since 1892, with three generations currently tending to it. Located in the stunning Hudson Valley, this farm has all your favorite apple types from Macintosh to Zestar. In addition to apples, there are many other fruits and veggies ready to pick in September and October, including grapes, turnips, beets, broccoli, plums, pumpkins, and much more. You can check what’s ripe on the website or give the farm a call at (845) 562-4268. The U-Pick experience doesn’t require reservations.
Once you’ve picked your fill, you can wander over to say hi to the farm animals: show chickens, goats, horses, and a charming duck pond. You’ll also find a hay bale maze and the quaint “Little Village”—miniature houses for kids to play with that harness some old-fashioned New England charm.
Price: Mon.-Thu., $7 per person. Fri.-Sun. and holidays, $10 per person. Season passes are also available.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
306 Frozen Ridge Rd.
Newburgh, NY
Online: lawrencefarmsorchards.org
U-Pick Apple Farms in New Jersey
Alstede Farms
A family-owned 600-acre farm, Alstede Farms is a popular destination for picking all kinds of things as well as family fun. They use only sustainable and USDA-certified organic production methods for growing a vast array of local fruits, vegetables and flowers, including over 50 different varieties of apples. You can see what’s available before you go on this page.
While pre-registration isn’t a requirement, it’s a really good idea since it gets you guaranteed entry. When you buy tickets, you can also add on an “activities pass” for kids, which includes one pony ride, wagon train ride and ticket for the bounce house.
If you don’t want to pick things yourself, The Alstede Farm Store is chock-full of fresh fruits and vegetables from the fields, local honey, homemade ice cream and pies, cider donuts and much, much more. And if you do pick your own and need some assistance, the farm has pull cards to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
Price: Weekdays prices start at $16.99 per pint or 1/4 Peck Bag. Weekend prices start at $21.99.
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (last admission 4:30 pm)
1 Alstede Farms Ln.
Chester, NJ
Online: alstedefarms.com
Terhune Orchards
Look for apple picking to begin the first week of September at Terhune Orchards. Picking is first-come, first-served, so start out earlier rather than later in the day because supply can run out. Call ahead to 609-924-2310 to check farm and u-pick status for the day.
One of the big draws at Terhune is the dwarf apple trees, which kids can pick from without using poles or ladders. Visitors can also get up close and personal with the barnyard animals and feed the goats, sheep, horses, ducks, geese, and chickens. Kids can also play in the orchard’s playground and there’s a stroller-friendly Farm Trail Discovery Walk if you’re in the mood for a nature stroll. For those of you who like a little wine to relax after a full day of family fun, pick up a bottle of wine from the Terhune Orchards winery, where you’ll find 12 varieties of wine. There’s often live music on weekends, and you can also pick your own flowers here.
Price: Prices aren’t listed as of mid-August. Check the website for updates.
Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
***Note that the apple orchard for you-pick is at 13 Van Kirk Road.***
330 Cold Soil Rd.
Princeton, NJ
Online: terhuneorchards.com
Melick’s Town Farm
Melick’s Town Farm spreads out over a whopping 650 acres of land. Of these, 120 acres burst with all kinds of fruit trees, from peaches, nectarines, and plums to a whopping 20,000 apple trees. As you can imagine, there’s an impressive lineup of apple varieties here—you’ll find all your favorites, and some you’ve probably never even heard of! And if you love farm-fresh produce, you’re in luck: You can snag farm-fresh goodies every week through the farm’s CSA program.
Apple picking season extends all the way into the first week of November, so you also get to explore the farm’s fall offerings: plenty of decor, a free-roaming corn maze, weekend wagon rides (including horse-drawn wagons!), and U-Pick pumpkins. Plus, you can always check out the tractor tire playground and say hello to the farm animals.
Price: No prices are posted yet as of mid-August; check the website for updates.
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Last entry at 5 p.m.)
472 County Road 513 (Califon Orchards)
Califon, NJ
Online: melickstownfarm.com
Battleview Orchards
Battleview Orchards is a family legacy since 1908, offering a treasure trove of pick-your-own strawberries, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apples, and pumpkins.
Battleview Orchards’ season kicks off a bit earlier than others, starting on August 26 with Ginger Gold and Gala apples. Remember, a quick call to (732) 462-0756 to confirm dates, hours, and supplies is a good idea before heading out. The farm is cash only and seniors get a 10% discount on Mondays and Thursdays. Don’t miss the Country Store’s year-round delights, from fresh-pressed cider and apple cider donuts to pies, breads, and other baked goods.
If you visit in late September through October, you’ll also have a chance to pick pumpkins, or hop on a weekend hayride—both starting on September 23. Note that most activities and shop goodies are cash-only.
Price: No price posted as of mid-August, but costs are typically per pound and very affordable.
Hours: Wed. to Mon. (closed Tuesdays), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note that these are the May through December hours—the farm is open year-round.
91 Wemrock Rd.
Freehold, NJ
Online: battlevieworchards.com
U-Pick Apple Farms in Connecticut
Silverman’s Farm
Founded by Ben Silverman in the early 1920s, this farm started as a cider mill and eventually evolved into a Pick Your Own fruit farm.
Apple picking season starts early this year, with ginger gold apples ripening around August 19. The website has a fantastic chart that shows you info about each variety of apple, from flavor profile to whether the apple is good in salads, pie, or sauce. You can also take a scenic tractor ride here, and stock up on some homemade goods in the farm’s market.
Silverman’s Farm offers by far one of the most exotic and varied petting farm within driving distance from the city. The farm is home to a menagerie of buffalo, llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, fallow deer, emus, long-horn cattle, and exotic birds.
Price: Prices aren’t posted yet as of mid-August. Check the website for updates.
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
451 Sport Hill Rd.
Easton, CT
Online: silvermansfarm.com
Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
Originally a dairy farm, Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard has been around since 1849. Another farm that’s home to shorter trees, Beardsley’s currently grows over 13,000 dwarf and semi-dwarf apple trees in its Pick-Your-Own orchards.
While you’re here, you can see cider made with the state-of-the-art press on site, and then check out apple cider donuts, pumpkin cheesecake, and farm-baked pies for sale—which you can buy fresh or frozen to bake at home.
The farm store includes fresh-picked plums and nectarines and peaches, the last of which locals rave about. Note that payment is by cash only.
Price: $20 per peck.
Hours: Weekends, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
278 Leavenworth Rd. (Route 110)
Shelton, CT
Online: beardsleyscidermill.com
Lyman Orchards
With a heritage dating back to 1741, Lyman Orchards has been lovingly kept by nine generations of the Lyman family. Along with eco-certified apples and peaches this space has an impressive array of nearly 100 fruit and vegetable varieties across 1,100 acres of land. You can pick your own or stop by the Apple Barrel Farm Market, or indulge in some soft serve ice cream, sorbet, and fresh apple cider at the Lyman Orchards Creamery.
With 30,000 apple trees spanning 100 acres, Lyman Orchards boasts a treasure trove of 27 apple varieties. From Ginger Gold to Pink Lady. What’s available? Call ahead to the 24-hour hotline at (860) 349-6015 before you go.
Plan to spend a full day here, because once you’re done picking apples, you’ll want to swing by the beautifully kept golf course (featuring 45 holes!), then grab a bite to eat at the on-site 1741 Pub & Grill.
Price: Pay then pick. Pricing varies—call the hotline for updated prices. Price for apple picking as of mid-August is $14 for half-peck, $25 for peck , and $45 for half bushel
Hours: Open daily 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
105 South Street
Middlefield, CT
Online: lymanorchards.com
Photo: Leah Singer
