The Best Apple Picking Farms and Orchards Around New York City

For most people, the month of September is as bittersweet as that first bite of an in-season apple. Proving that the long days of summer are gone, but fun fall activities are just around the corner, September sparks cooler weather, cozier attire, and heartier meals on the table.

Though there are plenty of recipes you can make every year — from chili to other one-pot meals — if you’re looking for fall activities that are synonymous with the season (besides drinking and eating pumpkin-spiced everything), you can count on apple picking. If you happen to be local to the New York City area and are thinking of dropping by an orchard or two to enjoy the season, we’ve put together a list of the best apple-picking locations that are worth checking out — organized by region: Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New Jersey.

For most areas, apple picking season begins in early September and goes through early October. But, depending on your location, you may see opportunities pop up in late August and be available through early November.

So whether you’re looking for a farm or orchard that’s right around the corner or want an excuse to get out of the busy city for a delicious day trip, we’ve got you covered. And if apple-picking isn’t exactly your thing, luckily for you, these orchards have more to do than just pick fruit.

The 100-acre orchard has been around for four generations and includes some stunning views overlooking Warwick Valley. They make their own ice cream with fruits from their farm and they have a petting zoo that includes peacocks, donkeys, and — according to their site — “loud sheep.”

Their season runs from September until early November. 

This family-run orchard bills itself as Hudson Valley’s most scenic and rustic orchard, and it’s easy to see why. You can enjoy the stunning views while trying their famous apple cider and apple cider donuts when in season. There are also activities such as an old-fashioned hay ride, farm animals that you can pet and feed, and you can even step inside a honey bee observation hive.

Apple picking begins September 3 and runs until mid-late October.

Beginning as a dairy over 100 years ago, this orchard now has a tap room located next to their market store that serves their homegrown hard ciders. And if you’re looking for a fun date night out with your lover, they also host farm-to-table dinners that double as a delicious learning experience.

Soons is only open on the weekends, and their season runs mid to late October depending on the weather and demand.

Apple Dave’s offers fun for the whole family and is pet-friendly. Their distillery — which is open all-year round — offers up seasonal cocktails made with ingredients from their garden and local beers. If you’re looking for just one reason to visit, their authentic Apple Jack cocktail, which is made and bottled on-site, is it.

Apple picking is open Labor Day through Halloween.

The cool thing about the 200-acre Masker Orchards is that you can drive right up to the trees. Once you visit, don’t forget to order some goodies from their online store and pick them up on your way out. 

Their season starts the first week of September and runs until mid-October.

This orchard is located about 80 miles east of Manhattan and sits on 72 acres of land with 26 varieties of apples. While there, visit La Fattoria, the onsite farm market and café where you can enjoy fresh coffee, apple cider donuts, local cheeses, and homemade organic jams. They also have a gift boutique with souvenirs and specialty items.

Besides apple picking, Windy Acres also offers strawberries and raspberries in the spring and tomatoes and peppers going into the summer. If apple picking doesn’t convince the kids to visit for the fall, however, then maybe the two corn mazes and large playground area will.

After a long day of apple picking and getting lost in the Robin Hood Trivia Challenge Maze, visitors can enjoy a  glass of wine alongside Harbes’ famous roasted super-sweet corn or tomato mozzarella paninis made with Harbes-grown produce. They also carry their signature apple cider donuts that are made fresh every day. 

Apple picking starts in early September and runs until late October.

According to their site, Lewin Farms is the first “pick your own” farm on Long Island. They have a wide variety of picking fields throughout the seasons and even cut-your-own Christmas trees.

Their apple picking season starts in late August and continues through October and sometimes later.

Located about 90 miles east of New York City, this 300-acre fruit farm — which has 200 acres dedicated to fruit — is one of the largest farms on the North Fork. Wickham’s makes their own apple-cider donuts right on premises every day. The farm is also home to the oldest cider press on Long Island, where they press their own cider made from apples grown on the farm.

Besides apple picking, this farm also has hay rides, activities for kids, and farm tours. Open all year, this farm is one that keeps locals coming back for more. “Two stellar experiences in one week — one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas. It’s safe to say that I’ll be back for my holiday needs!” one Yelp reviewer wrote.

Looking to celebrate a special occasion? You can take advantage of the beautiful scenery at Eastmont Orchards by making an appointment for photoshoot sessions in their scenic orchard. If you’re just looking to celebrate good times with family and friends though, the orchard is open for general picking, too.

Apple picking season runs from early September through the end of October.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit Terhune Orchards, this is your sign. Their Family Fun Fall Weekends are full of live music featuring local bands and food tents, so make sure to check their calendar of events before heading over. But even if you miss their fall activities, their farm store is open all-year round, where you can enjoy apple cider donuts and fresh-pressed apple cider. You can also sip on their award-winning wine as well as enjoy products from local NJ businesses. 

Their season runs from September until October.

The bakery itself at this family-friendly orchard is worth the trip. If you show up early in the morning, you can smell the bread baking in their ovens and if you visit during the weekend, they have a food stand open where you can enjoy all sorts of snacks.

Their apple picking season runs through October and is closed on Mondays.

Giamarese Farm & Orchards is the perfect spot for children and families alike. Bring the whole gang for the apple picking and stay for the educational hayride tour. After the tour, which goes around the farm and stops at the farm animals, participants will pick fruits and even receive an educational coloring workbook to take home.

They’re open Tuesday through Sunday for the season, which runs until October.

Still looking for more apple-related content? This apple guide will help you determine which variety is best to eat out of hand.