The Hudson Valley is Now At Its Apple-Picking Peak

One of the best ways to savor the spectacular fall foliage – and stock up on New York’s official fruit – is by doing some good old-fashioned Hudson Valley apple picking.  For many families and folks, apple picking is a perennial “fresh air” activity, sure to result in rural “photo ops” as well as a bunch of crisp, sweet apples at their delectable freshest. Some orchards “sweeten” the deal even more by offering hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, a farm store, or (yummiest of all) a bakery!  So — check the weather, operating hours, prices, and amenities. And, if you don’t already have a favorite, let our list of regional apple picking farms be your guide. And save an apple cider donut for us!

 

Apple Hill Farm |  24 Route 32 South, New Paltz

U-Pick: Fridays – Sundays from 10:00 am – 5 pm, thru October

With amazing views of the Shawangunk and the Catskill Mountains, this farm features a beautifully restored 1859 barn. September starts the apple season with McIntosh, Cortland, Opalescent and Spartan . . . ending the season with Red and Golden Delicious. Enjoy a hayride, come and get fresh-pressed apple cider and take home some of our famous apple cider donuts. Picnic tables (or bring a blanket) & pet-friendly.

 

Clarke’s Family Farm | 2086 Rout 44/55, Modena

U-Pick: Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am – 5 pm  | (also open Columbus Day)

A family farm for seven generations. October features Red Delicious, Fuji, Gold Rush, Cameo, Enterprise organic apples, Jonagold, Mutsu, Cameo, Braeburn, and Granny Smith, Winesap and more. Pumpkins, squash and jams are also available. Conveniently located near the Thruway.

 

Dressel Farms |  271 Route 208, New Paltz

U-Pick: Saturdays & Sundays from 10 am – 4 pm, thru October 31

Dressel Farms’ primary business is apples, growing over 300-acres of apple trees and more than 20 different varieties. The farm also annually packs and ships more than 100,000 bushels (that’s about 4 million pounds!) of apples to grocery stores all along the east coast as well as overseas. Farmstand opens daily with homemade apple cider, apple cider donuts. Dressel Farms is open year-round with fresh produce, Dressel’s homemade apple cider, apple cider donuts and ice cream.

DuBois Farms | 209 Perkinsville Road, Highland

Open every day thru November 24 | U-Pick: Daily from 10 am – 5 pm

Pick your own strawberries, nectarines, plums, apples, peaches, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, pumpkins, flowers, and more. On-site farm market, café, bakery, pizzeria, and ice cream shop. Farm animal zoo & two-acre Corn Maze.

 Greig Farm |  227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 

Market: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm / 7 days per week
Kitchen: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm / 7 days per week

Pumpkin and Apple picking season is here! Greig Farm apple orchard has 11 different apple varieties in season between late August and late October, and over 20 varieties of carving pumpkins, baking pumpkins, and decorative gourds are scattered throughout the pumpkin patch. Enjoy walking trails, feed and pet their goats, enjoy the outdoor art, or grab a cider donut at the farm market. The farm is open every day of the week, every month of the year. 

Added Bonus? Abandoned Cider makes hard cider from locally-grown apples that would have otherwise gone to waste. Grab a pint or flight at their new taproom in the barn!

Jenkins & Lueken Orchards | 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz

Monday – Friday, from 9 am – 5 pm | U-Pick: Saturdays & Sundays, from 9 am – 6 pm

This sprawling orchard has over 500 apple trees waiting to be picked –and pumpkin picking too! During the week, a smaller picking area is available. The farmstand is open all year round (except for two weeks in June) wide a wide variety of fruits (all grown on their farm) and vegetables.

 

Mead Orchards | 15 Scism Road, Tivoli NY  

Sept 4 – Oct 31 Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm
Labor Day, Sept 6, 10 am – 5 pm
Columbus Day, Oct 11, 10 am – 5 pm

Mead Orchards is the place to be this Fall! Pick your own farm fresh apples right off the tree, take a walk through our corn maze, set up a picnic, and pick a pumpkin too! Make sure to check out our farm stand while you’re here! Stop by the farm stand and browse our farm-fresh apple cider, raw honey, apple sauce, prepicked produce, and more.​

Stone Ridge Orchard | 3012 NY-213, Stone Ridge, NY 

U-Pick: Daily, from 9 am – 6 pm

This 200-year-old historic working farm on 115 acres features panoramic mountains, lake, and pond views. Stop by their farm bar for a cider tasting, their farm market for fresh fruit and bakery items, or the orchard’s pizza stand for some delicious wood-fired pizza. In addition to many ready-to-enjoy apple varieties, you’ll also be able to procure a cornucopia of peaches, pears, plums and berries!

 

“Apple farming is simply the art and science of harvesting sunlight.”

— Stone Ridge Orchard website