Where to pick apples near New York this fall: 11 best orchards

From Labor Day until the end of fall, orchards in the Tri-State region (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) offer apple picking opportunities for everyone. Many gardens also have cool children’s attractions, including wagon rides, petting zoos with barn animals, and corn mazes. Some also sell homemade baked goods, such as donuts, and serve apple cider, Mommy Poppins reports.

There was a time when apple trees bloomed in New York City. Seriously! Think about how Orchard Street got its name… But today, in order to pick apples, you need to leave the city.

Many gardens are quite a distance away and we know that nothing ruins a fun family outing like a stressful long drive. That’s why we’ve selected 12 farms that are an hour or less away from Midtown Manhattan.

1. Orchards of Concklin – Pomona (New York)

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

These gardens have been a popular destination among New Yorkers for over 10 generations. This year’s apple picking season began on September 9, and you can visit the farm on Saturdays and Sundays. If you don’t have time to travel, but want apples, cider and fresh baked goods, the farm offers delivery. Call (845) 354-0369.

2. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem (New York)

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Alternatively, take Metro-North (a short taxi ride from Croton Falls Station).

This is a family farm and formerly part of Outhouse Orchards. Here, visitors are allowed to pick their own apples starting on Labor Day. The farm hosts a fall festival on weekends in September and October where families can enjoy a pumpkin patch and pony rides. Face painting, trampolines and other carnival fun in addition to apple picking are also available.

Don’t forget to buy homemade donuts and cider from their shop.

3. Stuart’s Fruit Farm – Granite Springs (New York)

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

Beginning September 6th, this historic family farm offers over 20 varieties of ripe apples for picking. Scenic trolley rides are also offered on weekends. Please note: card payments are not accepted here.

4. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights (New York)

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Also accessible via Metro-North (take Croton-Harmon or Peekskill station and then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the farm).

Apple picking at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm began on the first Saturday in September. There are dozens of varieties of these fruits offered here. Check the farm schedule to find out when your favorites will be ripe.

Starting October 1st, pumpkins will also be available at this farm. You can also cut down your own Christmas tree starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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5.Dr. Davies Farm – Congers (New York)

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan.

This historic 14-hectare orchard is home to 4,000 trees. It is open for daily apple picking beginning on Labor Day.

Note: Only cash or checks are accepted here. There is an ATM on site.

6. Outhouse Orchards – North Salem (New York)

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. You can also take Metro-North (to the Croton Falls station, then take a taxi to the farm).

Outhouse Orchards was founded in the late 1800s. The apple picking season here began on September 2. Seasonal activities also include trolley rides and a corn maze.

7. Alstede Farms – Chester (NJ)

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. You can also take New Jersey Transit (to the Gladstone station and then a taxi, and there is a free shuttle to the farm from this station (weekends only).

The farm is not only open for apple picking, but also offers other activities such as a corn maze, pony rides, horse-drawn cart rides, a trampoline and animal feeding. All this is available every day, not just on weekends.

There are dozens of varieties of apples, including several ready for harvest in August. Please review the collection schedule before your trip.

8. Demarest Farms – Hillsdale

About 40 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan.

This orchard is considered the closest apple picking location for New York City families. This popular farm, located across the Hudson River, opened its harvest season on Saturday, September 2nd.

The farm has a store on site that offers a variety of treats, including hot food, salads, soups, donuts and desserts.

9. Riamede Farm – Chester

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

The harvest season here opened in early September. At this farm, which is open daily, you can choose from over 30 varieties of apples. No trampolines or petting zoos! It’s all apples here, except that on weekends you can ride on a hay wagon for free.

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10. Sun High Orchards – Randolph

About an hour’s drive from Midtown Manhattan.

From September onwards, children can get up close and personal with alpacas and donkeys, or take a leisurely cart ride between the apple trees. Apples are sold by weight, so only take what you want to buy. End the day with homemade ice cream or an outdoor picnic.

11. Ripple Hill Farm – Basking Ridge

Approximately 50 minutes by car from downtown Manhattan.

Despite the name, this farm doesn’t have any hills, making it a great place to pick apples, especially if you’re traveling with small children. Open only on Sundays starting September 10th, there are about a dozen varieties of apples available for picking.