Apple picking near New York City is one of the best ways to celebrate autumn on the East Coast. Whether you’re in New York or New Jersey, there are plenty of beautiful orchards offering fresh apples, delicious cider donuts, hot and cold apple cider, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, tractor rides, live music, and more.
The apple picking season usually runs from September through October, so it’s important to plan your visit early, otherwise the season might pass you by! Here are some of the best apple picking farms near New York City that I’ve visited and highly recommend for a fun fall day trip.
Best Apple Picking Farms Near New York City
Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard (Hudson Valley, NY)
Harvest Moon Farm is one of the largest and most popular apple orchards near NYC. This orchard offers a wide variety of apples and plenty of family-friendly amenities including multiple food vendors, live music, beer and cider stations, and fun activities for kids. It’s a great spot for groups or families looking to make a day out of apple picking.
Wilkins Fruit and Fir Farm (Hudson Valley, NY)
Wilkins Farm is a spacious orchard featuring many apple varieties for picking. It’s especially kid-friendly with a large pumpkin patch and a well-stocked onsite store where you can grab freshly baked apple pies and donuts to take home. A perfect spot to enjoy traditional fall treats.
Fishkill Farms (Hudson Valley, NY)
Fishkill Farms offers a charming, easy-to-navigate orchard experience with beautiful scenery. They grow a variety of apples, so you can pick exactly what you like. Conveniently located near Beacon, NY, you can even take the train from NYC for a scenic trip. This orchard is ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.
Terhune Orchard (Princeton, New Jersey)
For those in New Jersey, Terhune Orchards is a fantastic option. This farm is very family-friendly, offering pony rides, nature walks, a corn maze, and an expansive pumpkin patch. While the apple picking area is at a separate location, the farm itself provides plenty of fun activities to keep kids entertained.
Masker Orchards (Hudson Valley, NY)
If you need public transportation options from New York City, Masker Orchards in Warwick is a top choice. You can catch a public bus from Port Authority in Manhattan to reach this scenic orchard. Masker Orchards offers many apple varieties to pick, set in a beautiful rural area perfect for a fall day trip.
Minard’s Family Farm (Hudson Valley, NY)
Minard’s Family Farm is packed with activities for kids, including a corn maze, animals to visit, food trucks, a pumpkin patch, and a bouncy pillow. The onsite store has plenty of goodies to enjoy, and we loved taking a tractor ride out to the orchard to pick delicious apples ourselves. It’s a fantastic family-friendly farm that combines fun and fresh fruit picking.
Tips for Apple Picking Near NYC
- Plan ahead: The peak apple picking season is September through October, and orchards can get busy on weekends.
- Check orchard websites: Many farms offer updates on apple availability, events, and safety guidelines.
- Dress for the weather: Fall days can be chilly, so bring layers and comfortable shoes for walking.
- Try the local treats: Don’t miss out on cider donuts, fresh apple pie, and apple cider, they’re a fall staple!
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Best Apple Picking Near New York City
There are many fantastic options for apple picking near NYC in both New York and New Jersey. From large commercial farms to smaller family-run orchards, you really can’t go wrong spending a day surrounded by crisp fall air, colorful foliage, and ripe apples. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic day trip, or a fun adventure with friends, apple picking season is a must-experience East Coast tradition!
Places Megan Goes 