The best spots for apple picking near NYC

Location: Warwick, New York

Come September, this bucolic orchard turns into a celebration of all things autumn. Visitors can enjoy PYO apples, animal meet and greets, a hayride, cider donuts and more farm-fresh treats made with the orchard's own apples. Pick up some honey from the orchard's hard-working honey bees after you watch them do their thing in the Observation Hive. Enjoy delicious BBQ on the property every weekend in September and October, and don't miss movie night in October when kids can catch a screening of "Spookley the Square Pumpkin" under the stars. Note: admission and PYO are cash only.

Location: Warwick, New York

Once Labor Day Weekend rolls around, this Hudson Valley hotspot amps its apple activities into high gear. Take a stroll through Apple Dave’s Walking Trail for a selection of Cortland, Rome Beauty, and Jonamac apples, among eleven total varieties that vary by month. Enjoy cider donuts, and farm-fresh goodies plus live music on the weekends. For the 21+ crowd venturing to Warwick without the tots—or for the parents who need a little "me" time—the orchard's Farm Distillery offers up a handful of New York beers alongside their own signature hard cider.

Location: Red Hook, New York

You’ll find eleven varieties of apples at this Hudson Valley farm, where super-seasonal picks include Ginger Gold, Jonagold, Staymen-Winesap, Blondee, and more. The 300-acre farm, which boasts picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains, is more than a PYO destination: an indoor market boasts local goods from the Hudson Valley (plus sugary apple cider donuts, of course) while you’ll also find a craft market, koi pond, and a converted schoolhouse that can be booked for overnight stays.

Location: Congers, New York 

The Davies Farmhouse was built in 1836 and the rest is history. This New York attraction has long been a popular PYO destination with over 4,000 apple trees and 20 different varieties like Winesap, Golden Delicious, Crispin, and more. Although apple picking is the main attraction, you’ll also find plenty of other seasonal activities like a corn maze and scenic hayrides to the farm’s Pumpkin Patch.

Location: Poughquag, New York

The pickings at Barton Orchards are plentiful, and we're not just talking about the apples. Spread throughout 175 acres, the farm is home to a slew of activities that include a corn maze, haunted house, hayrides, and even a treetop climbing adventure with zip lines and rock walls.

Location: Modena, New York

Hurds Family Farm leads the pack with one of the earliest starts for apple picking (their PYO season usually kicks off in late August). Families can mosey their way through the grounds in search of Macoun, SnapDragon, Ginger Gold, and Granny Smith plus other delectable picks. While there, you’d be remiss not to indulge the farm’s playful side: beyond the usual suspects (like hayrides and a corn maze), you’ll also find a giant slide, pony rides, and an obstacle course.

Location: Kerhonkson, New York

Families looking for pick-your-own apples will ample fruit and so much more at Kelder’s Farm. Kids can enjoy the petting zoo, hayrides, a corn maze, and even a giant jumping pillow to burn off extra energy. Everyone can practice their swing at a mini-golf course when they’re done selecting fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers. Make sure to wave goodbye to the world’s largest garden gnome on your way out.

Location: Hopewell JCT, New York 

The apples are sweet, but the sweeping landscape is even sweeter at this Hudson Valley farm. Spread across 270 acres, pickers can enjoy a wide selection of eco-friendly apples (about half the farm's apple trees are organic) like Pixie Crunch, Sweet Sixteen, Shizuka, and Suncrisp. Traveling sans kids? Stop by the farm's Cider Bar and sample the farm's estate-made Treasury Cider while soaking in crisp views of the Catskill Mountains.

Location: Water Mill, New York

At this Hamptons homestead (which started as a dairy farm), even smaller kids can pluck fruit from short dwarf trees that grow 20 different apple varieties from September to October. To make the most out of your visit, check out the wagon-led farm tours, fresh cider at the Milk Pail country store, and a pumpkin patch with over 60 varieties of gourds—some weighing up to 150 pounds!

Location: Newburgh, New York

This Newburgh orchard isn’t just teeming with apples (of which over a dozen varieties are available, from Empire to Cortland and Macintosh). It’s also a feast of other delicious offerings that’ll fill your basket with a full bounty of autumn's best flavors. Visit in late September through October for sweet corn, cabbage, winter squash, gourds, and other peak-season picks.

Location: Warwick, New York

Head to this 200-acre orchard for a truly epic autumnal experience—the farm boasts over 10,000 fruit trees and 14 varieties of apples. As a drive-through orchard, visitors actually pull right up to any clutch of trees they want (so long as the spot isn't already taken), which makes for a rather private U-Pick experience. We recommend packing a picnic to enjoy alongside your chosen lot.

Location: Stone Ridge, New York

There have been fruit-bearing trees at this orchardfor more than 200 years, but this farm's approach to sustainability is very 21st century. More than a dozen varieties of classic organic apples are ripe for the picking—including classics like McIntosh, Cortland, and Stayman—but much of the land now grows newer breeds on smaller, more densely planted trees, putting less stress on the soil while producing bigger and sweeter fruit. Take a bite and judge for yourselves.

Location: Clintondale, New York 

Your crew will run wild at Minard’s Family Farm, considering the venue comes equipped with a 3-acre corn maze, giant bounce pillow, pumpkin bowling, a petting zoo, and other fun fall activities to make it a full day trip. As for the apple picking? You’ll be treated to more than 100 acres of apple trees. Be sure to swing by the farm stand for freshly baked goods, homemade jams, and quick snacks like hot dogs and fries.

Location: Warwick, New York

Create some unforgettable family memories at Pennings Orchard, located on over 50 acres of beautiful farmland. The venue offers over 20 varieties of apples like Ginger Golds, Braeburns, Mutsu, Empire, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and more. Families can also visit the Pennings Farm Market and pick up all kinds of homegrown produce (think pumpkins, zucchini, and more) as well as fresh goods from neighboring farms. Looking for something sweet? An ice cream counter is open year-round with seasonal flavors and decadent sundaes.

Location: Croton Falls, New York 

Don't let the name discourage you from experiencing this beautiful escape in North Salem. No matter what type of apple you're craving—Jonamac, McIntosh, or Cortland—Outhouse has you covered while pears and peaches are up for grabs, too. Not only should you stock up on produce, make sure to enjoy all of the farm’s fall activities like corn mazes and hayrides.