Fall in New York means one thing for a lot of families: loading up the car and heading to an orchard. There is something satisfying about picking your own apples off the tree and grabbing a warm bag of cider donuts before you head home.
New York grows more apples than almost any other state, so you have plenty of great places to choose from. Here are ten orchards across the state that give you the full pick-your-own experience, sweet homemade donuts, and a fun day out for the whole family.
1. Fishkill Farms, Hopewell Junction
Sitting in the Hudson Valley, Fishkill Farms has been in the same family for more than a century. That long history shows in the way the place is run, with a mix of pick-your-own apples, berries, and even peaches during the warmer months.
The farm store is where the donuts steal the show. You can grab cider donuts fresh from the kitchen along with fresh-pressed cider to wash them down.
Weekends in the fall get busy here, so arriving early usually means shorter lines and better parking. The orchard also grows fruit using organic and low-spray methods, which sets it apart from many larger operations.
Kids can roam the rows, and there is usually live music on weekends during peak season. It makes for an easy day trip if you are coming up from the New York City area.
2. Wilklow Orchards, Highland
Family-run for several generations, Wilklow Orchards in Highland keeps things simple and welcoming. The farm has been working this land since the late 1800s, and it still feels like a real working farm rather than a theme park.
Apple picking runs through the fall, and the farm stand sells homemade pies, cider, and donuts that draw people back year after year.
Weekend visits often include hayrides and a chance to see farm animals, which makes it a hit with younger kids. The prices tend to be reasonable, and the crowds are usually more manageable than at some of the bigger names.
If you want a laid-back orchard day without a lot of fuss, this Ulster County spot is a solid pick.
3. Indian Ladder Farms, Altamont
Views set this one apart. Indian Ladder Farms sits right at the base of the Helderberg escarpment, so the backdrop of cliffs behind the apple rows is hard to beat.
The farm near Altamont has been growing apples for over a century and offers pick-your-own along with a busy farm store.
Cider donuts are a big draw, and the bakery keeps them coming during the fall rush. There is also a cafe on site if you want more than just snacks.
The property includes a nature trail, so you can stretch your legs after picking. Being just outside Albany, it is an easy trip for anyone in the Capital Region looking for a full fall outing.
4. Stuart’s Fruit Farm, Granite Springs
Few farms in the region can match the history here. Stuart’s Fruit Farm in Granite Springs has been in the same family since the 1820s, making it one of the oldest working farms in Westchester County.
Pick-your-own apples are the main event in fall, with plenty of varieties to sample as you walk the rows.
The farm market sells cider donuts, fresh apple cider, and other baked goods that keep regulars coming back each season.
Being close to the New York City suburbs means it fills a real need for folks who do not want to drive hours for the orchard experience. It is a good reminder that you can find a genuine farm day without leaving the metro area behind.
5. Wickham Farms, Penfield
Near Rochester, Wickham Farms leans into the family fun angle harder than most. Beyond apple picking, you get a whole lineup of activities designed to keep kids entertained for hours.
The farm store bakes cider donuts on site, and they are a popular grab whether or not you pick any fruit.
Fall weekends bring a fall festival atmosphere, with attractions that go well beyond the orchard rows. For families with young children, that extra entertainment can make the trip feel worth it.
If you are in the Finger Lakes area or around Monroe County, this Penfield spot is an easy add to a weekend plan. It works especially well when you want to fill a whole morning or afternoon.
6. Kelder’s Farm, Kerhonkson
Roadside quirks make this stop memorable. Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson has long been known for its oversized garden gnome, a fun photo spot before you even reach the apples.
The farm offers pick-your-own for a range of crops through the seasons, with apples arriving in the fall.
You will find a farm stand with baked goods and treats, plus a mini golf course that gives the kids something extra to do.
Located in the Rondout Valley, it fits nicely into a Hudson Valley road trip if you are already exploring the area. The mix of picking, snacks, and oddball charm makes it stand out from the more polished orchards on this list.
7. Lawrence Farms Orchards, Newburgh
Variety is the calling card at Lawrence Farms Orchards in Newburgh. Alongside apples, the farm lets you pick a wide range of fruits and vegetables, so a single trip can fill several baskets.
Fall brings the apple harvest, and the pick-your-own fields stretch across a large property.
The farm store sells cider donuts and other baked treats, giving you the classic orchard reward after all that picking.
Weekend admission and hayrides are part of the setup during the busy season, so it helps to check the schedule before you go. For families who like to actually harvest a variety of produce rather than just walk the rows, this Orange County farm delivers.
8. Applewood Orchards, Warwick
Warwick is apple country, and Applewood Orchards is one of the town’s standout spots. The farm sits in a scenic corner of Orange County that draws crowds every autumn.
Pick-your-own apples cover many varieties, and the setting with rolling hills makes for a pretty backdrop.
Cider donuts and fresh cider are staples at the farm, rounding out the classic orchard visit. Weekends fill up fast, so an early arrival pays off.
Warwick itself hosts a well-known Applefest in the fall, so you can pair a picking trip with the town celebration. That combination makes the drive out to this part of the Hudson Valley an easy sell.
9. Bellwether Hard Cider, Trumansburg
Cider is the specialty in this Finger Lakes corner. Bellwether in Trumansburg is best known for its cider and orchard setting overlooking Cayuga Lake country.
The farm grows a range of apple varieties and shares the story of how different apples shape different ciders.
You can visit the tasting room and enjoy the views across the Finger Lakes landscape, which is one of the prettiest regions in the state.
It is a good stop if you are already touring the Ithaca and Cayuga Lake area and want an apple-focused destination. Call ahead or check hours, since farm tasting rooms often keep seasonal schedules.
10. Masker Orchards, Warwick
Here is one with a twist you rarely see: you drive your own car right into the orchard. Masker Orchards in Warwick lets visitors park among the trees, which makes hauling bags of apples back to the car a whole lot easier.
The farm covers a huge stretch of land with countless apple trees to pick from.
You will find cider donuts, fresh cider, and other treats at the farm store to cap off the day.
The drive-in setup makes it a favorite for big families and groups who do not want to carry heavy loads across a field. As one of the larger orchards in Orange County, it can handle a crowd while still feeling spacious.
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