Best Apple Picking Near NYC (2026): 10 Hudson Valley Orchards Worth Visiting

Fall in New York is great, but there's something about leaving the city for a day of apple picking, cider and actual fall foliage that makes it feel like autumn has officially arrived.

And luckily, you don't have to go very far.

The Hudson Valley is full of apple orchards, many within roughly one to two hours of NYC by car, depending on traffic and where you're going. Some are perfect for a quick afternoon, while others are better suited to a full fall day trip with wineries, restaurants and small towns nearby.

We've rounded up 10 apple orchards near NYC worth saving for fall 2026, from North Salem and Hopewell Junction to New Paltz, Highland, Rhinebeck and Red Hook.

We've also included four nearby wineries to help you turn apple picking into a full Hudson Valley day trip.

Apple varieties, pick-your-own schedules and admission requirements vary by farm. Always confirm what's available before visiting.

If you want to go apple picking without spending the entire day driving, start with the orchards in Westchester and southern Dutchess County.

Harvest Moon is one of the first places we'd look for a fall outing closer to NYC.

Located in North Salem in northern Westchester County, it's a convenient option if you're looking for an orchard day trip without heading all the way to New Paltz or Rhinebeck.

It's especially worth considering if your main goal is spending an afternoon at a farm rather than planning a full weekend away.

Best for: A shorter apple-picking trip from NYC.

Good to know: Check the farm's current apple-picking schedule, ticketing rules and weekend policies before leaving.

Fishkill Farms is another strong option for a dedicated fall farm day.

Located in Hopewell Junction, it's a good choice if you want to spend more time at an orchard and less time hopping between towns.

It's also well-positioned for exploring southern Dutchess County if you want to make more of the drive.

Best for: A classic Hudson Valley apple-picking outing.

Good to know: Check which apple varieties are available for picking on your intended date and whether advance reservations are required.

New Paltz and Highland are two of the best areas to consider if you want to combine apple picking with wineries, cider and a scenic Hudson Valley drive.

There are several orchards relatively close to one another, making it easy to build a full fall itinerary.

DuBois Farms is a good starting point for an apple-picking day around Highland.

The surrounding area has several other orchards and wineries, so you can make a day of it rather than driving up for a single stop.

We'd consider pairing a visit with time in New Paltz or a nearby winery.

Best for: An apple-picking road trip around Highland and New Paltz.

Twin Star Orchards is a particularly good option if your ideal fall afternoon involves apples and cider.

Its New Paltz location makes it easy to combine with other farms and nearby attractions.

If you're planning a fall date or a weekend outing with friends, this is one to put on your shortlist.

Best for: An orchard-and-cider-focused fall day.

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards is another New Paltz option worth saving.

With several orchards in the surrounding area, you can plan a fall day around whichever farm has the best picking availability when you visit.

Afterward, explore New Paltz or stop at a nearby winery.

Best for: Apple picking as part of a New Paltz day trip.

Our tip: You probably don't need to visit all three orchards in one day. Choose one for picking, then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area.

If you're willing to drive a little farther, northern Dutchess County is one of our favorite areas for a fall weekend.

Rhinebeck has a charming walkable village with cafés, bookstores, restaurants and antique shops, while the surrounding countryside has several orchards.

Cedar Heights Orchards is one to consider if you want to pair apple picking with an afternoon in Rhinebeck.

Start at the orchard, then head into the village for coffee, lunch and shopping.

It's a great way to experience the Hudson Valley in the fall without spending the entire day at a farm.

Best for: Apple picking followed by shopping and lunch in Rhinebeck.

Rose Hill Farm is worth adding to a fall trip around Red Hook and Rhinebeck.

The area is full of countryside scenery, and it's an appealing destination for a weekend that includes farm visits, restaurants and nearby small towns.

Best for: A fall weekend around Red Hook and Rhinebeck.

Mead Orchards is another option in northern Dutchess County.

Tivoli is near Red Hook and Rhinebeck, so it's worth considering if you're already planning to explore that part of the Hudson Valley.

Rather than making a separate trip, we'd combine it with other nearby stops.

Best for: Apple picking on a northern Hudson Valley weekend.

For a slower fall getaway, consider the orchards around Stone Ridge and Accord.

This part of Ulster County is a good fit for anyone looking for countryside scenery, a relaxed weekend and nearby boutique hotels.

Stone Ridge Orchard is a good addition to a fall road trip through Ulster County.

The surrounding area has rural roads, small towns and scenic countryside, making the drive part of the experience.

Best for: A quieter-feeling countryside apple-picking trip.

Westwind Orchard is one of the places we'd save for a fall weekend around Accord.

It's especially convenient if you're staying nearby at INNESS or exploring the Stone Ridge area.

Rather than rushing back to the city, consider making a weekend of it with a hotel stay and other local stops.

Best for: A relaxed fall getaway around Accord.

If you're driving up from NYC, apple picking doesn't have to be your only activity.

The Hudson Valley has plenty of wineries, and a tasting can be a great way to finish an afternoon.

These four are in areas that pair well with the orchards in this guide.

A convenient winery to consider after visiting an orchard around New Paltz.

A good choice for a wine-focused outing through the Dutchess County countryside.

A winery to add to your itinerary if you're exploring Highland and Marlboro.

An orchard and winery destination worth considering for a fall farm outing.

Planning tip: Choose one winery near your orchard rather than driving across the Hudson Valley to visit several. If you're wine tasting, arrange a designated driver or other transportation.

The easiest way to plan your trip is to choose one region and build your day around it.

Here are three ways we'd do it.

Area: North Salem or Hopewell Junction

Visit Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard or Fishkill Farms, depending on seasonal availability.

This is the simplest option if your main goal is apple picking and you don't want to plan an entire weekend.

Area: New Paltz, Highland and Marlboro

Start at DuBois Farms, Twin Star Orchards or Jenkins-Lueken Orchards.

After picking apples, have lunch and visit Robibero Winery or another winery in the surrounding area.

This is a good option for a fall date or a day out with friends.

Area: Rhinebeck, Red Hook and Tivoli

Choose an orchard such as Cedar Heights, Rose Hill Farm or Mead Orchards.

Then spend the afternoon exploring Rhinebeck's restaurants, bookstores and antique shops.

If you're staying overnight, you'll have more time to explore the surrounding countryside without rushing.

Apple-picking season in the Hudson Valley generally runs from late summer into fall, with September and October being especially popular months.

Different apple varieties ripen at different times, and availability depends on the weather and harvest.

If you're planning a weekend trip, check the orchard's website or social media before leaving. Some farms require reservations, especially during peak fall weekends.

Apple picking is only one reason to visit the Hudson Valley in the fall.

We've saved 65 fall recommendations near NYC in one RoamRecs collection, including apple orchards, wineries, pumpkin displays, cozy hotels, restaurants, antique shops, hikes and things to do in Cold Spring, Beacon, Rhinebeck, Hudson and the Catskills.

You can explore everything on a map, save your favorites and plan your own fall day trip or weekend getaway.