Fall is apple-picking season, and there’s no better excuse to escape the city for a day. Grab your friends, throw on a sweater, and head out for fresh apples, cider donuts, and peak autumn color. September and October are prime picking season — but go soon, because the good weekends fill up.

Here are ten of the best places to go apple picking near NYC, all day-trip options from the city, pulled together by @nycfunevents. One important note: check each orchard before you leave — apple varieties, pick-your-own availability, and reservation requirements can change throughout the season.

The 10 best apple-picking spots near NYC

Fishkill Farms

A Hudson Valley classic with orchards, a farm store, and the full fall-day experience.

Masker Orchards

Rows of trees and plenty of room to roam — a pick-your-own favorite.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard

Orchard views, farm animals, and apples by the bagful.

Outhouse Orchards

The name gets a laugh; the apples get picked. A fun, unpretentious day trip.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

Fruit in the fall, firs for the holidays — this farm does both seasons beautifully.

Dr Davies Farm

A long-running orchard with deep roots and plenty of varieties to fill your basket.

Stuarts Farm

Old-school farm charm and some of the area’s most loyal pickers.

Ochs Orchard

Hillside orchards with views worth the drive alone.

Pennings Orchard

Goats, beer garden, and apples — Pennings makes a whole day of it.

Apple Ridge Orchards

A ridge-top orchard that’s become a fall ritual for plenty of New Yorkers.

Make a day of it

Apple picking is one of fall’s simplest pleasures: fresh air, a full basket, and cider donuts on the way home. Save this list, check conditions before you go, and get out there while the season’s at its peak.

More fall fun: our guide to Oktoberfest in and around NYC and the 2026 holiday tree and lights dates to plan the season ahead.