Where to pick apples near New York this fall: 11 best orchards

From Labor Day until the end of fall, orchards in the Tri-State region (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) offer apple picking opportunities for everyone. Many gardens also have cool children's attractions, including wagon rides, petting zoos with barn animals, and corn mazes. Some also sell homemade baked goods, such as donuts, and serve apple cider, reports Mommy poppins.

There was a time when apple trees bloomed in New York City. Seriously! Think how Orchard Street got its name ... But today, in order to pick apples, you need to leave the city.

Many gardens are quite far away and we know that nothing spoils a fun family outing like a strenuous long drive. Therefore, we selected 12 farms that are an hour or less from Midtown Manhattan.

1. Orchards of concklin - Pomona (New York)

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

These gardens have been a popular destination among New Yorkers for over 10 generations. Apple picking season this year has begun September 9, you can visit the farm on Saturdays and Sundays. If you don’t have time to travel, but want apples, cider and fresh baked goods, the farm offers delivery. Call (845) 354-0369.

2. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard - North Salem (New York)

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Alternatively, take Metro-North (a short taxi ride from Croton Falls station).

This is a family farm and formerly part of Outhouse Orchards. Here, visitors are allowed to pick their own apples starting on Labor Day. The farm hosts a fall festival on weekends in September and October where families can enjoy a pumpkin patch and pony rides. Face painting, trampolines and other carnival fun in addition to apple picking are also available.

Don't forget to buy homemade donuts and cider from their store.

3. Stuart's fruit farm - Granite Springs (New York)

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

Starting September 6th, this old family farm offers over 20 varieties of ripe apples to pick. Scenic trolley rides are also offered on weekends. Please note: card payments are not accepted here.

4. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm - Yorktown Heights (New York)

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Alternatively, you can get there via Metro-North (go to Croton-Harmon or Peekskill station and then take a taxi to the farm in 15 minutes).

Apple picking at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm began on the first Saturday in September. There are dozens of varieties of these fruits offered here. Check farm scheduleto find out when your favorites are ripe.

Pumpkins will also be available on this farm from October 1st. You can also cut yourself a Christmas tree here, starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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5. Dr. Davies farm - Congers (New York)

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan.

This historic 14-hectare orchard is home to 4 trees. It is open for daily apple picking beginning on Labor Day.

Note: Only cash or checks are accepted here. There is an ATM on site.

6. Outhouse orchards - North Salem (New York)

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. You can also take Metro-North (to Croton Falls station, and then take a taxi to the farm).

Outhouse Orchards was founded in the late 1800s. The apple picking season here began on September 2. Seasonal activities also include trolley rides and a corn maze.

7. Alstede farms - Chester (New Jersey)

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. You can also take the New Jersey Transit (to Gladstone station, and then by taxi, in addition, from this station there are free transfer to the farm (weekends only).

The farm is not only open for apple picking, but also offers other activities: corn maze, pony rides, horse-drawn carts, trampoline and animal feeding. All of this is available daily, not just on weekends.

There are dozens of varieties of apples here, including several ready to harvest in August. Check out collection schedule before the trip.

8. Demarest farms - Hillsdale

About 40 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan.

This orchard is considered the closest apple picking location for New York City families. This popular farm, located across the Hudson River, opened its harvest season on Saturday, September 2nd.

The farm has a store on site that offers a variety of treats, including hot food, salads, soups, donuts and desserts.

9. Riamede Farm - Chester

About an hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

The harvest season here opened in early September. At this farm, which is open daily, you can choose from over 30 varieties of apples. No trampolines or petting zoos! It's all apples here, except that on weekends you can ride on a hay wagon for free.

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10. Sun high orchards - Randolph

Approximately one hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.

Starting in September, children can get up close and personal with alpacas and donkeys, or take a leisurely cart ride between the apple trees. Apples are sold by weight, so only take the ones you want to buy. Round off the day with homemade ice cream or an outdoor picnic.

11. Ripple hill farm - Basking Ridge

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan.

Despite the name, this farm has no hills, making it a great place to pick apples, especially if you are traveling with small children. It is only open on Sundays, starting September 10, with about a dozen varieties of apples available for picking.