Apple Picking Guide 2021 In The Hudson Valley

Editor's Note: Here's an additional farm, thanks to a recommendation from a reader: Fix Bros. Farm, 215 White Birch Road, Hudson, NY. Cash or check only. Go to their website for the amazing story of their 100-year-old McIntosh apple tree — it's a quick read.

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — There's still time to plan a trip to an orchard for a bushel or two of the year's finest apples.

Most of these "pick your own" orchards offer a chance to pick up other seasonal vegetables, select farm-fresh foods, and enjoy some family-style events and activities. Plus all of them have made changes to protect visitors as the pandemic continues.

Here's a list you can take a bite out of:

Westchester:

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm, 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights.914 245-5111

The apple season started in September, but there could be a couple of weeks left. Pumpkins in October, and in December you can hunt for Christmas trees. Stop by the gift shop for freshly baked cookies, doughnuts and strudel sticks, and check out the wine-tastings.

Stuart's Fruit Farm, 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs. 914 245-2784.

The 200-acre family-owned farm offers nine different varieties of apples as well as pumpkins. On weekends you can take a hayride through the orchards. You can end the visit by enjoying a freshly baked pie or doughnut with a glass of apple cider - bring your own cups. Masks are required in the buildings.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem. 914 485-1210. Like last year, apple picking will be by reservation only, weekends only including Columbus Day! Reservations now available for Oct. 2 & 3. The Farm Store open 7 days a week offers a bounty of groceries including farm-raised meats, dairy products, and fresh produce, much of it grown right here or on local farms located nearby in the Hudson Valley.

Rockland:

Dr. Davies Farm, 306 Route 304, Congers. 845 268-7020. Apple picking every day 10am-4pm. Reservations are strongly suggested. Walk-ins are being limited. Masks are currently not required for vaccinated individuals, though the policy is subject to change based on NYS guidelines.

The Orchards of Concklin, 2 South Mountain Road, Pomona. 845 354-0369. At The Orchards of Concklin, you can pick your own produce, visit the farm stand, and taste the fresh-pressed apple cider. The bakery offers delicious pies, cookies, and pastries. If you can't make it there this year, they can ship to you. For 2021 it's open to the public Saturdays and Sundays only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mid-Hudson Valley:

Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction. 845-897-4377.

Reservations needed. The farm offers several varieties of apples for picking plus a farm market. In addition to 40 acres of apples, they grow peaches, nectarines, black currants, cherries and pumpkins, all of which are available in season for pick-your-own. They sell New York state hard cider, wine, beer and spirits, roasted coffee and local ice cream. When reservations are available, they can be made through the online scheduling program found on the pick-your-own page or the Cider Bar Page.

Apple Hill Farm, 124 Route 32, New Paltz. 845 255-1605.

Apple Hill Farm overlooks the picturesque Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains. The apple picking season begins in September with McIntosh, Cortland, Opalescent and Spartan and end the season with Red and Golden Delicious. Pick Your Own is Friday thru Sunday, 10am-5pm. the farm stand is open until 6pm. They are open Columbus Day.

Hurds Family Farm, 2185 Route 32, Modena. 845 883-6300. Available Sept. 24-27: Apples: Jonagold, Gala, Cortland, SnapDragon, Macouns & Empire. Honeycrisp apples are no longer on the trees, but available for purchase in our Barn Market. On Saturdays and Sundays, each vehicle must pre-order a minimum purchase of $20 to enter the farm. Tickets go on sale the Tuesday before. Shop Online.

Wilklow Orchards, 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland. 845 691-2339.

Open to Oct. 31, 9-6 daily for apple picking. To go apple picking all you need is enthusiasm, we will supply the rest. Before you go into the orchard we will give you a bag to pick in and if you want, you can use a Picker Pole for the apples that are out of reach. You have a choice of a Large or Small Bag. The Large Bags hold 20-25 lbs, and get 4 people (anyone 5 or over) in the Orchard, and the Small bags hold 10-12 Lbs and allow two people in. We also sell favorites at our stand like Honey Crisp. Sister company Bad Seed has added a satellite location on the farm. They serve hard cider and local beer Fridays-Sundays in the fall.

Greig Farm, 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook.845 758-1234.

The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The farm has been open to the public for more than 60 years. There is no entry fee. Apple picking is $25 for a half-bushel bag. The friendly family of pygmy goats can be found playing on their jungle gym and rolling around mountains of hay all year round.

Rose Hill Farm, 1798, 19 Rose Hill, Red Hook. 845 758-4215

Rose Hill Farm will continue to protect the health and safety of our customers and staff and we request that you please review our updated guidelines, best practices for health and safety, before visiting the farm this 2021 season. Check our website for the latest ripening schedule and hours of operation. The Taproom (upper level of the big red barn) is open! You can peruse offerings in the Taproom, select snacks and order your wine, cider, beer at the bar. We have ample outside seating but we welcome guests to bring camp chairs and/or picnic blankets, especially if you plan to spend the afternoon. Each weekend we feature a rotating selection of amazing food vendors, also located outside the Barn.

Lawrence Farms Orchards, 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh. 845 562-4268

Call or check our “Plan Your Trip” page first for crop availability. Weather conditions sometimes change picking schedules. Admission: $5.00 per person (children under 2yrs free) Season passes available. Time: 9am – 4pm Daily. There's lots of yummy food available at the concession stand.

Did we miss a favorite site of yours? Let us know, email Lanning.Taliaferro@patch.com