Apple picking around Westchester is the ultimate fall daydream: rolling orchards, cinnamon donuts, hayrides, and rows of trees just begging to be picked. It’s the kind of place where I wear boots and flannel, fill a basket with Honeycrisps, and sip hot cider with a view.
I’m crunching through leaves, bag in one hand and apple in the other, with mountain views on the horizon—all just a short drive from Westchester, New York. Who knew autumn could taste this sweet?
Head up to Outhouse Orchards in North Salem for a classic u-pick experience, corn maze fun, and unbeatable cider donuts. For a family-friendly outing with a rustic farm vibe, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights offers apple picking, a charming country market, and even cut-your-own Christmas trees later in the season. And if I’m feeling a little adventurous, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem brings live music, fresh-baked pies, and weekend festivals into the mix.
“Scenic drives, crisp bites, and orchard charm? This is fall in Westchester!.”
Unique Apple Picking Ideas Around Westchester, NY:
1. Pick Apples, Cut Christmas Trees, and Savor Fall Fun at Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Rating: ★★★★★
With over a dozen varieties of apples to pick straight from the trees, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is one of the best spots for people who are looking to pick a nice mixture of apples to be used in different recipes. Apple picking season at this farm usually starts on the first day of September and can run through to November. Bags and baskets are provided, as well as picking poles too, and a wagon ride is offered to take visitors over to the designated picking areas. As the days and weeks pass by, new varieties are available for picking, so it can be fun to revisit this farm multiple times to enjoy additional apple types.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm, Yorktown Heights 1335 White Hill Road (914 245-5111)
2. Celebrate Harvest Traditions With Pumpkin Picking and Hayrides at Stuart’s Farm
A family-run farm that has been around since the early 19th century, Stuart’s Farm started off with cattle but began to focus more on fruits and veggies over the years. Stretching over 200 stunning acres, Stuart's Farm allows visitors to pick up to nine different varieties of apples from early September through most of the fall. Hayrides and freshly-baked apple muffins and pies are also available for purchase, making Stuart's Farm a super way to spend a day.
Stuart’s Farm, Granite Springs 62 Granite Springs Road (914-245-2784)
3. If Scenic Trails and Classic Fall Adventures Call You, Explore Outhouse Orchards
Another family-owned orchard; Outhouse Orchards provides apple, pear, and pumpkin picking in the latter months of the year. With friendly farm staff and beautiful scenery all around, Outhouse Orchards offers fun for all the family. Apple bags only cost $25 at this orchard, and there are six different varieties of apples to pick and enjoy. Outhouse Orchards also boasts a cool corn maze to wander around when you're finished gathering up all your apples.
Outhouse Orchards, North Salem 139 Hardscrabble Road (914-277-3188)
4. Taste Fresh Cider, Pick Your Own, and Enjoy Family Fun at Harvest Moon Farm
A beautiful apple orchard nestled in North Salem, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchardd offers apple picking from early September onwards, as well as providing picking of various veggies and additional fruits. This farm and orchard also sells meats and additional products in its farm store and runs lots of fun events for tourists and residents throughout the year, including a Fall Festival.
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, North Salem 130 Hardscrabble Road (914-485-1210)
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