Apple picking in Upstate New York is one of my favorite fall traditions — and I think you’d love it too. There’s something about those crisp autumn mornings that always draws me back. I’ve wandered through orchards with crunchy leaves underfoot and branches so full of apples, they practically beg you to reach up and grab one.
Whether you’re after sweet Galas, tart Granny Smiths, or heirloom varieties you won’t find in a grocery store, you’ll find them here. I always go for the organic options — and believe me, you can taste the difference.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I’d highly recommend planning a day trip. Bring a basket, wear boots, and take your time. You’ll head home with armfuls of fresh fruit and maybe even a pie or two from the orchard bakery. I never leave without one.
Unique Upstate NY Apple Picking Orchards and Farms:
1. Pick Fresh Flavors at Owen Orchards Cider Mill and Farm Market
For apple picking in Cayuga County, Owen Orchards is one of the top spots to be. This apple picking location has been serving upstate NY for many years, offering a long list of over a dozen different apple varieties to enjoy. Some of the varieties you can pick at this location include Honeycrisp, Cortland, Gala, Macoun, Empire and Red Delicious. Pumpkins and squashes can also be picked at Owen Orchards, with homemade products like cider, apple donuts, baked goods, and of course several thousand bushels of freshly-picked apples available for purchase. Additional activities at this location include wagon rides, orchard tours, and the possibility to organize private events like birthday parties.
8174 Grant Ave, Weedsport, NY 13166, Phone: 315-252-4097
2. Savor Seasonal Delights at Lone Maple Farm
This Broome County apple picking location offers much more than just apple picking. You can also visit the farm market for a huge range of tasty goods or check out the on-site bakery for some delicious treats fresh from the oven. A winery is also located on site, with homemade apple cider bottles also available for purchase. The U-Pick apple orchards at Lone Maple Farm include varieties like Empire, Cortland, Northern Spy, Honeycrisp, and Macoun. Even when apple picking season ends, many bushels of apples can still be purchased from the store.
2001 Hawleyton Rd, Binghamton, NY 1390, Phone: 607-724-6877
3. If You Love Fall Traditions, Visit Altamont Orchards, Inc
This family owned and operated apple farm has been in business for more than five decades now and is one of the best apple picking spots in Albany County. Altamont Orchards is surrounded by scenic surroundings and has some very attractive prices on its apple picking services too, with a lot of tasty apple varieties waiting to be picked like Red Delicious, Crispin, and Fuji. This farm's sweet apple cider is too delicious to miss out on, and a lot of great products can be bought from the farm market including apple cider donuts, apple bies, apple breads, and much more. A cute little greenhouse is also located on-site, with lots of beautiful flowers growing inside.
6654 Dunnsville Rd, Altamont, NY 12009, Phone: 518-861-6515
4. Taste Autumn’s Best at Apple Hills
For an authentic, apple picking experience in upstate New York, Apple Hills is a must-visit location. This place is 100% focused on apples, but has a lot of different activities and services to offer, including an apple cafe serving great country-style food, an apple shop selling plenty of homemade goods and tasty products, and, of course, a whole lot of apple trees just waiting to be explored. This Broome County location offers the perfect setting for a crisp fall day of apple picking enjoyment.
131 Brooks Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905, Phone: 607-729-2683
5. Wander Scenic Rows at Apple Hill Farm
Apple Hill Farm is picturesquely located overlooking the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains in New Paltz, New York. Their farm stall, set in a beautifully renovated barn, is open to the public from the beginning of September to the end of October. The apple picking season starts sometime in September, depending on when Mother Nature is good and ready. Early McIntosh apples ripen in September, followed by Cortland, Opalescent and Spartan, but you will have to wait until October for Red and Golden Delicious varieties. You can come and pick your own delicious apples or select your choice at the farm stall, which also sells delicious apple cider and apple cider donuts. Kids will love the hayrides and festive atmosphere.
Apple Hill Farm, 124 Route 32 South, New Paltz, NY 12561, 845 255 1605
6. Fill Your Basket with Fresh Finds at DuBois Farms
Open to the public daily from July through November, DuBois Farms is one of the best places to go self-picking in the Hudson Valley. The self-pick season starts with all the wonderful summer fruits – you can pick strawberries, peaches, plums, grapes and nectarines, as well as cooking staples like peppers, egg plant, tomatoes and pumpkins. The farm is a wonderful place to spend a fun day with the family – in addition to learning about where their food comes from, youngsters will have great fun meeting some of the farm animals and exploring the huge corn maze. The fabulous farm shop sells all kinds of fruit and veg as well as baked goods, fresh cider donuts, pies, breads and much more.
DuBois Farms, 209 Perkinsville Road, Highland, NY 12528, 845 795 4037
7. If You Crave Farm-Fresh Flavor, Explore Rulfs Orchard
Rulfs Orchard has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small-scale dairy farm and apple orchard in 1954. As the farm prospered and grew, crops were diversified and many more fresh items were added to the simple road-side stall. Today Rulfs Orchards invites you to bring your family out into the country to do some fun self-picking. U-pick varieties include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, tomatoes and pumpkins. Besides picking their own fruit children can spend time at the petting zoo, explore the corn maze (September – October), choose their own Halloween pumpkin or attend one of the fun bakery and cookery courses on offer.
Rulfs Orchard, 531 Bear Swamp Road, Peru, NY 12972, 518 643 8636
8. Enjoy Country Charm at Indian Ladder Farms
Besides being famous for their sustainable produced EcoApples, Indian Ladder Farms also produces a wide variety of other crops. They have a Farm Market on the premises where they sell their own fresh produce and that of several neighboring farms. From late June to October the public is invited to come and pick their own delicious fruit varieties including berries, plums and apples. October is the time to come and choose your favorite perfect Halloween pumpkins. There is an onsite cidery and brewery where you can taste some delicious craft beers and ciders and the Yellow Rock Café will ensure full happy tummies.
Indian Ladder Farms, 342 Altamont Road, Altamont, NY 12009, 518 655 0108
9. Sip and Snack at Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard
I’ll be honest — if you’re set on traditional apple picking, Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard does things a little differently. But that’s actually part of the charm. Instead of plucking apples off the tree, you get to pack your own from their gorgeous farm stall display — and honestly, I didn’t mind skipping the mud and keeping my shoes clean!
When I visited, I loved being able to choose from so many different apple varieties. You can mix and match whatever catches your eye, and they even hand out recipe cards. I used one for apple pie — and not to brag, but it turned out pretty amazing. If you love baking like I do, you’ll really appreciate that extra touch.
After gathering your apples, I definitely recommend taking the time to tour the cider mill. Watching the process — and checking out all the vintage equipment — gave me a whole new appreciation for how cider’s made. And if you’ve got kids with you, the Tractorland playground is a great way to let them burn off energy while you sip something sweet.
So even if you’re not picking apples straight from the trees, you’ll still walk away with the same fall magic — just with cleaner hands and a little less climbing.
Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard, 288 Goose Street, Fly Creek, NY 13337, 607 547 9692
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why is New York a great place for apple picking?
- If you’re anything like me, you’ll love apple picking in New York. I’ve found it to be one of the best states for it — the orchards are everywhere, and the variety of apples is incredible. When I head upstate, I know I’ll have plenty of great spots to choose from.
- Where can you go apple picking in upstate New York?
- Whenever I’m planning a fall outing, I look around areas near Buffalo or Rochester. You’ll find so many welcoming orchards — the kind that let you roam, taste, and pick at your own pace. It’s perfect if you’re visiting with family or just want a relaxed weekend escape.
- How can visitors find the best apple orchards in this region?
- Honestly, I’ve spent time exploring lots of orchards upstate, and I’ve narrowed down some favorites to make it easier for you. If you're not sure where to start, just follow my lead — I’ve done the legwork so you can head straight to the best spots.
- Where can I find recommendations for the best apple-picking locations?
- Keep reading! I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite places to go apple picking in upstate New York — perfect if you’re planning a weekend getaway from NYC. I think you’ll find one that feels just right for you.
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