Let’s Go Apple Picking!

These are the top spots to pick your own apples in our area.

By Alison Leighton

When September rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not back-to-school season…): apple picking season! The fall brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fi re, and pick-your-own apples! I also think a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!) to show the fruits of our labor (ha!). If you’re ready for apples galore, then check out these farms and orchards. Your family will have a blast picking fresh fruit and checking out the activities offered at each place, such as petting zoos and corn mazes.

A few things to keep in mind: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confi rm availability and COVID-19 guidelines given the ever-changing conditions. And don’t forget proper footwear as fi elds can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).

ROCKLAND COUNTY

Orchards of Concklin

2 S. Mountain Road (off Route 45), Pomona (for GPS use 1010 Route 45, Pomona) • orchardsofconcklin.com • 845-354-0369

Hours: Pick-your-own apples projected to start Sept. 11; store: daily, 9am-5pm

Cost: half-peck bag is $13 per person

Not only are you able to come enjoy apple picking, but the orchard also has a farm stand featuring fresh-pressed apple cider and a delicious bakery fi lled with pies, cookies, and cakes. Retail Store is fully open and curbside pickup is still available. Nursery and Garden Center open daily, 9am-5pm. Check the website for the pick-your-own schedule.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchards

130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem • harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com • 914-485-1210

Hours: Pick-your-own apples available by reservation. Apple picking season begins in September, exact hours are TBD. Farm store: Monday-Sunday, 9am-5pm

Cost: $10 parking, $25 for a peck size bag. Reservations required online; sign-up mid- to end of August.

Pick-your-own apples are available September-October. And that’s just the start of the fun at this farm! You can buy pasture-raised, hormone-free organic meats and dairy at the farm store, as well as local maple syrup, seasonal fl owers, and veggies. It hosts seasonal events as well, including a Fall Festival every weekend from Labor Day to Halloween.

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm

1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights • wilkensfarm.com • 914-245-5111

Hours: Farm: Wednesday-Monday, late August to mid-December; pick-your-own: daily, 10am-4:30pm when fruit is in season. Apple picking anticipated to start in early September; see website for updates.

Cost: Prices were not announced as of press; check website for updates. Note: You will have to pay for a minimum quantity based on your party size.

Here you’ll find a variety of pick-your-own options, including apples in September. Just make sure to call before visiting to confirm the availability. Picking poles are available to rent to help you reach for the higher apples (there is a rental fee). You can take a hay wagon to that week’s picking orchard, which your children will love! (Note: The wagon ride may not be available due to COVID-19.) Plus, the Farm Market, Country Market, and Bakery are open daily, 10am-5pm. You can take home freshly baked pies, apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and other treats. And your kids will have a blast in the corn maze, which is open all season.

Outhouse Orchards

139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem • outhouseorchardsny.com • 914-277-3188

Hours: PYO hours and reservations not available at time of press. They will be available on the website.

Cost: Pre-pay $30 for a small bag (15lbs) or $45 for a large bag (25lbs).

Take in the beautiful fall foliage as you stroll through these orchards. September and October will be full of apple picking—and there are pole pickers to borrow for the hard-to-reach spots. Don’t forget to visit the corn maze (tickets are $10 per person; free for children younger than 5 with adult). You’ll love taking the hayride with breathtaking views. And your family will love the farm stand, which sells doughnuts, pies, farm goods, and more.

ORANGE COUNTY

Ochs Orchard

4 Ochs Lane (off Route 94), Warwick • ochsorchard.net • 845-986-1591

Hours: Store: year-round, daily, 9am5:30pm. U-pick begins after Labor Day; hours based on availability, call to confirm.

Cost: Apples are sold by the bag.

Get ready to visit the “2019 Readers’ Choice Awards Best Apple Orchards in the U.S.!” Before visiting, call the store or visit its Facebook page to confirm what is available. This farm allows picnics (don’t forget to take trash with you), and it sells drinks but encourages you to bring your own water. When you’re done picking, stop by the store for homemade ice cream (all fruit flavors are made using their own farm produce), or take home some cider and indulge in the homemade cider doughnuts and pies. There is also a small farm where you can visit animals.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ

Demarest Farms

244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale • demarestfarms.com • 201-666-0472

Hours: PYO apples begins Sept. 4; Thursday-Monday, 8am-5pm

Cost: $7 ages 2 and older; $14 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (10-12lbs.)

This farm has it all: PYO fruit, a petting zoo, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, cider, and fresh produce. All PYO activities require advanced reservations. Arrive on time, as visits will be limited to your reservation time frame; late arrivals must leave at the end of the reservation time.

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ

Alstede Farms

1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester • alstedefarms.com • 908-879-7189

Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9am-7pm; PYO: daily, 9am-6pm

Cost: $14.99-$59.99, depending on how much produce you want to pick. Pre-purchased tickets required.

The farm has more than 50 different apple varieties. Check out the corn maze (late summer), evergreen maze, and sunflower trail. Kids will love the pony rides and the tractor-pulled wagon ride. And before you leave, indulge in treats found at the Farm Store.

Alison Leighton, a freelance writer and marketing specialist, is the founder of Social Parent NYC—@SocialParentNYC on Facebook and Instagram—which hosts events for parents and their babies/toddlers. She lives in Westchester County with her husband and son.