Get Your Fill of Apples at 5 Pick-Your-Own New York Orchards

Apple season is upon us and if the sight of apples brimming over at the city’s greenmarkets makes you yearn to grab a basket and live the life of a forager for a brief moment, there are plenty of options close to Brooklyn. We’ve rounded up five New York pick-your-own orchards to satisfy your apple-picking dreams.

We did make sure that all our picks had one thing in common — in addition to a nice mix of apples from tart to sweet, every orchard has the all-important cider donut for sale. The orchards are in Columbia, Dutchess and Ulster counties and all are easy day trips from Brooklyn, although you will need a car if you want to haul back the fruits of your labor.

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Samascott Orchards, Kinderhook, Columbia County
A family farm since the early 20th century, Samascott has grown from 180 to 1,000 acres. While the farm grows vegetables and other fruits, the stars are the 72 varieties of apples. Not all of these are available in the pick-your-own, but there are still plenty to pick — or, you can hit the farm store for the other varieties, cider and homemade donuts.

How to Visit
Address: 5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook, N.Y.
Hours: Wednesdays through Mondays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Directions: Kinderhook is about 2.5 hours from Brooklyn via the Taconic State Parkway.

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Weeds Orchards and Winery, Marlboro,Ulster County
Despite what the name implies, the orchard does not specialize in weeds, but rather vegetables, apples and local wine and ciders. The 40-acre farm includes a tasting room and outdoor seating area and they offer live music and hay rides if you need a break from the apple picking.

How to Visit
Address: 43 Mount Zion Road, Marlboro, N.Y.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week
Directions: Marlboro is about two hours from Brooklyn via I-87 North.

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Wilklow Orchards, Highland, Ulster County
Six generations have farmed at Wilklow Orchards and they have been selling at New York City Greenmarkets since 1984. The orchard sends you out with a map and the bags for filling — a picking pole for getting those apples up at the top of the trees is optional. If you need a break from the manual labor, there are children’s activities and a petting zoo on the weekends. You can bring a lunch to eat at the picnic tables or head to the shop for cider and donuts.

How to Visit
Address: 341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland, N.Y.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day with apple picking from Labor Day to October 31
Directions: Highland is about two hours from Brooklyn via I-87 North.
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DuBois Farms, Ulster County, N.Y.
A rare first-generation farm in the mix, DuBois was established about 15 years ago, returning 54 acres of land that would have been sold for development into an orchard and vineyard. The land includes the pick-your-own orchard as well as a cafe, bakery, corn maze, a children’s play area and, for adults, a new tavern serving local hard cider, beer and wine.

How to Visit
Address: 7209 Perkinsville Road, Highland, N.Y.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week with apple picking from July 31 through November 5.
Directions: Highland is about two hours from Brooklyn via I-87 North.

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Fishkill Farms, Dutchess County, N.Y.
Established on land that has been in the family for almost 100 years, Fishkill Farms has been offering pick-your-own since the 1960s. They have a handy online guide to their apples, including info on when each variety is in season — so if you simple must have your Jonagolds, take a look and plan accordingly. In addition to the essential homemade cider donuts, the store carries their own eggs and vegetables as well as cheese and milk from nearby dairies.

How to Visit
Address: 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Directions: Hopewell Junction is about 1.5 hours from Brooklyn via the Taconic State Parkway.

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