Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Apple picking in the Northeast typically kicks off in early September, but several farms, especially in New Jersey, have certain varieties ready for picking by mid-August. The picking season lingers into early October, depending on the orchard. However, the popular farms closest to NYC may be picked clean before then. Be sure to call ahead to confirm hours, attractions, availability, and prices, as COVID-19 precautions, weather, and fruit conditions can force frequent changes.

Where To Go Apple Picking near NYC in New York State

1. Orchards of Concklin – Pomona

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.
The Orchards of Concklin has been a prominent fixture in Rockland County for more than 10 generations. Apple picking season begins Saturday, September 10. Each person over the age of 3 entering the orchard must purchase a 1/2-peck bag to fill.

Take a tractor ride to the apple picking orchard at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. Photo courtesy of the farm

2. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Also accessible via Metro-North.
Formerly part of Outhouse Orchards, this family-run farm allows visitors to pick their own apples beginning around Labor Day. The farm hosts a fall festival on weekends in September and October where families can enjoy a pumpkin patch, pony rides, face painting, bouncy houses, and other carnival-like fun in addition to picking armloads of apples. Be sure to grab some homemade doughnuts and cider from the store before you leave. This farm is a cab ride away from the Metro-North Croton Falls station.

3. Stuart's Fruit Farm – Granite Springs

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan.
Beginning in early September, this century-old, family-owned farm offers more than 20 types of apples ripe for the picking every day. Scenic hayrides are also offered on weekends. This is a cash or check-only spot.

RELATED: Six Alpaca Farms to Visit in the Hudson Valley

Grab an apple picker for those hard-to-reach apples at Dr. Davies Farm. Photo by Matt Nighswander

4. Dr. Davies Farm – Congers

About 50 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
This historic 35-acre orchard is home to 4,000 trees and opens for daily apple picking on Saturday, September 3. You must book a timed-entry slot to enter the orchards. If you attempt to go during the week, be forewarned: It's been a popular field trip site for school groups in the past. This location only accepts cash or checks, and there is an ATM on-site.

5. Outhouse Orchards – North Salem

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Also accessible via Metro-North.
Outhouse Orchards (nope, it's not a joke; it's named for the family who owns it) dates back to the late 1800s. Its pick-your-own apple season kicks off on Labor Day weekend, and a reservation system will be utilized for all picking the second week of the month and beyond. Seasonal fun includes hayrides and a corn maze, too. No car? No problem. Take Metro-North to the Croton Falls station and catch a cab to the farm.

See our guide to more places to go apple picking near NYC in Westchester and Rockland counties.

RELATED: Flower Picking near NYC: Holland Ridge Tulips, Lavender By the Bay, and More

Alstede Farms offers rows upon rows of apple trees, plus kiddie entertainment like pony rides and a hay pyramid. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Where To Go Apple Picking near NYC in New Jersey

6. Alstede Farms – Chester

About 1hour by car from Midtown Manhattan. Also accessible via New Jersey Transit.
Talk about agritainment: In addition to being open for daily apple picking, the farm offers all of its special attractions (a corn maze, pony rides, hayrides, a bouncy house, and farm animals to feed) every single day, not just on weekends. It has dozens of apple varieties, including several ready for picking in August. Check its picking schedule before taking the trip, and be sure to book your picking reservations before heading out. You can picnic or partake in the concessions. Even better: You don't need to rent a car to get here. Take New Jersey Transit to the Gladstone station and then a taxi or FREE courtesy shuttle to the farm (weekends only).

7. Demarest Farms – Hillsdale

About 40 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Demarest has the distinction of being the closest apple-picking destination for NYC families. Just across the Hudson River, this popular farm offers apple picking beginning Saturday, September 3. You'll need a reservation for each member of your party and pay an additional $15 fee for a bag to hold all the apples you can pick. The farm store offers plenty of lunch fixings, including hot food, salads, soups, doughnuts, and desserts.

8. Riamede Farm – Chester

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
The pick-your-own season is planned to open on Thursday, August 25, and a farm pass is required for everyone ages 6+. Choose from more than 30 varieties of apples, including heirlooms, at this farm, which is open daily. No bouncy castles or petting zoos here; Riamede is all about apples, with the only extra being a complimentary hayride on weekends.

9. Sun High Orchards – Randolph

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
Beginning in September, kids can get up close and personal with the alpaca and donkey and take a leisurely hayride to the apple trees every day. Apples are sold by the pound, so only grab what you want to buy. Cap off the day with a trip to the farm stand for homemade ice cream or gather the kids around the picnic table for a late lunch in the shade.

RELATED: Cream of the Crop: 15 Top Farms in New Jersey for Family Entertainment

Jonathon Apples are ready for picking at Wightman's Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm.

10. Wightman's Farms – Morristown

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
A $10 membership purchase is required for every person over the age of 3 to enter this orchard, and it buys you access every day the farm is open all season long. Privileges include discounts on purchases and weekend attractions such as a pumpkin slingshot, hayrides, and a corn maze. It's popular with local families and can get crowded, including the parking lots.

11. Ripple Hill Farm – Basking Ridge

About 50 minutes by car from midtown Manhattan
Despite the name, there are no hills at this farm, making it a great place to pick, especially if you're pushing a stroller. It's only open on Sundays—beginning September 18—for limited hours and offers about a dozen varieties of apples. The owners are good about keeping their Facebook page updated with what's available. Keep in mind, that it's cash-only at this family-owned farm.

12. Battleview Orchards  – Freehold

About 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
The oldest pick-your-own orchard in New Jersey is best known for its Country Market & Bakery offering a menu of goodies including its sought-after apple pie. Pick your own apples begins at the end of August and there are family hayrides on weekends beginning in late September.

Find more pick-your-own apples in New Jersey.

Know Before You Go Apple Picking near NYC

• Call ahead to confirm hours, apple availability, attractions, and prices. Many orchards are small, family-run establishments that close unexpectedly.
• Approximate driving times don't include traffic. Sadly, you're probably going to run into some, especially at the entrances to popular farms.
• Leave your pets at home. They aren't allowed at most farms.
• If you're thinking of packing a picnic, call ahead to make sure the farm allows you to bring your own food.
• By late September, trees start looking bare, so don't wait until Halloween to visit.
• You picked the apples, now what? We've got some tasty and easy apple recipes for you to try.

This article, originally published in September 2012, is updated annually.