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Be sure to click through to each farm's website or call before heading out for the most up-to-date information. Weather and crop conditions can affect picking hours.

Where to Go Peach Picking near NYC in the Hudson Valley

1. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan; also accessible via the Metro-North
This Westchester County farm is a quick day trip from NYC, making it a favorite place to go peach picking near NYC. Other popular harvest seasons include apple picking in the fall and cut your own Christmas trees during the winter. This summer, peach picking opens in August. There are not many bells and whistles here, but visitors find homemade baked goods, hot dogs for a quick lunch, and other snacks and candy. You can bring your bag or box to collect your harvest or borrow one of its baskets. No car? Take the Metro-North to the Croton-Harmon Station or the Peekskill Station, then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the farm.

2. DuBois Farms – Highland

Just under 2 hours by car from Midtown Manhattan
Though this family-run fruit farm is a popular apple-picking destination, there's no need to wait until fall to visit. DuBois' pick-your-own season kicks off with strawberries in late May and June, then moves on to peach picking, plus nectarines, and plums in early July through late September. Hit the cafe for lunch and special treats like snow cones and cotton candy, or visit the farm animals. Later in the season, enjoy a pony ride, play in its "tiny town," or take a wagon ride.

3. Lawrence Farms Orchards – Newburgh

Approximately 80 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
Thanks to the sheer variety of produce, this pick-your-own delight offers everything from strawberries in June to apples and pumpkins in the fall. The months in between offer greens, peas, peppers, corn, and tomatoes, along with various berries, sour cherries, and plums for your enjoyment. Peach picking is expected in mid to late July, but weather can change picking schedules and availability. The farm charges an admission fee to enter its fields for all visitors over age 2; $7 Monday-Thursday and $10 Friday-Sunday and holidays. The price includes a sweet little play village and access to visit the goats, chickens, and other animals.

RELATED: Kid-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in the Hudson Valley

Follow the signs to find the freshest, most ripe peaches at Fishkill Farms.

4. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Another no-frills farm experience, this low-spray, organic-certified, environmentally friendly farm provides a peaceful environment for peach picking near NYC. Mid-July and August mark the harvest of juicy, tree-ripened peaches. Reservations are required and usually posted 2-3 days in advance on its website.

5. Ochs Orchard – Warwick

Approximately 80 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
If you're looking for a true country experience for peach picking near NYC, Ochs Orchard is the place to go. It's perched atop a hill along a dirt road in Warwick, just over the state line from New Jersey. There's ice cream, donuts, produce, and more at the fresh farm market, and picnicking is allowed. Admission is $5 per person over the age of 4. All produce is charged by the pound. There's also a small petting zoo for the kids with ducks, goats, and other barnyard animals. Some peaches are already ripe for picking, but be sure to check the Facebook page before heading out.

Peach Picking Farms on Long Island

6. Lewin Farms – Calverton

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Lewin Farms is my family's go-to spot for peach picking on Long Island, and it is notable as the first farm on Long Island's North Fork to allow picking in its orchards. Each year, families flock here to pluck berries, vegetables, peaches, and other local specialties. Peaches are ready now, and peach picking lasts through mid-September. The farm is open during the season every day except Tuesday. While you're there, stop at the indoor farm stand and sample the delicious, home-grown, roasted corn on the cob. The farm is cash-only, and there's an ATM in the farm stand should you need it.

7. Wickham's Fruit Farm – Cutchogue

Approximately 105 minutes from Midtown Manhattan
A bona fide Long Island institution, Wickham's is the largest and oldest farm on the North Shore. In August, you can harvest a few varieties of peaches, and if you time it right, you can maybe even do some blueberry picking. Pickers pay upfront rather than by the pound, and you must use the containers the farm provides. It's worth noting that strollers are not allowed in the fields, so be prepared to carry infants and tots. The farm is closed on Sundays.

Peach Picking in New Jersey for Families

8. Alstede Farms – Chester

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan; also accessible via New Jersey Transit
Alstede is the most commercial farm of the lot, with a slew of entertainment extras like pony rides and bounce houses to enhance your visit. This farm for peach picking near NYC charges daily admission fees, and most of the activities require tickets or a wristband. You must book your timed-entry reservations in advance via Alstede's website. Its peaches are already up for grabs and are usually available through mid-September. After picking apples and pumpkins here, I can attest to how much fun this farm is for kids (even if your wallet screams for mercy!). The admission price includes the short hayride to the orchard and access to the hay pyramid and evergreen maze. For a more relaxed experience, arrive between 9am and 11am Monday through Thursday. You'll also find seasonal fruits like melons and berries to pick at this time of year. Alstede generally celebrates the peach harvest with festivals and other special events in August, so check its calendar for the latest events. Best of all, you don't need a car to get here: Take New Jersey Transit to the Gladstone Station and arrange for the FREE shuttle to take you to the farm on weekends and holidays.

9. Demarest Farms – Hillsdale

Approximately 35 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Demarest is the closest farm for peach picking near NYC. Just across the Hudson River, this popular farm offers 12 varieties of peaches, many of which are available now. Admission is $5 per person and includes free parking. There is also a $18 flat fee for the bag to hold the peaches you pick. Peach-picking dates are released on the website a week ahead of time; timed-entry reservations are required and must be booked online. 

10. Eastmont Orchards – Colts Neck

Approximately 1 hour by car from Midtown Manhattan
The first trees on this farm, formerly called Delicious Orchards, were planted in 1911 and have been family-owned since 1923. Eastmont Orchards offers 15 different varieties of peaches that are available now through September. There is no admission fee; free bags are available while supplies last. Produce prices are by the pound and can fluctuate. The message on its voicemail is updated daily with picking conditions and pricing, or check Facebook. $5 hayrides are offered seasonally on weekends from 10:30am-3:30pm.

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More Orchards for Peach Picking near NYC

11. Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery – Guilford, Connecticut

Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
Peaches are anticipated to be available from mid-August to mid-September, but check out the farm's Facebook page or call the farm's hotline for timing updates. A bonus: Bishop's is also a winery, so be sure to check out its fruit wines or add a winery tour to your afternoon. It often hosts a sunflower maze in mid-summer, which is always a big hit with the kids.

12. Shady Brook Farm – Waverly, Pennsylvania

Approximately 90 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan
This historic working farm and garden center in bucolic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has summer peaches, berries, veggies, and flowers, including sunflowers, ripe for the picking. Ride a wagon straight to the picking field. Food options include Uncle Dave's homemade ice cream, a full-service deli, and hot items. Admission for ages 2+ is $7 in advance online and $9 at the gate. Admission from May 22 to August 9 includes access to the jumping pillow, pedal go-carts, spider web climb, and the Bears playground. Annual peach and sunflower festivals occur in late July and early August and feature live music from 11am to 5pm, peach-inspired cocktails, and peach-inspired desserts. Crops are sold by the container; choose a size and load it up with your fresh-picked harvests. Pick-your-own is open Wednesday-Sunday until September 12; fields are closed Mondays and Tuesdays for replenishment. As with most spots for peach picking near NYC, call ahead to ensure the fruit is ready!

A version of this article was first published in 2015; it is updated yearly.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the farms