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When is Strawberry Picking Season in the Hudson Valley?

June is usually the peak time for strawberries in the Hudson Valley, but as with all crops, conditions may vary. Strawberries grow in waves, so if a given strawberry picking patch appears to be cleaned out, more berries may ripen soon after. Calling the strawberry-picking farm you plan to visit before heading over is always a good idea.

Where to Go Strawberry Picking in the Hudson Valley in 2024

1. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction

Strawberries at Fishkill Farms are certified organic and are chosen for taste and sweetness rather than durability. The 2024 pick-your-own season kicks off in June (date TBD), and reservations will be posted to their website about 2 or 3 days in advance. The farm store is open weekends—and most weekdays in the summer—and there's a cider bar, as well.

2. Greig Farm – Red Hook

For more than 60 years, Greig Farm has offered pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. Strawberry picking season is in June, and there's no entrance fee—you only pay for what you pick, as they note. Here, you’ll also find goats, food, and a farmers’ market. Walking trails surround the property, offering families an opportunity for a post-strawberry-picking walk. Have quarters handy to score some feed from the dispensers for the baby goats!

3. Thompson-Finch Farm – Ancram

Certified organic strawberries are available for strawberry picking at this family-run farm. Strawberry picking begins in mid-June and generally runs through mid-July. Ahead of your visit, call its info line for updates on the farm and crop conditions: 518-329-7578.

RELATED: Strawberry Picking Near NYC: Strawberry Farms and Festivals

Lawrence Farm Orchards offers acres of fresh berries.

4. Lawrence Farm Orchards – Newburgh

Strawberry picking here typically runs from the end of June through July—and season passes are available for frequent visitors. Beyond picking, the farm features a duck pond, goats, a market, and more. A concession stand offers light lunch fare like hot dogs, panini, and pizza, as well as treats like ice cream, shakes, and pies.

5. DuBois Farms and Tavern – Highland

We love this under-the-radar farm, which is packed with tons of family-friendly activities that make a strawberry-picking visit an entertaining all-day affair. Strawberry picking opens in late May, and this sweet spot is open daily all summer long, so it's a great weekday getaway with fewer crowds.

RELATED: 10 Local Farms with Family-Friendly Fun

Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson has lots of berries ripe for the picking. 

6. Kelder's Farm – Kerhonkson

Strawberry season runs from the beginning to mid-June, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the season. You'll also find a Guinness Book of World Records-winning garden gnome (at one time it was the tallest in the world). There are more fun activities to enjoy during your trip, like mini golf, games, a play area, farm animals, and more.

7. Samascott's Orchards – Kinderhook

Visit this Hudson Valley farm for strawberry picking in June. The Strawberry Festival is set for June 15. You can also find snap peas, shell peas, and rhubarb ripe for the picking then, too. Samascott's charges a modest admission fee to its strawberry picking fields, though kids ages 9 and younger are FREE. When you've picked your fair share in the fields, rent a surrey bicycle and pedal around the farm on a country drive.

Tips for Strawberry Picking in the Hudson Valley

• Always call ahead. Strawberry picking schedules are weather-dependent, and fields frequently close to allow berries to ripen—or if they’re picked out. It’s best to know before you go.
• Check out the farm's social media: In addition to websites, most of these farms have Facebook and Instagram pages, which are frequently updated with crop availability.
• Leave your pets at home. Most farms do not allow pets. Call or check out their website before you go.
• Bring cash. Some of these farms don't accept credit cards. Come prepared with a few paper bills to avoid disappointment at checkout.
• Have a plan B. Visit the farm’s website to see what activities are offered, and also research the local area for events, playgrounds, or restaurants in case you want to hang out and refuel after a day of picking.
• Don’t overbuy—or under-buy. Plan and figure out how much fruit you will use now and how much you want to freeze later. But keep in mind: strawberry season is short, so you may not have a chance to return to a farm before the berries are gone.

Photos courtesy of the farms.

The post, originally published in May 2017, is updated annually.