Be advised that many area farms do not accept credit or debit cards, so hit the ATM for cash before you depart. Hayrides, U-pick, and other fall entertainment can be weather dependent, so call or check websites in advance of your trip. Consider bringing wet-weather gear. Some farms, for example, were hit hard by storms in early September, 2021.   

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1. Dr. Davies Farm — Congers

2021 update: Dr. Davies Farm requires reservations for apple picking this season. Make a reservation here. 
Take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick some gourds. You can also pick your own apples and get lost in a corn maze.

RELATED: Where To Go Pumpkin Picking in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

The treetop adventure park is open at Barton Orchards. 

2. Barton Orchards — Poughquag

2021 update: Hayrides are available during fall festival weekends, beginning on Saturday, September 11. 
Not only does Barton Orchards offer hayrides, but the farm also has live music, a "fun park" with rides and attractions, pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and an on-site taproom with craft beer, cider, and wine, and a treetop adventure park. The farm is open 11am-6pm Sundays through Thursdays and 11am-8pm Fridays and Saturdays.

3. Dykeman Farm — Pawling

2021 update: Free hayrides are always available at Dykeman Farm. The farm is open through Saturday, October 31.
Dykeman, well known for its expansive farm stand, offers seasonal activities including photo-ops, a corn pit for play, and a kids' play area. Apple picking season is underway daily; pumpkin picking is weekends only beginning Saturday, September 25.  Apple picking reservations must be made online here.

RELATED: Apple Picking Orchards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Get lost in the corn maze at Hurds Family Farm.

4. Hurds Family Farm — Modena

2021 update: The farm is open and agritainment activities are available 11am to 4pm on Sundays, Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Activities can be booked a la carte or as part of entertainment packages. 
This farm in Modena provides hayrides and more—including pedal carts, a corn maze, games, apple and pumpkin picking, and pony rides. For a super cute photo-op, hop on the cow train. Visit the website before you go to see all the package deals and special offers. Apple picking season is underway; pumpkin picking begins in late September.

RELATED: The Best Apple Cider Doughnuts in Westchester

Hop on a tractor and enjoy a hayride at FIshkill Farms. 

5. Fishkill Farms — Hopewell Junction

2021 update: Fall harvest festivals begin on Saturday, September 11. U-pick hours are 9am-6pm Tuesdays thorugh Sundays throughout the fall. Reservations are required for all visits to the farm. Make a reservation online here.
Visitors to Fishkill Farms can enjoy wagon rides on weekends. During that time, the farm also has a grill on-site serving food and beverages. Of course, there are apples and pumpkins to pick. Apple season is underway; pumpkin picking begins in late September. 

6. Kesicke Farm — Rhinebeck

2021 update: Fall festival weekends begin September 25 and continue through Saturday, October 31. Attractions, including hayrides, can be purchased a la carte or as a package. Kesicke Farm is cash only, but there is an ATM on-site.
Located in the charming town of Rhinebeck, Kesicke Farm offers hayrides, U-pick pumpkins beginning in late September, apple cider doughnuts, animals to pet and feed, a corn maze, and other fun activities.

RELATED: Fall Festivals in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, 2021

Take a trip to Outhouse Orchards in North Salem for a hayride and a visit to the corn maze. Photo by Sara Marentette

7. Outhouse Orchards — North Salem

2021 update: Outhouse Orchards requires reservations for all weekend farm visits this season. Make a reservation here. Guests have three hours to pick apples. 
Outhouse Orchards offers hayrides on its "big green tractors" with scenic views of apple trees and farmland. While you're there, pick some apples or pumpkins, and challenge yourself in the corn maze. 

8. Wilkins Fruit & Fir Farm — Yorktown Heights

2021 update: Wilkins Fruit & Fir Farm is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021. The farm offers u-pick apples beginning in early September and pumpkins are available beginning October 1. Wagon rides to the apple orchard are available on select weekends only. 
The farm offers wagon rides and a corn maze beginning Saturday, September 4. There is also a market, bakery, and winery on the property. The farm is also a popular Christmas tree destination. 

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the farms

This post was originally published in 2017. Writer James Stephen Smith contributed to this 2021 update.