When autumn arrives in New York, many city dwellers crave the sweet scent of fresh apples and the joyful act of pumpkin picking to welcome the fall season. Thankfully, the areas surrounding New York City are dotted with charming farms, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards where you can enjoy these quintessential fall activities.
In addition, Manhattan hosts a variety of farmers and greenmarkets, offering a taste of these fall favorites without the need to leave the city. Here's your guide from 305 West End Assisted Living to the best apple and pumpkin picking sites near NYC and the greenmarkets that bring the harvest into the heart of Manhattan.
Apple and Pumpkin Picking Near NYC
Masker Orchards
With a century’s worth of history, Masker Orchards offers a delightful escape where you can pick from a plethora of apple varieties.
Visitors are allowed to drive their cars through the orchard grounds, making it easy to explore the vast farm. A small patch of pumpkins is available while supplies last.
Open for picking: Mid-September to early November, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Address: 45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY 10990
Entrance Fee: One bag minimum per car for u-pick apples – see the website for details.
Reservations Required: No
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Soak up the crisp fall air while picking fresh apples off the tree and selecting pumpkins from the patch at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, located about an hour north of New York City.
The fields are open on select weekends only during September and October for apples, pumpkins, apple-cider donuts, live music, and more!
Open for picking: Select weekends in September and October
Address: 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560
Entrance Fee: Yes – see the website for pricing information.
Reservations Required: Yes, made via their website.
Outhouse Orchards
Located minutes down the road from Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard, Outhouse Orchards is known for its hilltop location, giving visitors stunning views of the Hudson Valley while they wander the pumpkin patch and apple orchards.
Adventurous visitors can hop on a fun hay ride or test their navigation skills in the corn maze. The farm stand offers fresh produce, local honey, NY state maple syrup, homemade goods, warm apple donuts, and fresh cider.
Open for picking: Mid-September to late October
Address: 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY 10560
Entrance Fee: Yes – see the website for pricing information.
Reservations Required: Yes, made via their website.
Demarest Farms
Only a short trip from the city, Demarest Farms offers prime pumpkin and apple picking, complete with picturesque hayrides and a farm store filled with treats.
Demarest Farms was founded in 1886 and is the perfect spot for fun for all ages. Their farm market also offers plants, produce, fresh baked goods, seasonal decorations, and more.
Open for picking: Late August to late October
Address: 244 Werimus Road, Hillsdale, NJ 07642
Entrance Fee: Yes – see the website for pricing information.
Reservations Required: Yes, made via their website.
Alstede Farms
Alstede Farms provides a robust farm experience featuring a wide array of pick-your-own apples and pumpkins alongside fun activities for everyone, including pony rides, a corn maze, and an ice cream stand.
Many guests look forward to the Blooming Giants Sunflower Trail where you can cut your own sunflowers. Zinnias and Cosmos are also available to cut.
Open for picking: August to November (apples) and mid-September to mid-November (pumpkins)
Address: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester, NJ 07930
Entrance Fee: Yes – see the website for pricing information.
Reservations Required: Yes, made via their website.
Lewin Farms
Lewin Farms visitors can pick their own apples and pumpkins on this fourth-generation family farm. If you’d rather let someone else pick the produce, you’ll find a full selection as well as pies and baked goods in the farm stand market.
Open for Picking: Late August to late October (apples) and mid-September to late October (pumpkins)
Address: 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton, NY 11933
Entrance Fee: No
Reservations Required: No, but call to confirm daily schedule: 631-929-4327
Lawrence Farms Orchards
Lawrence Farms Orchards is a family-owned and -operated working farm in the Hudson Valley, offering pick-your-own fruits and vegetables for over 30 years. Currently, three generations are working in various roles throughout the farm.
While you’re picking your apples and pumpkins, make sure to take a break for homemade apple cider doughnuts, frozen apple cider, and local dairy farm ice cream available at the concession stand.
Open for Picking: Call for daily picking information at 845-562-4268.
Address: 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY 12550
Entrance Fee: Yes — $7.00 per person Monday-Thursday and $10.00 per person Friday-Sunday (children 2 and under are free)
Reservations Required: No
Hank’s Pumpkintown
Situated on the South Fork of Long Island, Hank’s Pumpkintown grows more than a dozen different apples. Choose from Snow Sweet, Suncrisp, Cameo, and Honeycrisp – there is an apple to suit just about everyone.
The apple orchard is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are not required, and there is no entrance fee. Fruit is picked by the peck (approx. 10 lbs.) for $32.
Hank’s Pumpkintown is open to the public 7 days a week and features a corn maze, narrated wagon rides, pumpkin picking ($0.79 per pound), and many other fun activities. Additionally, the farmstand features plenty of treats, including apple cider, ice cream, cider and pumpkin donuts, kettle corn, and more.
Open for picking: September to October
Address: 240 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
Entrance Fee: No admission for apple/pumpkin picking. Wristbands can be purchased for other Hank’s Pumpkintown activities.
Reservations Required: No. The fields will remain open as long as supplies last, so it is a good idea to call first or check their Facebook page.
Related: Explore more apple picking locations in the tri-state area >>
Harbes Family Farm
Located on the North Fork of Long Island, Harbes Family Farm cultivates more than 27 different types of apples. Varieties available for picking include Suncrisp, Golden Delicious, Zestar, Sansa, and Rubymac.
The Orchard Pumpkin Patch features 9 acres of pumpkins, including many different varieties of pumpkins and gourds. You must purchase an apple picking package to pick pumpkins.
Harbes Orchard Riverhead is open on Monday, Friday, weekends, and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Harbes Farms Jamesport is open on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They do not accept reservations.
Note: The Jamesport location only has Honeycrisp available for picking. There are three admission packages to choose from – visitors can select a combination ticket that includes access to the farm’s maze. Only credit cards are accepted.
Open for picking: September to October
Address: Three locations (including the Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck) - see website for additional information.
Entrance Fee: Yes, varies by location. See the website for details.
Reservations Required: No, they do not accept reservations. The fields will remain open as long as supplies last, so it’s a good idea to call first.
Milk Pail Fresh Market
With roots dating back to the 1640s, Milk Pail produces over 20 varieties of apples, including unique varieties you won’t find at other orchards. Additionally, their dwarf apple trees are the perfect height for all ages.
Located in the Hamptons, Milk Pail is open for apple and pumpkin picking on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. A half-bushel of apples (20-lb bag) costs $53 cash or $55.65 credit and admits up to six people.
Pumpkins are individually priced. Pumpkins can be picked from the patch and are available in all sizes, shapes, and colors, from mini pumpkins to 150+ lb pumpkins!
The Milk Pail is also known for its fresh-cut flowers, squash, and gourds, as well as its robust farm market.
Open for picking: Labor Day weekend to October
Address: 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, NY 11976
Entrance Fee: Yes – see website for details.
Reservations Required: No. The fields will remain open depending on supplies, so it is a good idea to call first.
Farmers and Greenmarkets in Manhattan
Union Square Greenmarket
As one of NYC's most famous farmers markets, the Union Square Greenmarket boasts an impressive array of fresh produce, with fall bringing an abundance of apples and autumnal products.
Days Open: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays year-round (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Location: E. 17th Street & Union Square W., north and west sides of Union Square Park
Highlights: Wide selection of apples, cider, and baked goods
Tompkins Square Greenmarket
Located in the vibrant East Village, this market offers a cozy community feel with a selection of farm-fresh products perfect for creating your own fall feast.
Days Open: Sundays year-round (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Location: East 7th Street and Avenue A, Southwest corner of the East Village Tompkins Square Park
Highlights: Seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products
Columbia University Greenmarket
This market serves both the university crowd and locals, offering a great mix of seasonal produce, dairy products, and tasty treats.
Days Open: Thursdays and Sundays year-round (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Location: Broadway between the west side of the Columbia campus from 114th Street and 116th Street
Highlights: Seasonal produce, fresh-pressed ciders, and artisanal cheeses
NOTE >> For a complete list of all farmstands and greenmarkets in New York City, view this detailed guide and map.
Discover More in NYC
Whether you prefer to roam the sprawling orchards and pumpkin patches or explore the urban oasis of Manhattan’s greenmarkets, NYC and its surroundings cater to everyone. So grab a basket, ready your taste buds, and immerse yourself in the harvest season's finest offerings.
For more articles like this one, check out our lifestyle and entertainment blog which features NYC fall cultural events and outdoor activities, the best subscription box gifts for seniors, and fun places to explore off the beaten path in NYC.
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