Fall may not officially be here just yet, but one of Westchester County’s favorite signs of the season has already arrived: apple picking!
As September begins and the first hints of fall start creeping into the Hudson Valley, local orchards are opening their fields for another season of pick-your-own apples. Whether your perfect fall day involves filling a bag with McIntosh and Gala apples, taking a hayride with the kids, grabbing warm apple cider donuts, or simply enjoying an afternoon in the country, there are plenty of orchards within an easy drive of Westchester.
And you don’t have to wait until October. September is actually one of the best months for apple picking in Westchester.
When Is Apple Picking Season in Westchester?
Apple season generally gets underway around Labor Day and continues through October, although exactly what you’ll find on the trees changes throughout the season.
Early September is a great time to look for varieties such as Gala and McIntosh. As September progresses, additional varieties including Cortland and Macoun typically become available, while several later-season apples ripen in October.
In fact, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm specifically recommends September as the best time to pick apples and says its 2026 apple harvest is expected to begin September 5.
Keep in mind that Mother Nature ultimately sets the schedule. Weather, crowds and how quickly a particular variety is picked can all affect availability, so it’s always a good idea to check with the orchard before making the trip.
Ready to start planning your first fall outing? Here are some of the apple orchards to put on your list.
Apple Picking in Westchester County
🍎 Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY
Harvest Moon is one of the area’s bigger fall destinations if you’re looking for more than simply picking a bag of apples.
Its 2026 Fall Festival runs during September and October and includes apple picking in the hillside orchard along with live country music, hayrides, fall photo opportunities, food, cider donuts and sweet cider. The pumpkin patch joins the festivities later in September.
This is a particularly good choice for families who want to turn apple picking into an entire fall day out.
One thing to know before heading over: Fall Festival weekends are ticketed, and Harvest Moon warns that popular dates can sell out. Purchasing tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended.
Good for: Families, a full fall-festival experience, cider donuts, hayrides and photo opportunities.
Phone: (914) 485-1210
🍎 Outhouse Orchards – North Salem
139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, NY
Right down the road from Harvest Moon, Outhouse Orchards offers another full-fledged fall experience.
The orchard’s 2026 Fall Festival runs from August 30 through November 1, with apple picking, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, fall photo spots, a farm market, food and plenty of children’s activities.
Apple picking runs through the fall, with different varieties ripening at different times. Early-season selections include Gala, McIntosh, Cortland and Jonamac, while varieties such as Fuji, Golden Delicious, Rome and Red Delicious arrive later.
If there’s one particular apple you love, check what’s currently being picked before heading out.
Good for: Kids, apple picking plus lots of activities, corn maze, hayrides and a complete fall day.
Phone: (914) 277-3188
🍎 Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, NY
A Westchester fall tradition for generations, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is celebrating its 110th harvest season in 2026.
The farm anticipates opening its pick-your-own apple season on September 5, 2026, and recommends September for visitors hoping to find the best selection of apples still on the trees.
Wilkens grows more than 40 apple varieties, with different apples becoming available as the harvest progresses. In addition to the orchard, visitors can check out the farm market, bakery and corn maze.
And yes, there are apple cider donuts.
Reservations aren’t required for regular apple picking, although visitors should check the farm’s harvest calendar before coming since picking conditions can change.
Good for: Traditional apple picking, lots of apple varieties, families, bakery treats and a classic Westchester farm experience.
Phone: (914) 245-5111
🍎 Stuart’s Fruit Farm – Granite Springs
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, NY
If you prefer a more traditional orchard experience, Stuart’s Fruit Farm is another longtime Westchester favorite.
The family-operated farm dates all the way back to 1828, and its 2026 apple-picking season begins Labor Day weekend.
Beyond picking apples, visitors can stop at the bakery for hot apple cider donuts and homemade pies, visit the farm stand or bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery. Hayrides are offered on weekends during the fall.
Another nice perk: Stuart’s offers free parking and does not charge an orchard admission fee. Apple pickers purchase the farm’s picking bags instead.
Just remember to bring cash or a check, as the farm does not accept credit cards.
Good for: A traditional, relaxed apple-picking day, families, picnics, cider donuts and anyone who doesn’t want a big festival atmosphere.
Phone: (914) 245-2784
Apple Picking Near Westchester County
Don’t mind driving a little farther? Some excellent orchards are just outside Westchester and make an easy Hudson Valley day trip.
🍏 Dr. Davies Farm – Congers
306 Route 304, Congers, NY
Just across the Hudson in Rockland County, Dr. Davies Farm opened its 2026 apple-picking season on August 29.
The farm has more than 5,000 apple trees and 27 varieties spread across 65 acres, giving apple lovers plenty to explore. Picking poles are available for those tempting apples hanging just out of reach.
For 2026, the orchard is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for apple picking, and reservations aren’t required.
Good for: A large orchard, lots of apple varieties and a traditional pick-your-own experience.
Phone: (845) 268-7020
🍏 Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY
Head north into Dutchess County and you’ll find Fishkill Farms, another popular Hudson Valley destination for pick-your-own fruit and fall outings.
The farm is a little farther from central Westchester than the North Salem and Yorktown orchards, but it can make a fun day trip for families looking to explore more of the Hudson Valley.
Good for: A Hudson Valley day trip and families looking to make an afternoon of their orchard visit.
Phone: (845) 897-4377
🍏 Barton Orchards – Poughquag
63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY
Barton Orchards is another Dutchess County option for those who don’t mind traveling farther north.
It’s especially worth considering if your group wants more of a fall attraction experience rather than simply picking apples. The farm is known for combining apple picking with seasonal activities, food and family entertainment.
Good for: Families looking for lots to do in addition to apple picking.
Phone: (845) 227-2306
More Apple Orchards Worth the Drive
If you’re willing to make apple picking the centerpiece of a Hudson Valley day trip, there are even more options within driving distance of Westchester:
Apple Ridge Orchards – Warwick
101 Jessup Road, Warwick, NY
(845) 987-7717
Masker Orchards – Warwick
45 Ball Road, Warwick, NY
(845) 986-1058
Ochs Orchard – Warwick
4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, NY
(845) 986-1591
Pennings Orchard – Warwick
169 State Route 94 South, Warwick, NY
(845) 275-2631
Lawrence Farms Orchards – Newburgh
306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh, NY
(845) 562-4268
DuBois Farms – Highland
209 Perkinsville Road, Highland, NY
(845) 795-4037
Which Westchester Apple Orchard Should You Choose?
With several orchards relatively close together, the best one really depends on the type of fall day you’re looking for.
For lots of activities for the kids, try Harvest Moon or Outhouse Orchards.
For a classic Westchester apple-picking tradition, Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm is hard to beat.
For a quieter, old-fashioned farm experience, put Stuart’s Fruit Farm on your list.
And if you’re up for a Hudson Valley day trip, Dr. Davies, Fishkill Farms and the orchards around Warwick give you even more choices.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Go Apple Picking
There’s something tempting about waiting for that perfectly crisp October afternoon to go apple picking, but don’t overlook September.
Going earlier in the season often means more apples on the trees and access to varieties that may be picked over by the time peak fall foliage arrives.
If there’s a specific variety you want, check the orchard’s picking schedule before you go. Apple availability can change quickly, particularly after busy fall weekends.
So grab a sweater — even if you don’t quite need it yet — and get ready for cider donuts, hayrides and bags filled with freshly picked apples.
Apple-picking season has officially arrived in Westchester. Happy fall! 🍎🍂
Hours, prices, apple varieties and picking conditions can change throughout the season. Always check directly with the farm before heading out, particularly on weekends and holidays.