Apple Picking Guide 2026: Best Orchards Near New Paltz |
From classic Macouns to crisp Honeycrisps, find the perfect orchard for your fall apple picking adventure in the Hudson Valley |
There's something timeless about apple picking in the Hudson Valley. The crisp autumn air, the colorful orchards, and the satisfaction of filling a bag with fruit you picked yourself — it's a tradition that brings families together every fall.
New Paltz sits in the heart of one of New York's premier apple-growing regions. Within a 10-minute drive, you'll find several excellent orchards offering different varieties, experiences, and amenities. Here's your complete guide to apple picking near New Paltz for the 2026 season.
When to Go: Apple Picking Season
Apple picking season in the Hudson Valley typically runs from late August through early November, with peak season in October. Different varieties ripen at different times:
For the best selection and weather, aim for the first three weeks of October. Weekend mornings are less crowded than afternoons.
Top Orchards Near New Paltz
1. Twin Star OrchardsLocation: 155 N Ohioville Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Twin Star Orchards is a local favorite, offering 210 acres of pick-your-own apples on a beautiful property. In addition to their extensive apple varieties, they feature a natural hard cider tasting room, wood-fired pizza and burger pavilion, and fresh-baked goods.
What to expect: A full farm experience with pick-your-own apples, hard cider tastings, and food options. The orchard is well-maintained with clear signage. They offer both traditional apple varieties and heirloom selections. Great for families and groups looking for a complete farm day.
2. Dressel FarmsLocation: 271 NY-208, New Paltz, NY 12561
Dressel Farms is a family-owned orchard known for their wonderful apples, beautiful setting, and famous cider donuts. They offer pick-your-own apples during peak season along with a farm store featuring fresh cider, baked goods, and seasonal produce.
What to expect: A traditional family farm experience with excellent apple varieties and homemade cider donuts that draw visitors from across the region. The orchard is well-organized and welcoming to families. Cash and credit accepted.
3. Jenkins-Lueken OrchardsLocation: 69 Yankee Folly Road, New Paltz, NY 12561
Jenkins-Lueken Orchards spans over 200 acres of apples, pears, sweet peaches, and fresh cider located just 70 miles north of New York City. They feature u-pick apples, pumpkins, and berries throughout the season.
What to expect: A large, well-established orchard with multiple fruit options beyond apples. Kids love their peaches, plums, corn, and especially their apple cider. The farm offers a variety of activities throughout the growing season, making it a year-round destination.
4. Locust Grove Fruit FarmLocation: 199 North Road, Milton, NY 12547 (about 20 minutes north)
Locust Grove Fruit Farm is a dedicated apple orchard offering pick-your-own experiences with multiple apple varieties. Located in the scenic town of Milton, this farm provides a more intimate picking experience compared to larger operations.
What to expect: A traditional pick-your-own orchard with a focus on quality apples. The farm is known for friendly service and well-maintained orchards. Check their website or call ahead for current hours and available varieties, as they vary by week.
5. Fishkill FarmsLocation: 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 (about 35 minutes south)
Fishkill Farms is a 270-acre apple orchard and vegetable farm known for its ecological farming practices and Treasury Cider. While it's a bit farther from New Paltz, the full experience makes it worth the drive. Pick-your-own is available by reservation only.
What to expect: Beyond apple picking, you'll find Treasury Cider (made exclusively with Fishkill Farms apples) with tastings and flights, a farm store with local products, and seasonal events. The orchard offers "Cider Excursion" tours combining orchard wagon rides with cider tastings. Reservations required for pick-your-own.
What to Bring
Packing the right items will make your apple picking experience more comfortable and productive:
How to Pick the Best Apples
Not all apples on the tree are ready to pick. Here's how to select the best fruit:
Apple Varieties: What to Pick
Different apples are better for different uses. Here's a quick guide:
Many people like to pick a mix of varieties for different uses. Don't be afraid to ask orchard staff for recommendations — they know which varieties are at their peak that week.
Orchard Etiquette and Tips
Follow these guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone:
Pricing and Payment
Apple picking pricing varies by orchard and variety. As of 2026, expect to pay:
Most orchards now accept credit cards, but it's always wise to bring cash. Prices are typically posted at the entrance or check-out area.
Making a Day of It
Apple picking is just the beginning of what the Hudson Valley has to offer in fall. Combine your orchard visit with:
Final Tips for a Great Visit
Conclusion
Apple picking near New Paltz is a quintessential Hudson Valley experience. Whether you choose the intimate setting of Twin Star Orchards, the family tradition of Dressel Farms, or the full agritourism experience at Fishkill Farms, you're in for a memorable day.
The key is to call ahead, check hours and availability, and arrive with an open mind. Each orchard has its own character and specialties. Don't be afraid to try new varieties — you might discover your new favorite apple.
So grab your bags, wear comfortable shoes, and head out to the orchards. The Hudson Valley's apple season is waiting for you.
For the most current information on hours, pricing, and available varieties, always check each orchard's website or call ahead before your visit. Seasonal conditions can affect availability and schedules.
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36 Comments
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Checking which rows are open before heading out has saved us a wasted trip. Varieties change quickly this time of year.
Locust Grove is listed as 20 minutes away, so the opening claim about orchards within 10 minutes could use a tweak. The extra drive wouldn't stop me.
A mix of Empire and Cortland makes good applesauce at our house. The kids help peel, then disappear until it's ready.
That sounds like a lovely family tradition! Both Empire and Cortland are great applesauce picks.
I'd love a note about which farms have the easiest walking for grandparents. Uneven ground can turn a nice outing into a hard one.
Rachel KimI'd appreciate that too. It might be worth calling ahead to ask which picking rows are closest to parking.
The farm store at Dressel is worth a stop even when we don't have time to pick. Fresh cider and a short drive from town works for me.
I never think to refrigerate the apples when we get home. No wonder our last bag went soft before we finished it.
Please do keep kids off the branches. I've seen trees damaged during busy picking weekends, and those farms have to live with it afterward.
The cider excursion at Fishkill sounds fun, though I'd want to know how long the wagon ride takes before booking with a toddler.
Tara SinghGood question. I'd ask about the wagon ride and the total tour time. Those can be very different with a toddler.
Morning picking is good advice. Last year we arrived after lunch and spent more time waiting than walking among the trees.
I'd be curious to try the heirloom apples at Twin Star. The grocery store varieties get a little predictable by October.
Leah HoffmanI tried an heirloom variety there last year and forgot to write down the name. I'm hoping I recognize it when I go back.
Twin Star’s heirloom selections are a fun way to branch out. Ask the orchard staff what’s ripe when you visit, the varieties available can change week to week.
My parents took us to Dressel Farms when I was little. It's nice to see the farm still mentioned alongside the bigger places.
A walk on the Shawangunk Ridge after picking sounds great in theory. In practice, my kids are usually asleep by the time we leave the farm.
Jess MorenoSame here. The orchard is the whole outing for us, and the drive home is nap time.
Three to four dollars a pound for Honeycrisp adds up fast. I still enjoy picking, but I watch how full the bag gets.
Paul ReynoldsI hear you. We bring a smaller bag now and get just enough Honeycrisp to eat fresh.
I like that Jenkins-Lueken has pears and pumpkins too. It's nice when everyone in the family can pick something they actually want.
Sofia B.The pumpkins are usually the big draw for my youngest. Everyone gets to bring something home.
We went after a rainy weekend once and the orchard paths were a mess. The shoe advice is no joke.
Thanks for sharing that firsthand reminder! Orchard paths can get muddy after heavy rain, so sturdy, comfortable shoes really help.
Does anyone know which of these orchards still has Macouns this week? They're my favorite, but I always seem to arrive a little too late.
That twist test is useful. I've watched plenty of people tug at apples that clearly weren't ready yet.
Locust Grove sounds like a good choice for anyone who wants apples without a big day of activities. Sometimes that's all I'm looking for.
I wish the entry fees were listed for each farm. They can make a difference when you're bringing the whole family.
The wood-fired pizza at Twin Star makes it easier to turn picking into a full afternoon. My kids never want to leave once lunch is involved.
Priya ShahLunch makes such a difference. Mine will happily pick apples if pizza is the next stop.
Calling Fishkill Farms a 10-minute drive from New Paltz is a stretch when the listing says 35 minutes. Still worth considering, just plan the day accordingly.
We tried Cortlands in a pie last fall and they held up beautifully. Might pick those again instead of our usual mix.
Elena R.Cortlands are my pie pick too. They keep their shape without staying crunchy.
Fishkill Farms sounds lovely, but a reservation is easy to forget. Glad that's spelled out before someone makes the drive.
The first three weeks of October sound ideal, but the weekend crowds can be a lot. A weekday morning at Jenkins-Lueken is more my speed.
Dressel's cider donuts are half the reason my family goes apple picking. We usually leave with more donuts than apples.