As the crisp autumn air rolls into the New York City area, it's a chance to venture out and enjoy the quintessential fall experience: apple picking.
Whether you're a seasoned orchard-goer or a first-time picker, these 10 orchards — all within a drive between 45 minutes and two hours without traffic — offer an escape from the city with a range of apple varieties, farm stands and picturesque landscapes.
Dr. Davis Farm
About an hour from Manhattan, Dr. Davis Farm offers daily apple picking. Weekends and holidays feature hayrides, and the Red Barn Cidery on-site serves a range of drinks, accompanied by live music and food trucks.
Location: 306 NY-304, Congers
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: $17 per person over the age of 3; $62 for a group of 5 and a half-bushel bag
More info: drdaviesfarm.com
Orchards of Concklin
In Pomona, roughly 45 minutes northwest of Manhattan, Orchards of Concklin provides apple picking along with locally grown produce at the farm stand. Visitors can also enjoy apple cider, specialty foods and cider doughnuts.
Location: 2 S Mountain Rd., Pomona
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pricing: Half-peck bag for $16; peck bag for $32; half-bushel for $60
More info: orchardsofconcklin.com
Wilkens Farm
Celebrating its 108th harvest this year, Wilkens Farm, about an hour from Manhattan, features a variety of apples, pumpkins and peaches for picking. The farm also includes several markets, a winery, a corn maze and a soft serve ice cream shop open weekends and holidays from noon to 4:30 p.m. through October.
Location: 1335 White Hill Rd., Yorktown Heights
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pricing: Two people and a peck bag for $30; three-four people and a half-bushel for $45
More info: wilkensfarm.com
Stuart’s Fruit Farm
Located an hour outside Manhattan, Stuart’s Fruit Farm offers daily apple picking with more than 20 varieties available. The farm also has a pumpkin patch, gourds, Indian corn and cornstalks. Hayrides are offered on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: 62 Granite Springs Rd., Granite Springs
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Pricing: Half-bushel bag for $35; two half-peck bags for $20 each
More info: stuartsfarm.com
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
Just over an hour north of Manhattan, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard hosts a fall festival with daily apple and pumpkin picking. Visitors can enjoy fall photo opportunities, hayrides, live music and food from vendors and the country store.
Location: 130 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: $15 per person; half-peck bag for $15; peck bag for $25; half-bushel for $40
More info: harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com
Outhouse Orchards
Also over an hour from Manhattan, Outhouse Orchards features apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze and hayrides. The farm’s market offers local produce, homemade goods and hard cider.
Location: 139 Hardscrabble Rd., North Salem
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: $15.95 plus fees per person online; $20 per person at the gate; small pick-your-own bag for $30; large for $45
More info: outhouseorchardsny.com
Masker Orchards
Located an hour and a half northwest of Manhattan, Masker Orchards offers daily apple picking through November. The 200-acre orchard allows visitors to picnic near the trees and explore. The country store sells pies, doughnuts, jams and honey.
Location: 45 Ball Rd., Warwick
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: $39.95 per apple bag
More info: maskers.com
Ochs Orchard
Just under two hours from Manhattan, Ochs Orchards provide apple, pear and vegetable picking. The year-round farmer's market features pies, breads, specialty goods and cider. Weekend cider doughnuts and homemade ice cream, available from May through November, are also popular. The orchard includes a petting zoo.
Location: 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: Quarter-bushel bag for $21 (includes admission for three people); half-bushel bag for $38 (includes admission for five people); $5 per person for smaller parties, $3 of which is credited to apple purchases at $1.99 per pound
More info: ochsorchard.com
Apple Dave’s Orchards & Distillery
Within a two-hour drive, Apple Dave’s Orchards & Distillery offers apple and pumpkin picking, live music and tractor rides. The barn store and distillery feature specialty items for purchase.
Location: 82 4 Corners Rd., Warwick
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pricing: Admission is $5 per person on weekends and holidays; free on weekdays; peck bag for $25; half-bushel bag for $40
More info: appledavesorchards.com
Apple Ridge Orchards
About two hours from Manhattan, Apple Ridge Orchards provide apple, peach and pumpkin picking. Visitors can enjoy treats at the farm store, hayrides, farm animals, honeybees and spooky movies on select nights.
Location: 101 Jessup Rd., Warwick
Hours: Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pricing: $3 per person; half-bushel bag for $3
More info: appleridgeorchards.com