Harvest varieties from Gala and Fuji to Freiherr von Berlepsch. Ever Tasted a LudaCrisp?
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 2025) – Attention fall fanatics! Get ready for cool breezes, sweater weather, and baskets full of apples ready to be picked. Autumn in Orange County, N.Y. is apple season, and there’s no better place to enjoy the crisp, sweet-tart fruit.
“Nothing beats juicy apples bursting with flavor from Orange County, N.Y.!” said Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism and Film. “You’ll find all your popular favorites – Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and more. But you’ll also find varieties that you may never have tasted. Try Freiherr von Berlepsch, Northern Spy and Crimson Topaz. There’s even one called LudaCrisp. And they’re all just 50 miles from New York City.”
Many orchards here have been family-run for generations, and they offer far more than just apples. Spend the day wandering rows of ripe fruit, then treat yourself to farm-fresh ice cream, apple cider donuts still warm from the fryer, or a glass of crisp local cider paired with live music. For little ones (and the young at heart), some farms offer hayrides, corn mazes, and barnyard animals to meet up close. Stroll through charming farm stands, discover handcrafted treasures, or toast the season with a craft beverage surrounded by spectacular Hudson Valley views and charming downtowns of Orange County.
The picking season begins late August or early September, depending on the farm. Check with individual orchards to learn what’s offered and when.
This fall, trade city streets for orchard rows and see why Orange County, N.Y. is the ultimate autumn escape.
Here are just some of the county’s popular orchards:
Apple Dave’s Orchards & Distillery, 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, N.Y.: Indulge in all the joys of fall and farm life including apple picking, warm donuts and free wagon rides. While you’re there, enjoy a puppet show, visit the herb and rose gardens and stop by the farm store. Live entertainment adds to the fun on weekends. For adults, there are cocktails, local craft beers and Apple Dave’s signature house-crafted apple jack.
Apple picking begins Aug. 30
Lawrence Farms Orchards; 39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh, N.Y.: Apple picking starts with varieties such as Paula Reds, Galas and Ozark Golds, and continues into October with a wide range of apples including Ida Red, Northern Spy and Granny Smith. The farm offers a vast array of produce you can pick throughout summer and fall, including apricots, peaches, corn, eggplants, gourds and much more. While you’re there, visit the bar for the farm’s delicious adult drinks, or stop by the kitchen for the apple cider donuts and lunch items. Take the kids and hop on the free tractor ride to the field (weekends only). Take photos at the delightful face cutouts, visit the animals and let the young ones romp in the kiddies’ play area.
Apple picking begins mid to late August
Ochs Orchard, 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, N.Y.: Apple picking comes near the end of the season at Ochs Orchard, a four-generation farm sprawling over more than 150 acres. Harvest season kicks off in June with strawberries and continues through the summer with peaches, vegetables, and tomatoes, before apples arrive in late August. After picking, be sure to try their fresh, homemade ice cream crafted from their own fruits and berries, vegan options included! It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking views of the Warwick Valley.
Apple picking begins late August
Sleepy Hills Orchard, 1328 Rt. 284, Johnson, N.Y.: The 47-acre, family-owned apple orchard and farm has operated since 1980. Come pick their Macintosh, Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, Winesap, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious apples and more. (Check to see which ones are ripe and at their tastiest.) While you’re there, pick up fresh, local and home-grown fruits and vegetables at their farm stand.
Apple picking begins September
Soons Orchards, 23 Soons Circle, New Hampton, N.Y.: Apples include popular Gala, Empire and Cortlands as well as less common varieties such as Bonnie St Clair, Tsugaru and Freiherr von Berlepsch. Be sure to check the orchard’s website to find out which apples will be ripe week after week. When you’ve picked your fill, browse baked goods, ciders and fresh produce at the farm store and cool off with an ice cream scoop or two – or maybe a sundae! – from Suzie Q’s Cookies and Cream.
Apple picking begins Labor Day weekend
Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery; 114 Little York Road, Warwick, N.Y.: You can gather apples seven days a week, with more than 50 varieties, including Ginger Gold, Crimson Topaz, LudaCrisp and Snowsweet. Come on the weekends to listen to live music from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. while savoring farm-to-table cuisine and a cocktail.
Apple picking begins Aug. 23
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
