Hudson Valley Fall 2020: Apple Picking, Corn Mazes And More

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Once Labor Day is over everyone usually heads out to one or more of the region's farms for apple and pumpkin picking with all the fixin's: namely corn mazes and hayrides (not to mention apple cider donuts).

You can do it this year too, with some modifications because of the coronavirus pandemic. For example, to limit the number of visitors at a time, many of these farms are taking reservations.

These farms offer a chance to pick up apples and many other seasonal fruits and vegetables and farm fresh foods.

Plus, there are new events and attractions, such as the Cider Donut 5k Trail "Race" through September at Greig Farm in Red Hook and the Farm Bar at Wilklow Orchards in Highland.

"This year, while things may not look exactly the same on your favorite farm, I am happy to say we can still celebrate agriculture's bounty and the many family-friendly activities that go with it," State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said in an announcement Tuesday. "With this new guidance, we hope New Yorkers will be able to enjoy some of the best of New York agriculture in a safe and socially distanced manner."

It is all classified as agritourism, and agritourism has been classified as low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment, permitted to operate under New York's NY Forward guidance. That means that the farms will have to limit how many people can be participating in an activity at a time, and deal with social distancing guidelines. Face coverings are required, too. Petting zoos are not permitted.

With all that in mind, here's a list of "pick your own apples" places in the Hudson Valley.

Westchester:

Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights.
914 245-5111
The farm offers more than a dozen varieties of apples. The season started in August with peaches and runs into December when you can hunt for the perfect Christmas trees. Pumpkin picking season starts in October. Stop by the gift shop for freshly baked cookies, doughnuts and strudel sticks. Pandemic rules: The farm is operating at 50 percent capacity, no tractor rides to the orchards, and a limited menu at the bakery.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm
62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs
914 245-2784
The 200-acre family-owned farm offers nine different varieties of apples as well as pumpkins. On weekends you can take a hayride through the orchards. You can end the visit by enjoying a freshly baked pie or doughnut with a glass of apple cider. It's been a dry summer, so the corn maze isn't fully grown yet. Pandemic rules: The number of visitors at a time will be limited, so it's "first come, first served."

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem
914 485-1210
The family-run farm lets visitors pick McIntosh and Front Hill apples and also sells Gala and Ginger Gold. Beginning Sept. 1, the store is open Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. The store and orchard will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for apple picking by reservation only from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Support local farms, check out their CSA.

Rockland:

Dr. Davies Farm
306 Route 304, Congers
845 268-7020
Not only are there apples galore at Dr. Davies 35-acre farm, but there are apple themed T-shirts for sale, as well as homemade doughnuts and fresh pressed cider, vegetables and decorative pumpkins. Bring cash or a check as the farm does not accept credit cards. Pandemic rules: reservations are suggested.

The Orchards of Concklin
2 South Mountain Road, Pomona
845 354-0369
At The Orchards of Concklin, you can pick your own produce, visit the farm stand, and taste the fresh pressed apple cider. The bakery offers delicious pies, cookies, and pastries. If you can’t make it there this year, they can ship to you. Pick your own apples starts Sept. 20.

Mid-Hudson Valley:

Fishkill Farms
9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction
845-897-4377
Their wonderful cider bar and farm store are open without reservation. Pick-your-own is by reservation only, which can be made a week in advance through the online scheduling program found on the pick-your-own page of their website. The number of visitors at a time will be more limited. Masks covering the nose and mouth are required.

Apple Hill Farm
124 Route 32, New Paltz
845 255-1605
Apple Hill Farm overlooks the picturesque Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains. Picking your own hours of operation this season are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The farm will be open on Yom Kippur (9/28) and Columbus Day (10/12). Check back for decisions on the farm's popular hayrides and fire truck rides. Visitors can also check out the restored 1859 barn for fresh pressed apple cider and mulled apple cider donuts, as well as wreaths, dried and fresh-cut flowers. The farm stand closes at 6 p.m.

Hurds Family Farm
2185 Route 32, Modena
845 883-6300
There are some changes like extra sanitizing and more space within Family Fun Activities, but some things are exactly the same ... 120 acres of fresh air and adventures for the whole family. Pre-purchase your apple bags and activity wristbands online beforehand if you want to visit on a weekend or holiday. To follow social distancing guidelines, hayrides will only take up to four family groups at a time. Family groups can include up to 6 people. There will be 2 groups per wagon spaced 6 feet apart. The tickets are time and date specific and include a ride out to the orchard and then return trip to the barn 30 minutes later. The cost is $20 per family when purchased online or $25 if purchased from a Team Member at the farm. Buy tickets online starting the Monday before. There are limited spots available. Learn more about the COVID-19 Safety Precautions.

Wilklow Orchards
341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland
845 691-2339
The family who runs Wilklow Orchards has been farming the spot for six generations. They try to be sustainable and ecologically minded because they want the farm to last for another six generations. Besides picking your own apples, when you visit the site, you can also shop at their bakery, and don't miss the Farm Bar and food truck — specially if there's a berry pizza special! There's lots of outdoor seating. There are 13 different varieties of apples to pick so call and find out what’s ripe.

Greig Farm
227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook
845 758-1234
The farm is open for picking blackberries and apples, including Jonamac, Gala and McIntosh, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. The farm has been open to the public for more than 60 years. This year don't miss the Cider Donut 5k Trail "Race." Everyone is invited to the farm to run a 5k route (socially-distanced, of course) along its many trails. Bring your watch and run the route anytime during the month of September. The fastest runners in each age group will win free cider donuts for the rest of 2020.

Rose Hill Farm, 1798
19 Rose Hill, Red Hook
845 758-4215
Established in 1798, the farm offers cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins in a peaceful and scenic slice of the Hudson Valley. The farm also offers flowers, fresh eggs, meat and jam. Check the website for the latest ripening schedule and hours of operation. Check their COVID-19 page for health and safety guidelines.

Lawrence Farms Orchards
39 Colandrea Road, Newburgh
845 562-4268
The family farm is a family-friendly location with animals, a "Little Village" and hay bale maze. The farm has been doing "pick your own" fruits and vegetables for 30 years. The first few varieties of apples, the Zestar, Ginger Gold, Ozark Gold, Gala, McIntosh, Aceymac, and Jonamac, are available now. The farm also has sweet corn, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, tomatoes, zucchini, cabbage, kohlrabi, cauliflower, string beans, spinach, swiss chard, beet greens, mustard greens, turnips, and kale.

Meadowbrook Farm
29 Old Myers Corners Road, Wappingers Falls
845 297-3002
The farm has been a local favorite for more than 70 years. They offer a large variety of apples for picking and uses their own apples to make fresh cider.