2024 Capital Region (aka Hudson Valley) of New York State Apple U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Apple U-Pick Orchards in Capital Region (aka Hudson Valley) of New York State in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for apples that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have apples orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Albany County

• Altamont Orchards, Inc - U Pick strawberries and apples
  6654 Dunnsville Road, Altamont, NY 12009. Phone: 518-861-6515. Email: info@altamontorchards.com. Open: 9:30 am to 6 pm, daily; call to verify on pyo crops. Directions: NY Thruway I-87 to Exit 24 to Route 20 West, 10 miles to Route 397, left on Route 397, 1 mile on left. There is PICK YOUR OWN APPLES, weekends in the fall, starting September 8, 2005, from 10am to 4PM. PYO 2005 Prices: $.50 per lb (1/2 bushel $10.00). The Pick Your Own (PYO) Fields are located on Rt. 146 in Altamont. About 1 1/2 miles before the Altamont Fair entrance. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Altamont Orchards, Inc Facebook page. . . Altamont Orchards Facebook page. Strawberries: usually finish by the beginning of July; Please bring your own containers, and the 2005 strawberries pyo prices were $1.35/lb. The Pick Your Own (PYO) Fields are located on Route 146 in Altamont. About 1 one half miles before the Altamont Fair entrance. For more directions click here!
• Indian Ladder Farms - apples, blueberries, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, gift shop, concessions \\/ refreshment stand, porta-potties, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  342 Altamont Road, Altamont, NY 12009. Phone: (518) 765-2956. Email: info@indianladderfarms.com. Open: PYO Times Vary Daily; Call our PYO Hotline. Directions: From Albany: Route 20 west Route 155 south, Route 85a west, Route 156 west, Farm on left. Berry PYO Begins in June and Apple PYO Begins Labor Day Weekend. Payment: Cash, Check, ApplePay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, ApplePay, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Indian Ladder Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 866-640-PICK. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. strives to provide apples of superior taste and quality, while maintaining a healthy ecologically-balanced growing environment. In addition to pick-your-own apples and pumpkins in the fall, we have pick-your-own berries through the summer. Visit our farm menagerie and say "hi" to Simon, our donkey, and many others. Our nature trail will lead you by orchards, marshes, woods, and fields.Pick Your Own red raspberries, black raspberries and blueberries are available in the Pick Your Own from late June through August, weather and picking conditions permitting. Berries are picked by the quart or a six-quart flat. In late July plums become available for picking while supplies last. Early apples become available for picking starting in August. (UPDATED: July 14, 2021)
  Comments from a visitor on October 23, 2008: "My favorite place to go in the fall :)"
• Stanton's Feura Farm - strawberries, raspberries, apples and pumpkins
  210 Onesquethaw Creek Road, Feura Bush, NY 12067. Phone: (518) 768-2344. Email: feurafarm@aol.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From NYS Thruway Exit 23 take Route 9W south to Route 32. Follow Route 32 south 1 mile past the village of Feura Bush and make a slight right onto Onesquethaw Creek Road The farm is 1 mile down the road. Payment: Cash, only. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
  Stanton's Feura Farm Facebook page. . Fax:. Facebook page. Availability of crops: Strawberries-- Mid June ~ Raspberries-- Early September ~ Apples-- Mid September ~ Pumpkins-- October. We also grow many more fresh market crops .

Rensselaer County

• Best Berry Farm - U Pick Apples and strawberries
  1078 Best Road Box 142 B, East Greenbush, NY 12061. Phone: 518-286-0607.
• The Farm at Kristy's Barn - apples, blackberries, currants (red and black), peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, Turkeys, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, school tours
  2385 Brookview Road, Castleton, NY 12033. Phone: (518) 477-6250. Email: kristysbarncsa@gmail.com. Open: Berry picking, July and August, call for details peaches in mid-August, Apple picking, September through mid November depending. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Exit 10 off I-90 Head in the direction of the gas stations Straight through the traffic light Turn left at the end of the road We are on the right. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. We are a family run, low spray, no spray farm feeding capital district families since 1910. Kristys is a farm and farm market providing a full line of flowers, fruits, vegetables, pies, cider, doughnuts, jams, honey and syrups. Tours U-Pick, hayrides, and more. We're a friendly farm market established in 1912, & just ten minutes from Albany! Kristy's Barn is full of quality fruits and produce, most of which are grown on our 300+ acre farm.. We are a Low spray, No spray farm, which means we spray our crops ONLY when we absolutely NEED to, & when we do, we spray minimally. We do this for our consumer's health, as well as for the safety & health of the environment, & the creatures we share it with! Typical U-Pick season is: Strawberries - Early June through July 4th, Red Raspberries - 1st week in July through mid August, Black Raspberries - 2nd week in July through mid August, Currants - mid July through mid August, Apples - Early September through mid October, Pumpkins - End of September through October. Click here for a link to our Facebook page.
• Windy Hill Orchard- East - apples, winery, cidery
  1297 Brookview Station Road Castleton-on-Hudson, NY 12033. Phone: (518) 732-7753. Email: info@windyhillorchardny.com. Open: see their website. U-pick apple orchard-farm store in picturesque Schodack NY. Beautiful views, lots of varieties, cozy farm store, crafts, cider, baked goods, cheeses, fudge. Stop on over, grab a complimentary cup of coffee, enjoy a treat from the bakery case and go take a peek at the trees! The fire pits will be going so pick out your perfect tree and relax by our peaceful fire pit while we carry the tree up to the loading area for you! Windy Hill Orchard- East facebook page. Our Cidery is slated to open in the Spring of 2021. We will offer a unique experience with our 1890s hay/cow barn converted to our cidery. The views are amazing overlooking 116 acres of our very own Apple Orchard. (ADDED: November 19, 2020, JBS)

Saratoga County

• Bowman Orchards - Pick your own and picked apples, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, cider and donuts.
  141 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Phone: 518-371-2042. Email: kevin@bowmanorchards.com. At Bowman Orchards, we feature pick your own apples, berry picking, and so many more seasonal activities. Our apple trees are low to the ground so usually ladders aren't needed. However they are available to use if you need them. Enjoy the farm animals. We have pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and alpacas waiting for your attention. Strawberries are available the month of June both u-pick and pre-picked. Raspberries are available starting around July 1st through a hard frost (we have added summer raspberries so they will be open right through Thanksgiving). Available both u-pick and pre-picked. We have both red and golden raspberries. Blackberries are U-Pick from Mid July-Mid Aug. We grow what is claimed to be the largest blackberry in the world. Blueberries are available U-Pick early in July until Early August. Sweet AND Tart cherries available Early July until Early August. Please Note these dates are approximate and availability depends on weather & crop yield! Roadside Stand, Farm Market. Click here for a link to our Facebook page.
  A visitor writes on June 02, 2019: "My family has been to this farm several times in the past 4 years. Bowmans has the best product quality, selection, and availability in the area. The site is very clean, fun, and besides produce they offer PYO, plants and trees for purchase, a great shop, fudge, cider, bakery, petting zoo, snack bar, and more. Parking is free and very accessible. Every single employee has been very friendly and helpful every time. Check them out, you will be glad you did!"
  A visitor writes on October 01, 2014: "I took my children to Bowman Orchards when they were small and love it. We now have grandchildren. We are so very disappointed with the staff, service and ridiculous cost of everything. A family tradition no more!"
• Bowman Orchards North - U Pick Apples
  107 Van Aervunem Road, Ballston Spa NY, 12020. Phone: 518-885-8888. And a Farm Market, Cider
• Devoe's Rainbow Orchards - U Pick Apples
  1569 U.S. 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065. Phone: 518-371-8397. Email: devoesrainboworchards@hotmail.com. Open: 9 am to 6 pm, daily, year round, call for picking conditions and availability. Roadside Stand. DeVoe's Rainbow Apple Orchards, The upstate NY apple orchard! We are a century old 100 acre family farm located in Clifton Park (Southern Saratoga County), at the foothills of the great Adirondack Mountain region. Come visit us. Bring the whole family and enjoy all the fun things we have to offer. Including beautiful apples, baked goods from the oven, fresh produce, gift baskets and ice cream. Click here for a link to our Facebook page.
• Fo-Castle Farm Country Store Inc - U Pick Apples
  166 Kingsley Road, Burnt Hills NY, 12027-9531. Phone: 518-399-8322.Email: focastlefarm@gmail.com. Open: Call before you go, their page says nothing about PYO; they may no longer offer PYO. They do have a Farm Market. Fo'Castle Farm has been a family tradition in Burnt Hills since 1908. Be drawn back to a bygone era as you enter our charming Country Store. Browse a wide variety of unique gifts. Take some time and join us for a bite to eat in front of a cozy fire or in our airy sunroom. Stella Pasta Bar and Bakery serves all your favorites and all of their dishes are made with the freshest ingredients, sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites. And, of course, a trip to Fo'Castle Farm is not co
• Hicks Fruit Farm - U Pick Apples, cherries, blueberries
  160 Sugar Hill Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Phone:518-642-1788. Email: hicksorchard@gmail.com. Open: Cherries EARLY JULY; Blueberries mid July through mid August; apples in the Fall, For up to the minute harvest conditions, check the home page of our website or call us. New York's Oldest U-Pick Orchard. A Family Tradition since 1905. Directions: Click here for directions. Located in Middle Granville, New York, in the Lower Adirondack Region on the New York/Vermont border, pick cherries, blueberries or apples. Hicks Orchard Facebook page. Whether you're picking your own fruit on our farm, tempting your taste buds with hot cider donuts, watching apple cider being pressed in our cider mill, partaking in a guided tasting of our award winning hard ciders and Ice Ciders in Slyboro Ciderhouse, visiting the barnyard animals or enjoying a fall wagon ride through the orchard, Hicks Orchard has something for everyone. And a Farm Market.
  Comments from a visitor on July 14, 2011: "I picked sour cherries at Hick's Orchard last weekend and loved the farm. There is a wonderful store on site with great prices on local honey as well as a selection of kitchen items. The cherries were wonderful and reasonably priced at 1.60/lb. They also have blueberries and apples in the fall. I live about an hour away and it was worth the drive. So many of the farms closer to Albany have started charging just to enter. I used to take my autistic son with me (he doesn't pick or eat anything) and I now have to pay just to take him with me. I don't go back to those places."
  Comments from a visitor on May 01, 2009: "Just visiting your site for the first time, looking for local strawberry picking. Just a note to tell anyone interested, that my family has picked apples & berries at Hick's Orchards in Washington County for three generations. If you're not finding satisfaction in Saratoga County, come on up! It's a family owned and oriented orchard with plenty of fun for the kids and very reasonable prices (no hidden charges!). I highly recommend it!"
• Riverview Orchards - U Pick Apples
  660 Riverview Road, Rexford, NY 12148. Phone: 518-371-2174. Email: isabel@rivervieworchards.com. And a Farm Market, Special Events.
• Saratoga Apple, Inc. - U Pick Apples, farm market
  1174 Route 29, Schuylerville, NY 12871. Phone: 518-695-3131. Open: from 9 to 6 daily, all year, with an outstanding selection of apples. Pick apples, ride wagons to the orchards, taste a delicious cider donut or other freshly baked treat. U Pick Apples, Farm Market, Cider. Click here for a link to our Facebook page. Saratoga Apple is a small farm and apple orchard with about 40 acres of apples, sweet & sour cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, asparagus, raspberries, and quite a few vegetables. Directions: on US Route 29, just west of the village of Schuylerville, NY. Our refrigerated warehouse and low oxygen ("controlled atmosphere") storage keeps the apples crisp and juicy year round.
  Comments about the farm (positive or negative)? Write me!
  Google has other reviews here.

Washington County

• Apple Hill Orchard - apples, U-pick and already picked
  County Route 21, Whitehall, NY 12887. Phone: 518-796-7575. Alternate Phone: 518-791-2441. Fax: 518-499-1633. Email: lakegeorgenorth@verizon.net. Open: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm; September 7 to October 20. Directions: Go to Whitehall, New York and take Route 4 East. Continue about four miles and take a right onto County Route 21. UPICK is .3 of a mile on the left. Payment: Cash, Check. We pick Macs, Empires, Regular Cortlands, Red Cortlands, Red Delicious and limited Spies
• Billy Bob's Orchard - apples, and prepicked produce, school tours
  720 County Road, Putnam Station, NY 12861. Phone: (518) 547-8309. Email: billy-bob'sorchard@hotmail.com. Open: Fall Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Payment: Cash, only.
• Fairview Orchard - U Pick Apples
  11962 State Route 4, Whitehall, NY 12887. Phone: 518-282-9616. Roadside Stand, Cider.
• Sbardella Orchards - apples
  141 Manchester Road, Hampton, NY. Phone: 802-345-2704. Email: donna@sbardellaorchards.com. Directions: Click here for a map. Open: Please see the Orchard Hours page for hours and more information.We are a pick your own apple orchard located in Hampton, New York. (on the NY/VT border) . We will be opening on only one day in September for U-pick and will be picking early Macintosh apples. We also have cider doughnuts, apple cider, maple syrup, honey, and animals for the kids to see! (ADDED: August 29, 2008, suggested by a visitor)
  Comments from a visitor on August 29, 2008: "Macintosh, Cortland, Northern Spies all pick your own! Honey, maple syrup, and fresh cider from local providers as well."

 

 

 

Apple

Apple Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Apples ripen from the outside of the tree towards the center, so the apples out the outside of the tree will ripen first.  Once they are picked, they stop ripening. Picking apples directly from a tree is easy. Roll the apple upwards off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull straight away from the tree. If two apples are joined together at the top, both will come away at the same time. Don't shake the trees or branches.  If the apple you are trying to pick drops, (or others on the tree) go ahead and pick it up. They're perfectly fine! But do wash them before you eat them! More info: How to tell when apples are ripe

• Once picked, don't throw the apples into the baskets, place them in gently, or they will bruise and go bad more quickly.
• Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage.
• For an explanation of why apple slices turn brown and how to stop it, see this page!
• Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life.  A cool basement is ideal, but the fruit/vegetable drawer of a refrigerator will work, too.  A refrigerator is fine for small quantities of apples. Boxed apples need to be kept in a cool, dark spot where they won't freeze. Freezing ruptures all of an apple's cells, turning it into one large bruise overnight. The usual solution is to store apples in a root cellar. But root cellars often have potatoes in them: apples and potatoes should never be stored in the same room because, as they age, potatoes release an otherwise ethylene gas, which makes apples spoil faster. If you can keep the gas away from your apples, they will keep just fine. Just don't store them right next to potatoes.
  Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples. See more here: How to store apples at home
• Apples don't improve or "ripen" after being picked - this is an urban myth - see this page for the truth - with references!

Which apple variety is best?

There are tens of thousands of varieties of apples, developed over centuries. They vary in sugar, acoidity, flavors, storing, crispness and many other attributes. See our guides to apple varieties:

• Summary table of many apple varieties and their characteristics
• Detailed descriptions of each apple variety with detailed characteristics
• Apple varieties, sorted by the order in which they typically ripe
• Apple varieties that don't turn brown when they are cut
• Why are some apples brown or spotted inside when you first cut them open?

Canning apples - fully illustrated, with step-by-step instructions

• How to make applesauce
• How to make apple butter 
• How to make apple jelly
• How to make apple pie filling (canned)
• How to can apples
• Home canned apple juice

New!As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

Recipes, illustrated with step by step instructions

• Apple pie recipe and directions and illustrated! I can say, with, ahem, no bias at all, that this is the best apple pie recipe in the world! (Alright, I did have an apple strudel in Vienna once at that place listed in Fodors that was REALLY good, but that wasn't a pie, was it? And since this was the recipe my grandmother used, it must be great!)
• How to make applesauce for a single meal (not canning it) with NO special equipment
• Apple cobbler
• Apple crunch - best of all! Moist, low sugar and using oats!
• Apple crisp - ever-popular, low sugar and using oats!
• Apple, blackberry, cherry, and/or peach cobbler
• Apple-blackberry, crumble - a English favorite (or favourite)

Using fresh apples and miscellaneous

• How to stop cut apples from browning
• Apple festivals - find one near you!
• Apple facts
• Apple seeds and cyanide

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers