Residents of the Hudson Valley are likely to recognize apple season when they smell its arrival waiting at a red light, or walking into the grocery store. The sweet smell means that agriculture's ancient rewards have come, but we must gather quickly, for winter is close behind. It's no wonder people from around the region come to pepper these orchards with their families, to experience a touch of harvest and to reconnect with nature as the growing season fades. This year's u-pick apple-tunities are strong, despite predictable price increases, challenging market conditions and some modest crop yields, as well as the tail of the COVID era.

A few things to keep in mind when looking for a u-pick adventure: 1) apple varieties ripen over several months, so not all varieties will be available to pick at one visit. Check websites or call ahead if you want specific varieties. 2) not every orchard allows dogs, and even when they do, they may not be allowed in the orchard area itself. 3) farmers don’t typically like when you dump perfectly good apples on the ground, and 4) no climbing the apple trees, generally.

Most orchards price by the peck, bushel, or half bushel-sized bags they give out for picking. (A peck is equal to eight quarts or two gallons; there are four pecks or eight gallons in a bushel.) Price increases this year run from modest $2-3 per bag to prices doubled from last year's, with some orchards adding a $5 per person entry fee, including extras like corn mazes and petting zoos. Several offer sophisticated dining with stunning views, or farm stands with artisanal food, housewares and more. Pricing is not readily available online in many cases, so you may want to call or email with questions.

Whatever your apple-picking plan, there’s sure to be a local farmer happy to help.

Kids’ Activities Galore

If you want an orchard that has activities suitable for the whole family, these u-pick locations provide a variety of kid-friendly activities to burn off some of their apple-eating energy.

Kelder’s Farm (5755 US 209, Kerhonkson) offers u-pick apples starting at $12.95 for a half peck-size bag. Apple varieties include Ginger Golds, Jonamacs, Cortlands, and, Honeycrisp. For an additional fee, families can access the rest of the farm, which includes fun attractions such as a jumping pillow for kids, mini-golf, a petting zoo, hay rides, a climbable spiderweb, two corn mazes and an apple cannon. Yes, you read that right. Kelder’s offers customers the ability to launch apples over 200 feet at over 100 mph. You can also pick vegetables and other produce. And, of course, the giant gnome outside (Gnome Chomsky: the world's third largest garden gnome!) offers great photo opportunities. A complete ticket price list can be found at keldersfarm.com.

Wilklow Orchards (341 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland) gives you a choice of a large (20 to 25 pounds), or small (10 to 12 pounds) bag. Pickable varieties include Gala, Cortland, Empire, Macoun, Jonagold, Mutsu, Winesap, Rome, Fuji, Cameo and more. On the weekends the farm has hayrides, live music, a food truck, and the Bad Seed Farm Bar. There’s also a playmound, tunnels, a hay jump, XL checkers and tick-tack-toe for the kids. Freshly baked goods, hard ciders and more are also available for purchase. For more info, visit wilkloworchards.com.

Hurds Family Farm (2187 State Route 32, Modena) provides u-pick bags for sale in three sizes: small (up to 7 lbs. of average-sized apples), medium (around 11 lbs. of apples), and jumbo (around 25 lbs. of apples). Once you know the size you want, you can buy more than one. A single small bag runs for $14. Varieties include Gala, Honeycrisp, Ginger Gold, and McIntosh. The orchard also grows green bartlett pears. The farm features corn mazes, a bounce pillow, hayrides, playground area and more. Pony rides will be available starting September 28. The farm is also close to hiking trails for a complete outdoor adventure. Additional details can be found at hurdsfamilyfarm.com.

Environmentally Friendly

While all of our local orchards provide a beautiful array of fruit to choose from, some take a different approach to their growth and maintenance, and actively encourage pollinator propagation.

Majestic Farm (134 Majestic Road, Mountain Dale) is a certified organic u-pick orchard in the region. September’s apple is Crimson Crisp, but the orchard also grows a variety of heritage, boutique apples throughout the growing season, including Zestar, Newtown Pippin, Golden Russet, Esopus Spitzenburg, Ashmead’s Kernel, Enterprise, Galarina and Florina. This year's yield has been light, so picking is limited to private groups booked in advance. The farm does not offer prepared food, but picnics are encouraged. Leashed dogs are allowed, but keep an eye out for their free-roaming chickens. For more information including pricing, visit majesticfarm.com or call 845-241-7488.

Stone Ridge Orchard (3012 NY 213, Stone Ridge) is a 200-year-old, sustainably run, ecologically friendly orchard that uses low-impact spraying and supports pollinators by keeping some areas partially wild. This orchard grows classics like Cortland, Golden Delicious and McIntosh, and also has a few newer varieties, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Macoun and Fuji, as well as its signature Empire apples. U-Pick apples and pears are available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until November, call ahead for current varieties and availability. Aside from eco-friendly fruits, the orchard offers entertainment and food on weekends, a petting zoo, a bounce house, a pizza oven, tasting room, bar, farm-to-table cocktails and a weekly makers market on Sunday until December. Additional details can be found at stoneridgeorchard.com.

Something For Everyone

Some orchards have a few activities for adults and a few for kids, but their main focus is the quality crisp apples just waiting to be plucked.

Saunderskill Farms (5100 Route 209, Accord) is much more than a farm stand. It also features Fuji, Gala, Macintosh, Empire, Macoun and Cortland apples for picking. Kids and adults (but no pets) can wander around the huge corn maze, or shop their fresh baked goods, including pies, donuts, and cakes. The historic orchard offers stunning views of Mohonk Mountain and events for all tastes, including an antique tractor pull in October. And unlike some other orchards, the apples are grown on a trellis system, making them easier to reach for children (and shorter adults). Apple and pumpkin picking is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Details can be found at saunderskill.com.

Wightman Fruit Farm (130 Baker Road, Kerhonkson) specializes in heirloom varieties, growing over 100 types of apples, including Kings Greening, Mac, Cortland, Gala, Cox Orange Pippen, Ashmeads Kernel, Golden Supreme, Macoun, Cherrytown Special, Famouse, King Lucious and Glocknapfel, all available in recent days. This orchard’s wide selection offers up just about any type of apple you may want, from the raw, eating kind, to those especially suited for jam and other confections, and their farmers will gladly help you find the best apples for your family and recipes. For more information, visit wightmanfruitfarm.com.

Dressel Farms (271 State Route 208, New Paltz) is stationed right below the breathtaking Shawangunk Ridge. The farm grows over 300 acres of apple trees with more than 20 different varieties. Its most popular apples are Fuji and Honeycrisp in early September, with Macoun, Cortland, SnapDragon and many others ripening through September and October. Picking is open Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4:30 p.m. through October. Ten-pound bags are $16; 20-pound bags cost $30. Admission is $5 per person, kids under 12 enter free. Parking is free. Visitors are encouraged to leave pets at home. Dogs are prohibited in the orchard, but dog walking areas are available. Their farmstand offers fresh-pressed cider, sparkling cider, as well as their own ice cream line, including Cold Brew Coffee flavor and Apple Cider Donut ice cream featuring their own apples. Check out dresselfarms.com for more information.

Wright’s Farm (699 NY 208, Gardiner) is dog-friendly and provides prime picnicking and tailgating opportunities. Their over 400 acres of well-maintained land offers plenty of room for flying kites, playing frisbee, or just chilling with the family after a fun fall day of apple picking. And if you don’t want to pack your own lunch, the orchard has food onsite for sale, including a bakery. Prices for folks ages 10 and up are $20 for a peck-size bag; those five to nine years old can receive a half peck-size bag for $10. Additional bags are available at entry for canners and cooks. While the orchard’s standout apple may be Empire, it also grows Macintosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland, Macoun, Jonagold, Braeburns, Granny Smiths, Northern Black, Mutsu and much more. Their farm store is open all year, and if you miss apple picking season, cherry picking is offered in June and early July. They also have hemp tours — visit eatapples.com for more information.

And There’s More…

Westwind Orchard (215 Lower Whitfield Road, Accord) produces a wide range of artisanal products from their farm including jams, small-batch maple syrup, a trio of apple cider vinegars, chocolate, chili flakes, a line of sparkling ciders and more. Sadly u-pick apples are not offered this season, though their apples are still available at their farm stand. Evolving recently from an aspiring organic orchard to a hybrid "biointensive" approach, the orchard also features free concerts and a tasting room that serves pizza, pasta, and hard cider for a farm fresh feast for your event, wedding or weekend. See westwindorchard.com for details.

The Hudson Valley is truly blessed with an abundance of u-pick options. The ones mentioned above are not meant to be an exclusive list by any means, but a sampling of the many different flavors, options and amenities offered by our local orchards. And there are many more beyond the Shawangunk Ridge. The important thing to remember is that money spent at a local orchard keeps that money within the community, supporting local growers and our Hudson Valley agriculture.