The most delicious day trip you’ll take this fall.
Every autumn bucket list should include apple picking – harvest season is in full swing, and October is the perfect time to set out in search of the best orchards New York has to offer. With its most famed city nicknamed “The Big Apple”, it’s no wonder that New York State is the second largest producer of apples in the United States, second only to Washington. Upstate NY is jam-packed with orchards offering variety, family fun, and fall ambiance. Pack a lunch, grab some baskets, and plan a road trip to one of these top four apple picking orchards in upstate New York.
Lone Maple Farm, Broome County, NY
A family-run orchard and farm, Lone Maple is a hidden gem in the beautiful rolling hills of Broome County, NY. For nearly 50 years, the farm has offered market goods that align with their mantra: buy local, eat healthy. The fresh produce, locally sourced wine, and on-site bakery ensure that a trip to Lone Maple Farm has something for everyone. The orchard itself, located just opposite the farm market, offers a “U-Pick” experience in which visitors can grab baskets and set out up and into the hills beyond, in search of their favorite apples. Varieties at Lone Maple Farm include: Honeycrisp, Empire, Cortland and more. The picturesque, quiet and quaint ambiance of the Lone Maple Farm orchard is a can’t-miss.
Apple Hills, Binghamton, NY
Apple Hills is a must-visit if you’re looking for an authentic, family-friendly orchard experience this fall. The name Apple Hills is more than literal – this sprawling 300 acre orchard is apple-focused from top to bottom. Like Lone Maple Farm, Apple Hills is family run and has been a fixture of the upstate New York apple picking community for over 150 years. Apple Hills offers a you-pick experience to visitors, with some of its most popular apple varieties being: Gala, Gingergold, Honeycrisp and Cortland. You can also pick blueberries and raspberries! The fun doesn’t end in the orchard, however, Apple Hills offers a corn maze, wagon rides, a petting zoo, sunflower picking, and even a dine-in experience at the Apple Dumpling Cafe, located on-site. The variety of activities (and apples!) makes Apple Hills a top destination for a day of fall family fun.
Littletree Orchards, Newfield, NY
Littletree Orchards in Newfield, NY, does hospitality and apple picking like no other. With over 10,000 trees and over 20 varieties of apple, a trip to Littletree is a true treat. With hands-on, you-pick apple picking experiences as a priority, Littetree is also dedicated to educating its customers with a fruit-forward, eco-friendly mentality. The Apple Barn, hub of the orchard, offers free maps to visitors to help them locate the best picking varieties of apple, so that whether you’re eating straight from the branch or taking some home to bake, visitors are guaranteed the most delicious crop Littletree has. The Apple Barn itself offers recreational activities for the little ones, and a number of fresh, locally sourced treats for adults and children alike. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly apple picking trip this fall, Littletree Orchards is the way to go.
Owen Orchards, Weedsport, NY
Located in Weedsport, NY, Owen Orchards Cider Mill and Farm Market is a day-trip destination that offers apple picking and beyond. With a commitment to locally crafted goods and on-site grown produce, Owen Orchards values the rich history of farm-to-table living. Offering wagon rides, you-pick apple services, tours and educational resources, Owen Orchards is a hotspot not only for some of the best apples in New York state, but also for fostering an understanding of the importance of the produce industry and an appreciation for the world around us. Famed for their apples, cider mill and cider donuts, and their fresh farm market, a visit to Owen Orchards makes for the perfect autumn leisure trip.
