While the apples here are delicious and bountiful, Dr. Davies Farm is also well known as a destination for film shoots. Aside from being the location for multiple Saturday Night Live skits, famous faces like Ryan Gosling, Drew Barrymore, and Robert Redford have all shot projects here. But, back to the apples: the farm boasts over 4,000 trees on 55 acres, with nearly two dozen apple varieties. Dogs are also welcome here, so feel free to bring along your furry friends as long as they’re on a six-foot leash. While walk-ins are permitted, those slots are limited, so we recommend booking a time in advance.
By public transport: One hour and 35 minutes. From Penn Station, take NJ Transit to Secaucus. Transfer to the Pascack Valley line and exit at Nanuet.
By car: One hour and 25 minutes

This Hudson Valley farm is always one of the most popular spots for apple picking, but they offer far more than just that. In addition to the orchards, there is an on-site restaurant serving everything from fried pickles to soft-serve ice cream, Treetop Adventures, their aerial adventure park, and the Tap Room, which pours local craft beer, cider, and wine. As for apples: Barton has over 120 acres of trees, and they rotate picking areas frequently to ensure visitors always have access to well-stocked trees and the ripest fruit. They also host frequent weekend events, including Oktoberfest, their fall festivals, and a country music jamboree.
By public transport: 2 hours and 25 minutes. From Grand Central Station, take the Harlem Line towards Wassaic and exit at the Pawling Station. From there, take a cab ride eight miles to the orchards.
By car: 1 hour and 40 minutes

This 270-acre apple orchard has been in the Morgenthau family for over 100 years and has a deep commitment to eco-friendly practices. This fall, apple picking (and other pick-your-own items like pears, blackberries, and flowers) at Fishkill will be by reservation-only. Celebrate your bounty by booking a cider tasting after, which includes a reserved picnic table, a flight of four ciders, and a cheese and charcuterie plate. If this year has you feeling a bit exhausted to do your own picking, don’t sweat it: their organically grown vegetables and eco-certified fruit are all available in their farm store.
By public transport: 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Grand Central Station, take the Hudson Line towards Poughkeepsie. Exit at the Beacon Station and take a cab 12 miles to the farms.
By car: 1 hour and 30 minutes

We won’t lie: the best part of Greig Farm might be all of the ridiculously cute goats that live behind the farm market, but the apples are a very close second. This farm in Red Hook (not the Brooklyn one) grows about a dozen different apple varieties—from Gala to Ginger Gold—which are in season from late August to late October. And plan to stay for at least an afternoon when you visit: in addition to the aforementioned goats, there is also the Sohu craft market located in a renovated dairy barn, an art gallery, and winding hiking trails with views of the Catskill Mountains. Don’t miss Greig’s farm market either, which has an incredible selection of locally produced goods and an excellent cafe to fill your belly before or after picking.
By public transport: 2 hours. From Penn Station, take Amtrak to Rhinecliff, then take a cab 11 miles to the farm.
By car: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Sure, the name may be misleading, but this Water Mill institution is a fantastic choice for apple picking if you’re Out East. At Hank’s Pumpkintown, $30 gets you a one-peck bag of apples like Jonagolds, Cortlands, or Cameos. A peck, by the way, works out to approximately 10 pounds of apples (enough for all your wildest pie dreams). And yes, it’s also worth visiting closer to pumpkin season, when 30 acres of attractions will delight the inner-child in anyone (but be warned that it is incredibly popular, so plan ahead). Activities include everything from narrated hayrides through the corn maze to classic fall snacks like apple cider doughnuts and hand-dipped caramel apples (look out for a brand-new caramel recipe this season). And, of course, don’t forget to grab a fresh-baked pie from their market on your way out.
By public transport: 2 hours and 35 minutes. From Penn Station, take LIRR to Jamaica Station, then transfer to the Montauk Branch. Exit at Southampton and take a taxi two miles to Pumpkintown.
By car: 2 hours and 20 minutes

One of the most family-friendly farms in the region, Harbes offers 78 acres of apple picking with over 27 varieties. But what makes this farm especially great for younger (or short!) pickers is their unique trellis system, which grows apples low enough to the ground for anyone to pick. There is also a wealth of other fall activities here and at Harbes’ other nearby locations, including multiple corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. And their farm store in nearby Mattituck is not to be missed: roasted sweet corn, homemade berry jams, and apple cider doughnuts are just some of the tasty delights.
By public transport: 2 hours and 20 minutes. From Penn Station take the Ronkonkoma Branch towards Ronkonkoma and exit at Mattituck Station. From there, take a taxi four miles to the orchard.
By car: 2 hours and 15 minutes