Best places for pumpkin picking in the Hudson Valley

Alexandra Rivera, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
·5 min read

Apple picking season is in full swing, with orchards across the Hudson Valley bustling with locals and visitors alike. But apple picking isn't the only fun fall activity for the family.

Another yearly staple for local families is visiting the pumpkin patch on a bright and breezy day. There are plenty of places to pick out the best pumpkin in town to transform into a cute jack-o'-lantern or tasty treats.

Here are some of the best places to pick pumpkins in the Hudson Valley:

Westchester

  • Wilkens Farm is open Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 23. The orchard offers pumpkin picking, as well as a corn maze, winery and bakery. No reservations needed. 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights.

  • Outhouse Orchards is open Saturday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Nov. 1. Enjoy pumpkin picking, as well as a hayride and corn maze for the kids and a winery for the adults. Tickets start at $29 and reservations for weekend trips are required. 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem.

Orange

  • Apple Ridge Orchards is open Thursday through Sunday until late October. Sunflowers, pumpkins and apples are available for picking. The orchard also offers a variety of activities for kids like a petting zoo and a "Spookley Movie Night," among the pumpkins on Oct. 13 and Oct. 20. Stop in for apple cider donuts and barbecue this fall and be sure to check the orchard's website around the holiday season for the Holiday Night of Lights. No reservations needed. 101 Jessup Road, Warwick.

  • Lawrence Farms Orchards is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of October. The orchard offers a variety of produce to pick, including pumpkins, grapes and corn. Tasty pumpkin treats are available at their farm stand. No reservations needed. Admission tickets are $7. 306 Frozen Ridge Road, Newburgh.

  • Manza Family Farm and Garden Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of October. The farm is perfect for family fun with pumpkin picking, face painting and a straw maze. After all the fun, grab a bite to eat at the local farm stand. Admission is $10 per car. 730 State Route 211, Montgomery.

  • Och's Orchard is open daily for apple picking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Pumpkins and other produce are available to pick. There is also a petting zoo for kids. The farm market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations needed. Admission is $5 per person for guests above the age of 4. 4 Ochs Ln., Warwick.

  • Soons Orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October. Apples, pumpkins and peaches are available for picking. The pumpkin patch is accessible by wagon. Visit the Orchard Hill Cider Mill Tap Room and the farm market at the end of your visit. Reservations not required. 23 Soons Circle, New Hampton.

Dutchess

  • Fishkill Farms is open for pumpkin picking by reservation only through Oct. 31. Attend a farm yoga class and visit the Treasury Cider Bar after to unwind. The farm hosts fall festivals every weekend, including live music and wagon rides. 9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction.

  • Greig Farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of October. Pumpkins, apples and raspberries are available for picking. Hike the three farm trail loops and visit the koi pond. Stop by the farm market for a homemade lunch. Guests out of town can even stay in one of two houses on the farm through Airbnb. No reservations needed for pumpkin picking. 227 Pitcher Ln., Red Hook.

  • Mead Orchards is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of the fall season. Pumpkins are available for picking. For kids, there's a corn maze, hayrides and a mini village. For adults, check out the food trucks and the farmer's market before your trip ends. 15 Scism Road, Tivoli.

Ulster

  • DuBois Farms is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 22. Pumpkins and other produce are available to pick. Kids can visit the farm animals and play in Tiny Town, while adults can enjoy local wine, cider and tap beer at The Tavern at DuBois Farms. No reservations required. 209 Perkinsville Road, Highland.

  • Prospect Hill Orchards is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are three locations for pumpkin and apple picking; Hilltop Farm, open through Oct. 29, the Homestead Farm and Clarke's Family Farm, both open through Oct. 22. There is also a corn maze and hayrides available for fall fun. The orchard also hosts full moon dinners every month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 340 Milton Turnpike/73 Clarks Ln., Milton.

  • Weed Orchards is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of the season. Aside pumpkin picking, the orchard hosts a variety of events on the weekend including the Fall Fest on weekends throughout October. Visit the winery after a hayride with the family. No reservations required. 43 Mount Zion Rd., Marlboro.

  • Wilklow Orchards is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of October. Pumpkins and apples are available for picking. The orchard also offers hayrides, a farm yard playground and tasty treats at the farm stand. 314 Pancake Hollow Road, Highland.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Pumpkin picking guide in the Hudson Valley 2023