Fun + Free

Apple Picking Near NYC (No Car Required!)

October 28, 2025
Best places to go apple picking near NYC

Sure, the temps are dropping and the wind’s picking up, but don’t write off fall just yet! The changing of the seasons can provide some amazing opportunities to do something different and encourage you to get outside.  The northeastern U.S. has some really nice spots with beautiful changing of the leaves, seasonal fruits & veggies, and more.  

So, if you’re craving those fall vibes (enter: colorful leaves, cider donuts, apple pie) but don’t have a car, don't fret. Enjoying fall in the northeast is still very much possible directly from campus.  We have found some ways to take a well-deserved post midterms break and escape the city for an orchard day trip using public transit + a short rideshare or taxi at the end.  Here are some of the most accessible orchards, how to get there, and tips to make the day smooth and fun.

Why Go Apple Picking?

  • Spending some time outdoors can provide some fresh relaxation and beautiful scenery: just trees, hills, and fresh air.
  • You get to pick your own apples that are more fresh (and more fun) than apples from the grocery store.
  • It’s an experience!  Many orchards have hayrides, corn mazes, cider donuts, and definitely good photo ops.
  • Great for bonding with friends, date ideas, or even an outing with your student organization. 

That said, the trick is finding orchards that are easy to get to from the city without a long, expensive journey. 

Apple Orchards You Can Reach from Campus via Public Transit

Here are several orchards that people manage to reach from NYC with trains or buses + a short connection.  It is important to always double-check the current transit schedules.  The Metro-North rail will take you upstate to most of these locations.  From the Morningside campus, the M60+ bus from Broadway & W. 116th St goes to the Harlem-125th St. Metro-North station. Also, the Metro-North has multiple lines, make sure you are on the right one.

  • Wilkens Fruit & Tree Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY)
    • How to get there: Take Metro-North to Croton-Harmon, then taxi/rideshare to the farm (~25 min)
    • What else: They also have hayrides, cider donuts, and PYO pumpkins.
    • Pros: One of the closer ones by public transportation.
    • Cons: Taxi cost, limited public transport beyond the major stations.
       
  • Outhouse Orchards / Harvest Moon Farm (North Salem, NY)
    • How to get there:  Take Metro-North to Croton Falls, then taxi/rideshare (~10 min).
    • What else: These two orchards are near each other so why not hit both?
    • Pros: Scenic, good fall farm activities.
    • Cons: Still need a taxi/rideshare, might require reservations.
       
  • Fishkill Farms (East Fishkill, NY)
    • How to get there: Take Metro-North to Beacon. Then take a taxi or rideshare (~20 min).
    • What else: Farm stand, seasonal events, large orchard grounds.
    • Pros: Good size, lively setting, well known.
    • Cons: Still need a taxi/rideshare, might require reservations. 
       
  • Maskers Orchards (Warwick, NY)
    • How to get there: Take the 1 train to Times Square, walk to Port Authority, then take a bus via NJ Transit (route #196) to Warwick, then taxi/rideshare (~10 min).
    • What else: Over 100 years of orchard tradition; many apple varieties.
    • Pros: Lots of apple options, nice orchard grounds.
    • Cons: The bus + final stretch is “involved”; longer travel.
       
  • Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ)
    • How to get there: Take the 1 train to Times Square, walk to Port Authority, then take a bus via NJ Transit (route #47) to Pascack Rd & Hillsdale Ave, then walk or taxi/rideshare (~1 mile).
    • What else: They have a petting zoo!
    • Pros: Close in terms of distance, check out the weekend shuttle.
    • Cons: Might require scheduling or special shuttle availability.
       

Looking for more?  Here is a list of some more apple picking destinations from Time Out New York.   The MTA also has a blog post about this that we recommend checking out.

Tips Before You Go

  • Check orchard websites in advance. Some require reservations for pickup hours, limit group sizes, or have specific open days.
  • Go early. Mornings are less crowded, cooler, and trees are easier to access before branches get trampled.
  • Dress smart. Comfortable shoes (boots), layers, maybe a rain jacket or umbrella (unpredictable NYC weather remains true upstate).
  • Bring supplies. Some items we recommend include a backpack, water, snacks, hand sanitizer, phone charger, bag for holding your apples or anything else you acquire along the way, and maybe a picnic blanket.
  • Budget for the “last mile.” Public transit will get you most of the way, but some destinations may need a taxi, Uber/Lyft, or local shuttle for the final stretch.
     

Final Thoughts

Apple picking is one of those fall rituals that is definitely worth trying if it is within your budget and ability.  The trick is picking a location that’s accessible and a little bit of planning to make sure your day goes smoothly and you can find your way safely back home.   

Can’t make it out of the city?  Check out some activities hosted by University Life that can still get you outdoors and provide a well-deserved break from midterms.