Where to Go Apple Picking this Fall

Apple picking is one of those fall traditions that never seems to get old. Add cider donuts, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and a scenic drive out east, and you have an easy family outing that appeals to both kids and adults.

Suffolk County has plenty of orchards to choose from, but they offer very different experiences. Some are full fall destinations with rides and children’s activities, while others provide a quieter, more traditional day among the apple trees.

Here are nine of the best apple-picking spots in Suffolk County, along with what makes each one special, their addresses and current seasonal hours.

Because apple availability and operating hours can change due to weather and crop conditions, always check with the farm before leaving home.

Woodside Orchards

Woodside Orchards is a family-run North Fork orchard known for its fresh apples, cider, cider donuts and locally produced hard cider. It has two locations, but their apple-picking schedules are different.

The Jamesport orchard offers weekend picking and has a casual, traditional farm atmosphere. Its farm stand is cash only, although cards are accepted at the hard cider bar. The Aquebogue location offers weekday picking and also has a tasting room where adults can sample Woodside’s hard cider.

Woodside is a great choice if you want a smaller orchard experience without the crowds and attractions found at some of the larger farms.

Jamesport address: 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport, NY 11947
Jamesport hours: Weekends, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission for apple picking is generally 4:30 p.m.

Aquebogue address: 729 Main Road, Aquebogue, NY 11931
Aquebogue hours: Weekday apple picking only. The tasting room is generally open Thursday through Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check the orchard’s current schedule before visiting.

Harbes Orchard

Harbes Orchard is one of the best options for families who want an entire day of fall activities. In addition to apple picking, visitors can explore a Robin Hood-themed corn maze, pick pumpkins, take a wagon ride and enjoy children’s activities, fall food and weekend live music.

The orchard grows 27 apple varieties using a trellis system that keeps much of the fruit within reach of younger children. Admission is required, so Harbes is more expensive than a simple pick-your-own orchard, but it also offers significantly more to do.

This is one of the most popular fall destinations on the North Fork. Arrive near opening if you want easier parking and lighter crowds.

Address: 5698 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekends and holidays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wickham’s Fruit Farm

Wickham’s Fruit Farm offers one of the most charming and traditional apple-picking experiences on the North Fork. The historic Cutchogue farm spans approximately 300 acres and grows a wide selection of fruit throughout the season.

Along with pick-your-own apples, Wickham’s has a farm stand selling fresh produce, cider, baked goods and its popular cider donuts. The setting feels peaceful and authentic, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to focus on the orchard rather than rides and attractions.

Pick-your-own availability is limited and changes frequently, so call the farm in the morning before making the drive.

Address: 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, NY 11935
Apple-picking hours: Typically Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The farm is closed on Sundays. Availability is subject to change, so advance confirmation is strongly recommended.

Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve

Breeze Hill Farm is a beautiful Peconic orchard with 26 apple varieties and scenic views that make it especially appealing for a relaxed North Fork outing.

Visitors can pick apples, stop at the farm market and enjoy fresh cider and cider donuts. The farm also has outdoor seating and fire pits, creating a slower and more peaceful experience than many of the larger fall attractions.

Breeze Hill is a good choice for couples, families and anyone who cares just as much about the setting as the apple picking.

Address: 31215 County Road 48, Peconic, NY 11958
Hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday hours may vary.

The Milk Pail U-Pick Farm

The Milk Pail is a family-owned Water Mill farm with a history that stretches back generations. Its U-Pick Farm offers apples, pumpkins, gourds, squash and sunflowers during the fall season.

The orchard grows more than 20 apple varieties, including several less-common varieties. Many of the trees are a comfortable height for children, making this an approachable option for families with younger kids.

The U-Pick Farm is located separately from the Milk Pail Farm Market, so make sure you enter the Horsemill Lane address when navigating there.

U-Pick address: 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, NY 11976
U-Pick hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., generally from Labor Day weekend through October. Weather-related closures are possible.

Farm Market address: 1346 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976

Hank’s Pumpkintown

Hank’s Pumpkintown is one of the biggest fall destinations on the South Fork. In addition to apple and pumpkin picking, it offers corn mazes, wagon rides, tractor train rides, giant slides, games and playgrounds.

This is an especially good choice for families who want the children’s activities to be as important as the apple picking. You can easily spend several hours here, so plan for more than a quick trip through the orchard.

Apple picking is generally available on weekends and school holidays. Access to the orchard requires the purchase of an apple bag, which admits a limited number of people.

Address: 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976
General hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Apple picking: Saturdays, Sundays and designated school holidays. Confirm availability before visiting.

Seven Ponds Orchard

Seven Ponds Orchard is a family-friendly Water Mill farm offering pick-your-own apples, berries, vegetables, pumpkins and flowers throughout the growing season.

The farm also has a market, corn maze, hayride and children’s play area known as Toyland. It provides a nice balance between traditional picking and extra entertainment for young children.

Seven Ponds is a good alternative to some of the larger and busier Hamptons fall attractions. Its selection changes regularly, so check the farm’s social media pages or call before visiting if you are looking for a particular apple variety.

Address: 65 Seven Ponds Road, Water Mill, NY 11976
Hours: Generally open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours and picking conditions should be confirmed before your visit.

Lewin Farms

Lewin Farms is one of Long Island’s best-known pick-your-own farms. Its apple season generally runs from late August through October, with different varieties becoming available as the season progresses.

The experience is more focused on picking than elaborate attractions, although Lewin Farms also operates a seasonal corn maze. Its nearby farm stand sells produce, baked goods, ice cream and other local products.

Lewin Farms recommends calling before visiting because the orchard can close temporarily due to weather, limited quantities or heavy picking.

Address: 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton, NY 11933
U-Pick hours: Generally 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with earlier closing times possible later in the season. The farm stand is typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Tuesdays.

Windy Acres Orchard

Windy Acres is a family-operated Calverton farm conveniently located near Exit 71 of the Long Island Expressway. This makes it one of the easier eastern Suffolk orchards to reach from Huntington, Northport and other parts of western Suffolk County.

The farm grows numerous apple varieties and typically offers tractor-pulled rides to the picking fields. Visitors can also stop at the market and bakery or let the kids enjoy the farm’s play area.

Windy Acres is a strong option for families who want apple picking and children’s activities without driving all the way to the North Fork or Hamptons.

Address: 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton, NY 11933
Farm hours: Generally open daily during the fall season.
U-Pick hours: Commonly offered from approximately 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the daily schedule changes according to weather and crop availability. Call 631-727-4554 or check the farm’s current social media updates before visiting.

Which Suffolk County Apple Orchard Is Best for You?

For a full day of family activities, choose Harbes Orchard or Hank’s Pumpkintown.

For a traditional apple-picking experience, try Lewin Farms or Wickham’s Fruit Farm.

For a smaller orchard with cider and a relaxed atmosphere, visit Woodside Orchards.

For a scenic North Fork outing, choose Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve.

For apple picking in the Hamptons, consider The Milk Pail or Seven Ponds Orchard.

For a convenient option that does not require driving as far east, try Windy Acres Orchard in Calverton.

Whichever orchard you choose, arrive as early as possible on fall weekends. You will have an easier time parking, encounter smaller crowds and get the best selection of apples. Comfortable shoes are also a must, especially if the orchard requires a wagon ride or walk to the active picking fields.

Most importantly, check the farm’s website, social media account or recorded phone message on the morning of your visit. Apple varieties, picking hours and field conditions can change quickly, even when the farm itself remains open.