Apple Picking in Columbia County: A Safe Fall Tradition

Best Apple Picking Orchards in Columbia County

Columbia County's rural landscape and moderate elevation create ideal conditions for apple cultivation. The following orchards welcome families and offer u-pick experiences during fall season.

Top-Rated Orchards

Colonial Orchards near Hudson offers extensive u-pick apple operations with over 40 varieties. Located just off Route 9, it's easily accessible from NYC (90 minutes) and features shaded parking, restroom facilities, and a farm stand selling fresh cider and baked goods. The orchard spans approximately 30 acres of producing trees across gentle terrain suitable for families with children ages 3+.

Cascades Orchards in Philmont provides a quieter, more intimate u-pick experience. Their apple selection emphasizes heirloom and unusual varieties—ideal for families wanting to explore beyond standard Red Delicious and Gala apples. The property includes picnic areas and direct access to a scenic walking trail through their property.

Greig Farm near Millerton combines apple picking with educational farm experiences. They host weekend family activities including hayrides, cider pressing demonstrations, and pumpkin patches. Their u-pick apples are organized by section with clear signage and variety identification.

Seasonal Timing: When to Pick What

Apple ripening follows predictable patterns. Understanding which varieties peak when helps you plan visits for optimal picking and taste experiences.

Early Season (Late August–Early September)

Available varieties: Gala, Jonagold, Yellow Transparent. These early-maturing apples are typically the first available for u-pick. Gala apples are perfect for young children—sweeter, easier to pick from lower branches, and excellent eating fresh.

Mid Season (Mid-September–Early October)

Available varieties: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn. Peak season offers maximum variety selection. This is the optimal window for family visits—weather is mild, orchard staff is fully available, and most varieties are at peak ripeness.

Late Season (Mid-October–November)

Available varieties: Empire, Northern Spy, Granny Smith. Late-season varieties are excellent for cooking, cider pressing, and storage. Later dates mean fewer crowds and often reduced admission prices.

What to Bring: Apple Picking Gear & Essentials

Proper preparation makes your orchard visit safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Here are essential items and recommended products for a successful day.

Integrated Tick Prevention for Orchard Visits

Orchards involve walking through vegetation, brushing against branches, and spending extended time in potential tick habitat. Columbia County's early fall tick season (September–October) remains active.

Pre-Visit Preparation

Dress children in light-colored clothing (white or khaki pants), long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Apply permethrin spray to clothing the night before your visit—it's safer outdoors and allows proper drying. Choose permethrin-treated clothing like Insect Shield products for maximum protection without additional application.

During Your Visit

Inspect children every 30 minutes, especially after they've been picking from lower branches or playing on the ground. Pay special attention to sock lines, behind ears, in hair, and in skin folds. Tuck pants into socks and tuck shirts in at the waist to create barriers against crawling ticks.

Post-Visit Protocol

Change clothes immediately upon arriving home. Wash all clothing worn to the orchard in hot water. Inspect children thoroughly—the CDC recommends a full-body tick check. Use a handheld mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas. Shower within 2 hours of returning home if possible.

Kid-Friendly Apple Picking Tips

Make the experience fun, educational, and safe for children of all ages.

Ages 3–5: Introduction to Orchards

Focus on exploration and sensory experience. Let young children pick lower apples (even if they fall) to build confidence. Bring a lightweight basket they can carry themselves. Most pick-your-own orchards allow kids to eat one apple while picking—fresh apples are a taste revelation for young children accustomed to supermarket produce.

Ages 6–10: Active Picking & Learning

Use this age to teach varieties, ripeness identification, and gentle handling. Kids this age love using tools—fruit picker wands make them feel like accomplished foragers. Create a "scavenger hunt" challenge: find red Galas, yellow Goldens, green Granny Smiths, and pink Ladies. Most orchards will weigh your bag and provide a price—teaching basic math and value.

Ages 11+: Challenge & Skill Development

Older kids can participate in orchard education—ask staff about tree age, pruning techniques, and pest management. They can help with picking heavier bags, sorting apples by size, and planning post-pick uses (eating fresh, baking, cider pressing, storage).

Universal Tips for All Ages

• Bring plenty of water—physical activity in orchard terrain is more exhausting than it looks
• Start early (opening time) to avoid crowds and heat
• Plan for 1.5–2 hours of actual picking, plus time for farm stand browsing
• Bring snacks (granola bars, cheese, crackers) for mid-visit energy
• Wear comfortable shoes with good traction—orchard terrain can be uneven
• Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before arrival, reapply mid-visit
• Bring a small first-aid kit for inevitable minor scrapes and bumps

What to Do With Your Fresh-Picked Apples

Beyond eating fresh, your apple haul offers educational and delicious possibilities.

Simple Ideas

Apple Sauce: Cook peeled, cored apples with minimal water (20 minutes) and mash. No added sugar needed—fresh-picked apples have excellent natural sweetness.

Fruit Leather: Blend cooked apples into a thin layer on parchment paper and dry in a 150°F oven for 4–6 hours. Kids love this chewy, portable snack.

Freezing for Winter: Slice and freeze on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Perfect for winter smoothies or baking.

Educational Opportunities

Use the picking experience as a learning springboard. Track weight and price for math practice. research where apples originated (originally Central Asia). Examine seeds and discuss plant reproduction. Explore why different varieties taste different using sensory evaluation.

Plan Your Columbia County Apple Picking Adventure

Apple picking combines outdoor activity, family bonding, fresh produce, and tick prevention education. By preparing properly, dressing wisely, and implementing integrated tick prevention, you create a safe, memorable fall tradition for your family.

When: Late September through mid-October 2025

Where: Colonial Orchards (Hudson), Cascades Orchards (Philmont), Greig Farm (Millerton)

Cost: $3-5 per pound + admission ($5-15 per person)

Duration: 1.5–2 hours active picking + browsing