The 7 Must-Visit Apple Picking Orchards On Long Island For The Freshest 2025 Fall Harvest
The crisp air of the North Fork and the promise of a perfect Honeycrisp are calling. Long Island's apple-picking season is a celebrated annual tradition, drawing families and fall enthusiasts from across New York and beyond. For the freshest, most rewarding experience, you need the most up-to-date information on which orchards are truly the best, what unique apple varieties they offer, and the critical details for the most recent harvest season.
As of late December 2025, we’re looking back at the incredible Fall 2025 harvest and preparing for the next season. This comprehensive guide highlights the premier U-Pick destinations that stood out for their bountiful yields, unique farm experiences, and commitment to quality, ensuring your next autumn outing is unforgettable. These farms are the heart of Long Island's agricultural scene.
The Premier U-Pick Destinations on Long Island (2025 Season Review)
Long Island's apple orchards, primarily clustered on the North Fork, offer more than just fruit; they provide a full-fledged autumnal experience. The 2025 season saw a fantastic turnout with many farms offering their signature attractions and a wide array of apple types. Here are the top seven farms that consistently rank as the best for apple picking in Long Island, NY.
1. Harbes Orchard (Riverhead)
Harbes Orchard is arguably the most recognized name in Long Island's U-Pick scene, famous for its family-friendly atmosphere and vast 78-acre property.
- 2025 Season Details: The orchard typically kicks off its apple picking season around Labor Day Weekend, with the 2025 opening on Saturday, August 30.
- Apple Varieties: Harbes cultivates over 27 different types of apples, appealing to every palate. Look for popular choices like the coveted Honeycrisp, Zestar, Gale Gala, Blondee, and Rubymac. For something different, the Suncrisp is a must-try.
- Unique Attractions: The farm is a destination in itself, featuring the annual Honeycrisp Apple Festival, a massive corn maze, and a delightful barnyard adventure for younger children. They also offer a wine and hard cider tasting area for adults.
2. Lewin Farms (Calverton)
A fourth-generation family farm, Lewin Farms holds the distinction of being one of the first U-Pick operations on Long Island. It maintains a rustic, authentic farm feel that many visitors cherish.
- Apple Varieties: Lewin Farms is known for an extensive selection. Beyond the common types, they sometimes feature more unique varieties like Arkansas Black, which is excellent for long-term storage and baking.
- Unique Attractions: A major draw is their intricate and unique corn maze, which is redesigned annually, offering a fresh challenge every fall. They also offer U-pick pumpkins and Christmas trees later in the year, making it a year-round destination.
3. The Milk Pail (Water Mill)
Located in Water Mill, The Milk Pail offers a quintessential Hamptons farm stand experience with high-quality U-Pick apples.
- 2025 Season Details: The farm typically opens for U-Pick on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend and operates Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm throughout September and October.
- Focus: The Milk Pail focuses heavily on the U-Pick experience combined with a fantastic farm market, perfect for picking up fresh cider donuts, pies, and local produce after your harvest.
4. Woodside Orchards (Aquebogue & Jamesport)
If your primary fall craving is hard cider, Woodside Orchards is your destination. With two locations on the North Fork, they are celebrated for their apple-based beverages.
- Unique Attractions: Woodside is famous for its hard cider, which is made on-site and available for tasting and purchase. They offer various seasonal flavors that perfectly complement a fresh bag of picked apples.
- Experience: Both locations provide a classic U-Pick experience, but the Jamesport location is often noted for its slightly larger U-Pick area, while the Aquebogue spot is excellent for the market and cider tasting.
Exploring Unique Apple Varieties and Farm Features
To truly maximize your apple-picking adventure, it pays to know which farms specialize in unique or less common apple types. Topical authority in the apple world means knowing your Gala from your Mutsu.
Breeze Hill Farm Preserve: The Variety King
Breeze Hill Farm Preserve in Peconic stands out for its sheer scale and diversity. With over 75 acres dedicated to orchards, they boast one of the largest selections of apples on Long Island.
- Variety Count: They offer an impressive 26 distinct apple varieties. This diversity ensures that no matter when you visit during the season (late August to late October), there will be a perfect, ripe apple waiting.
- Recommended Picks: While the full list is extensive, their top 10 list often includes excellent baking apples and crisp eating apples, making it a great stop for serious apple enthusiasts.
Fink's Country Farm and F&W Schmitt Family Farm: The Family Fun Specialists
For families with younger children, the best U-Pick experience often includes a host of other activities. Fink's and Schmitt's are masters of this all-in-one fall entertainment model.
- Fink's Country Farm (Wading River): Beyond apple picking, Fink's is known for its extensive playground areas and family-focused pricing structures that often bundle U-Pick with other attractions. Their fall school tours are also a major feature, ensuring a lively atmosphere.
- F&W Schmitt Family Farm (Melville): This farm, open from late September to early November (Sept 20–Nov 2 in 2025), offers classic fall attractions like wagon rides, a large corn maze, and pumpkin picking alongside their apple operations.
Essential Tips for the Best Long Island Apple Picking Experience
Planning your trip correctly can make the difference between a good day and a perfect one. The apple picking season in New York generally runs from late August through late October. Different apple varieties ripen at distinct times throughout this harvest season, so always check the farm's website or call ahead for the most current 'What's Ripe' report.
Timing Your Visit for Peak Freshness
Early Season (Late August - Early September): This is the time for early-ripening varieties like Zestar and some Gala varieties. The crowds are generally smaller, and the weather is often warmer.
Mid-Season (Mid-September - Early October): This is the peak window when the most popular apples, especially the highly sought-after Honeycrisp, are ready for picking. Expect the largest crowds on weekends during this period, particularly at Harbes Orchard.
Late Season (Mid-October - Late October): Look for excellent baking and storage apples, such as Fuji, Pink Lady, and the unique Arkansas Black. This is also a great time to combine apple picking with pumpkin picking, as many farms transition fully into their pumpkin patch operations.
Logistics and Preparation
Check Pricing Structures: Most Long Island farms charge an entry fee or require you to purchase a bag upfront for picking. For example, Harbes Orchard mentioned Fall 2025 pricing that often includes admission to their attractions. Always confirm the cost of the bag and any separate admission fees.
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Orchard fields can be muddy, uneven, or dusty. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are essential for a comfortable experience.
Hydration and Snacks: While all these top farms offer incredible treats like cider donuts and fresh-pressed cider, bringing water and a small snack is always a good idea, especially if you plan to spend hours wandering the rows.
Support Local Agriculture: Continued support for these Long Island orchards ensures that the tradition of U-Pick remains vibrant and that the local agricultural economy thrives. Choosing a farm-fresh apple is a choice that benefits the entire community.
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