As the busy months of berry-picking come to an end, the late summer season arrives to herald the time for picking peaches!
Depending on the weather and the farm you visit, the best peaches can be harvested from early July through late September, so there’s still plenty of time to plan a fruitful picking trip.
When harvesting, take note of the look, smell, and feel of the peaches. Does the skin still have some green pigment? (Ripe fruits should be reddish-orange, yellow, or white depending on the variety.)
Is it firm, or does it have some “give”? (Peaches that are too firm are still developing.)
Does it have a sweet peachy fragrance? (No scent is a sign it needs a little longer.)
Peach-picking tips at the ready, we’ve listed 15 of the best peach-picking farms and orchards to visit in New York from Suffolk to Saratoga County. Happy harvesting!
1. Burnap’s Farm Market
Family-run since 1970, Burnap’s Farm grows top-quality fruit, vegetables, and flowers and has a garden cafe overlooking its beloved apple picking orchards!
With a corn maze, ice cream parlor, market, and bakery, there’s plenty to keep both adults and kiddies amused, and the many U-pick fruits available mean a great day out for the whole family.
Peaches are available at Burnap’s Farm from August onwards.
- Location: Sodus, Wayne County
- Types of Peaches: White peaches and donut (flat) peaches
- Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mon.-Wed.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, and apples
2. Dubois Farms & Tavern
The purchase of an abandoned farm intended for housing plots led owners at Dubois Farm to reinvigorate the local farming scene by re-planting old and sought-after fruit trees before opening their doors in 2006.
The now revitalized farm is flush with incredible vineyards and orchards and offers a fresh selection of fruits, veggies, and baked goodies in addition to a winery, tavern, pizzeria, petting zoo, wagon rides, and much more!
Dubois Farms has peaches available to pick from early July to late September and states that no pets are allowed on the premises.
- Location: Highland, Ulster County
- Types of Peaches: White peaches
- Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, plums, apples, and grapes
3. Prospect Hill Orchards
Run by the Clarke family for over 200 years, Prospect Hill Orchards is home to nearly 12 acres of peaches and nectarines, so there’s no danger of going home empty-handed!
Lookout for exciting varieties including ‘Sugar Giant’, ‘Flaming Fury’, and ‘Blushingstar’.
Note that Prospect Hill Orchards has three different locations – you’ll find the peaches at their Hilltop farm site at the 340 Milton Turnpike.
Peach season is July through August at the orchards, and visitors are advised to wear tick repellent due to the growing issue of ticks in Hudson Valley.
- Location: Milton, Ulster County
- Types of Peaches: Yellow and white peaches, donut peaches
- Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (Hilltop), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. from Sept. 16 (Homestead location)
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Sweet and sour cherries, apricots, plums, apples, and pears
4. Indian Creek Farm
Indian Creek Farm is nestled in Finger Lakes wine country and is among the oldest orchards in New York.
Enjoy a whopping 40 acres of crop picking in addition to apple-bobbing games, fresh farm produce at the roadside farm stand, and picnic areas.
Harvest season for peaches runs from August through the beginning of September, and you can subscribe to their “fresh crop alerts” for email alerts on fruit availability and insider info to stay one step ahead!
Visitors are asked not to bring their dogs along and to refrain from using tall ladders in the orchard as these are for farm crew only.
- Location: Ithaca, Tompkins County
- Types of Peaches: 10 varieties of white, yellow, and donut peaches
- Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, plums, melons, apples, raspberries, pears, and nectarines
5. Apple Ridge Orchards
50 miles from the city, the super scenic Apple Ridge Orchards is home to two fruit orchards, a pumpkin patch, and acres of gorgeous rustic beauty.
The orchard also welcomes school groups to give kids a taste of life on the farm.
They also offer a petting zoo with farm animals, a “Spookley” movie night in October, and a drive-thru Christmas Light show!
While the farm market accepts card payments, it’s cash only for admission to the orchards and for pick-your-own purchases.
Also, due to weather and ripening schedules, visitors are advised to call ahead for up-to-the-minute PYO info.
- Location: Warwick, Orange County
- Types of Peaches: White and yellow peach
- Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples
6. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
Just an hour North of NYC, the family-operated Wilkens Farm features pick-your-own apple, peach, and pumpkin patches; a winery; and a market shop.
Plus, as its name suggests, it’s also home to acres of fir trees that are open to the public after Thanksgiving for Choose-n-Cut Christmas trees!
Peach picking season runs from late August and continues into September, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own boxes/baskets for harvesting, though there are normally boxes to borrow on arrival.
Dogs are not permitted on the family farm.
- Location: Yorktown Heights, Westchester County
- Types of Peaches: White peaches
- Hours: Wed.-Mon. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples
7. Fishkill Farms
Fishkill has been a family-run farm for over a century and boasts a lengthy and abundant pick-your-own season starting with strawberries in early June to Asian and European pear varieties and apples into early November.
The stone fruits, apples, and pears are grown as close to organic as possible too!
Peaches are in season from mid-July to early September. No pets are allowed anywhere in the orchards but can be (leashed) in the bar and courtyard.
Also, note that picking containers are provided for you, and bringing your own containers is not permitted.
- Location: Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County
- Types of Peaches: White peaches
- Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries, pears, apples, and nectarines
8. Love Apple Farm
Love Apple Farm was started up in 1969 by struggling actor and model brothers Chris and Rande Loken, and today, second-generation owners Francis and Isabelle continue to nurture this community favorite.
The farm draws in people of all ages with a playground, petting zoo, bakery, gift shop, and 80 glorious acres to pick your own fruit.
Visitors must check in at the market before entering the orchard, and the farm offers U-pick fruit containers and asks that no outside containers be brought in. No dogs are allowed on the farm.
- Location: Ghent, Columbia County
- Types of Peaches: White and donut peaches
- Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples, apricots, gooseberries, currants, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and plums
9. Stuart’s Fruit Farm
In operation since 1828, this family-owned-and-operated farm carries a beautiful selection of flowers and vegetable crops for spring visitors, hay rides and pumpkin patches to enjoy in the fall, and pre-cut or cut-your-own Christmas trees after Thanksgiving.
Fresh farm produce is also available at the shop and bakery.
Stuart’s farm is cash or check only for all purchases, including pick-your-own charges. No outside bags/containers are permitted.
- Location: Granite Springs, Westchester County
- Types of Peaches: White, yellow, and donut peaches
- Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples
10. Lawrence Farms Orchards
This family-owned U-Pick farm carries all manner of berries and veggies in late spring, gourd and squash varieties in October, and all the crops you could want in between.
Peaches are in season from mid-July to late August, and admission to the farm is higher on Fridays and Saturdays. Pick-your-own fees apply.
Admission grants access to the cute mini village of play houses, the petting zoo housing goats and horses, and the farm shop selling locally-made honey and donuts fresh from the oven!
Outside containers and pets are not permitted into the orchards.
- Location: Newburgh, Orange County
- Types of Peaches: Yellow and white
- Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, plums, currants, gooseberries, pears, grapes, raspberries, and apples
11. Rose Hill Farm
This 1798-established farm is home to a staggering 144 acres of land, housing various pick-your-own fruit orchards plus a winery/cidery and various foodstand pop-ups throughout the seasons.
Peaches are available from early August through early September.
Look out for ‘Saturn’ and ‘Galaxy’ donut peaches plus the occasional freestone and experimental variety such as ‘Tango 1’, which shares the color and taste of mango!
Visitors are not permitted to bring pets or alcohol onto the premises, and picking containers will be provided for you upon check-in.
- Location: Red Hook, Dutchess County
- Types of Peaches: White, yellow, and donut peaches
- Hours: 3 p.m.-dusk Thurs.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat./Sun./Mon.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples, apricots, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, and plums
12. Ochs Orchard
This 150+ acre farm has been family-run for four generations, and its land and picking orchards overlook the stunning Warwick Valley.
Young kids will love the picking experience, petting zoo, and homemade ice cream while a great selection of locally sourced goodies at the farmer’s market, including ciders, jams, jellies, and pastries, will intrigue big kids too.
Peach season runs from July to September, and admission is charged for those over 4 years old. Note that dogs are not allowed in the picking areas.
- Location: Warwick, Orange County
- Types of Peaches: Yellow, white, and donut peaches
- Hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and apples
13. Lewin Farms
Now in its fourth generation, Lewin Farms takes the title of the first-ever pick-your-own farm in Long Island.
It’s also a proud grower of various fruits and vegetables, seller of local beer and ales, and home to a corn maze and acres of pre-cut or ready-to-cut Christmas trees.
Peaches are in season from July to mid-September. Visitors are advised to call on the day of picking before making a trip in case of limited quantities/weather conditions.
You can purchase containers or bring your own to have it weighed upon entry.
- Location: Calverton, Long Island
- Types of Peaches: White and yellow
- Hours: Wed.-Mon. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
14. Soons Orchard
Operating since 1910, Soons Orchard has an apple orchard of 30 acres packed with 85+ varieties for fresh eating and hard cider-making.
The orchard also has a popular farmer’s market and bakery full of locally-made goodies, and a taproom. You’ll also enjoy their weekly farm-to-table dinners and cocktail hours.
Peach-picking dates usually start in the second weekend of August, and any additional weekends are on a TBA basis, so before you go peach picking, check the farm’s website and Facebook page throughout the season for updates.
Soons Orchard provides containers, and no pets or outside bags are allowed.
- Location: New Hampton, Orange County
- Types of Peaches: White and yellow
- Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (weekends only)
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Apples
15. Windy Acres Orchard
This fifth-generation family-owned farm specializes in U-pick, offering a wide variety of fruit and even sunflowers for you to pick and take home!
It’s also home to a play zone for the kids, corn maze in the fall, farm shop, and occasional live music.
Peaches are available from August through mid-September, and you will receive a picking container and bag to use in the orchard while you pick peaches.
Note that dogs are not allowed on the premises.
- Location: Calverton, Long Island
- Types of Peaches: Yellow and white peaches
- Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., but sometimes only U-pick on weekends
- Other U-Pick Fruits Available: Strawberries, apples, blackberries, raspberries, nectarines, grapes, blueberries, and gooseberries
Enjoy Your Day of Peach Picking!
As you can see, there are many great family-owned peach orchards and farms throughout New York state to fill a basket with your very own delicious peaches, with most sites providing fun activities for kids and things to explore so you can make a memorable day of your fruit picking!
Before hurriedly making a trip to your chosen farm though, be sure to double-check specific rules in regards to bringing pets along, buying/bringing your own containers, and any admission/picking fees.