Skip to main content

Discover a Bountiful Fall Harvest in Washington County NY: Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches, and More

Ready to plan a fun trip? Experience the best of fall in Washington County NY! This beautiful region is home to rolling hills, farms, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and more. Discover all the things you can do and see this season with the family.

Pick Your Favorite Apples at Local Orchards

Hicks Orchard

apple trees

Whether you're looking for apples, pumpkins, or fall fun, Hicks Orchard in Granville has it all. A family tradition since 1905, Hicks is New York State's oldest U-pick orchard, offering berries in summer and apples in fall.

The orchard grows over two dozen delicious varieties of apples. But that's not all! They also offer farm activities and great food and drinks, such as their famous cider doughnuts, hard cider at Slyboro Ciderhouse's tasting room, and more.

Apple Hill Orchards

apples on a tree

Nestled in Whitehall, Apple Hill Orchards is a family friendly and family owned orchard where you can pick your own apples or buy a bag of pre-picked ones.

Take a walk around the orchard and check out all the apples that are in season and available to pick.

McWhorter's Orchard

red apples

Visit McWhorter's Orchard in Argyle for fun autumnal activities. The local orchard opens in the fall for apple picking, pumpkin picking, mouthwatering apple cider doughnuts, and more. It's a great way to spend a fall afternoon.

The orchard features a pony ride for kids as well as a wagon ride that can take you to the orchard. Check out McWhorter's Orchard for yourself to see why one Google reviewer called the farm "one of the best-kept secrets in the area."

Find Pumpkins of All Shapes & Sizes

Strawberry Ridge

pumpkins on a wooden display

While berries are the main produce, Strawberry Ridge in Granville is also known for its huge pumpkin patch, which opens in mid-to-late September.

The farm grows over a dozen varieties of pumpkins, including orange, white, and green. Bring the kids and let them pick out their favorite.

As an added bonus that both you and the kids can enjoy, Strawberry Ridge has Scottish Highland Cattle, which many believe to be the cutest type of cattle. Their long hair and big personalities make them a joy to see.

Gardenworks Farm

Pumpkins placed out over a table next to other plants in front of a red barn/shop

When fall comes around, so do new fruits and vegetables that visitors can pick at Gardenworks Farm in Salem. In September and October, the farm welcomes families to stop by for pumpkins, raspberries, fall squash, and more products like apple cider.

Gardenworks also boasts many decorations, crafts, and other goods to purchase inside, including cafe-style food, such as paninis, that visitors can enjoy at its outdoor seating area.

For a friendly farm atmosphere where anyone can feel welcome, Gardenworks is a perfect option!

Hand Melon Farm

pumpkins and gourds on display

The historic Hand Melon Farm is a 425-acre working farm in the heart of Washington County. From summer through fall, they offer U-pick fruits and vegetables. Squash is their specialty in the fall, so find some pumpkins and other vegetables to take home with you.

Although not available in the fall season, if you get the chance to stop in during August, you can try one of the farm's hand melons. The melons, which are the farm's namesake, are renowned by people of the region for being the most delicious type of melon around.

No matter when you make it to the Hand Melon Farm, you are guaranteed fresh produce with great taste.

Attend Fun-Filled Fall Festivals in Washington County

See the Hot Air Balloons High in the Sky

hot air balloons in the sky

Look up and watch massive hot air balloons take off at the annual Adirondack Balloon Festival, which will be held on September 19 - 22, 2024.

This year, the event will be held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport and Crandall Park, just a short drive from Washington County.

Plan a trip to the area in time to see the hot air balloons fill the sky with bright bursts of color. And, be sure to stick around for live music, vendors, tasty food, and more.

Discover Unique, Handmade Products at the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival

fiber products on display

Don't miss one of the most colorful fall festivals of the season, and no, we're not talking about the foliage.

On September 21 - 22, 2024, the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival will bring unparalleled creativity to the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich.

Some of this year's highlights will include over 100 booths featuring wool, pottery, wood, paper crafts, all-natural body care products, festival foods, local craft beverages, family-friendly demonstrations, and more.

Admission to the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival is just $5 for adults, while kids under 13 get in for free. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping, find a decoration for your home, and discover something new!

Fill Up on Beer & Brats in Salem

brats on a grill

Note: This event has been cancelled for 2024.

It's not quite Oktoberfest, but it's also not a traditional bluegrass festival. Instead, it's the annual Beer & Brats Fest at the Salem Courthouse Community Center.

This this food, craft beverage, and music festival will combine the best of both worlds - a classic Oktoberfest bratwurst dinner with various beers produced from local and regional breweries.

« Find more fun things to do in fall

man with glasses with forest background
About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.