Apple picking is as time-honored of a tradition on Long Island as spending warm summer days outside at local vineyards. Long Island boasts plenty of orchards and apple-centric farm stands to pick from — literally. Here’s our list of some local North Fork orchards offering U-pick apples, as well as choices on the South Fork and farther afield on Long Island.
On the North Fork
Breeze Hill Farm, Peconic
Breeze Hill has 1,200 apple trees on the property, including ginger gold, red delicious, granny smith, mutsu and more. When arriving on the farm to pick your own apples, you’ll be directed to the spots with the best apples for the time of season. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays, U-pick open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 31215 County Rd 48, Peconic; (631) 876-5159
Harbes Family Orchard, Riverhead
The 15-acre Harbes Family Orchard in Riverhead is open for apple picking in September and October. The farm offers 27 different varieties of apples, including gala, sansa, honey crisp and golden delicious. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy such as a corn maze and hayrides. No pets or outside food and drinks are allowed on the farm. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. 5698 Sound Ave. Riverhead; (631) 298-0800
Hayden’s Peach Orchard, Wading River
Peaches are the name of the game at this Wading River spot — but the apples are known to be delicious, too. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 561 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River (631) 929-1115
Lewin Farms, Calverton
In addition to apples, Lewin also has u-pick peppers, eggplant and pumpkins through October. The five-acre corn maze is generally open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays starting in early September and continuing through late October. It is designed to be challenging and takes between 20 to 35 minutes to complete, depending on how many dead ends you hit. Note: Animals are not allowed in the orchard and it is cash only. There is an ATM at the farm stand. U-pick is generally open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, but they are subject to change. Call for more info. 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton (631) 929-4327
Wickham’s Fruit Farm, Cutchogue
Wagon rides are also available on Saturdays during apple-picking season, providing a fun way to get to the orchards and see the farm. Other items such as apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, pies and preserves are available at the farm stand. No pets are allowed. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. 28700 Main Rd. Cutchogue; (631) 734-6441
Windy Acres Farm, Calverton
The farm stand also sells fresh eggs, flowers, doughnuts and more. And there is a children’s play area. Open weekends 10 a.m to 4 p.m. 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton; (631) 727-4554
Woodside Orchard, Aquebogue and Jamesport
A hub of all things apples, Woodside Orchard has been family owned and operated since 1982. There are two locations: Both have U-pick groves and baked goods, and the Aquebogue location offers hard cider tasting, too. Leashed pets are allowed in the picnic areas but not in the U-pick groves. Jamesport: open weekends 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aquebogue: Open Monday through Friday, closed Wednesday, starting 9/21, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 729 Main Road, Aquebogue; 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport; (631) 722-5770
On the South Fork
Milk Pail U-Pick Farm, Water Mill
Forget Tumbleweed Tuesday. Milk Pail U-Pick Farm proves there’s plenty of fun to be had in the Hamptons after Labor Day. Apple picking begins Sept. 4, and you can kill two birds with one stone and pick up a pumpkin while you’re there. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill (631) 537-2565
Seven Pond Orchard, Water Mill
Another favorite Water Mill spot, Seven Ponds Orchard began apple picking in August. There’s still plenty of redfree, ginger gold and zestar apples left, though. Hayrides, farmer’s markets, corn mazes and other U-Pick produce are also on-site. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 65 7 Ponds Road, Water Mill (631) 726-8015
Hank’s Pumpkintown, Water Mill
Though pumpkins often take center stage at Hank’s, as its name implies, you can still apple pick here. Fall favorites like apple cider, apple cider donuts and corn are some of the things you can grab from the market. Apple picking available on Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 240 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill (631) 726-4667
Farm Stands Further West
As fun as apple picking is, you may want to grab and go. You can get a taste of Long Island apples at these Suffolk and Nassau farm stands.
F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm, Melville
Apples and cider are available at the farm stand at this Melville favorite. Open Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 26 Pinelawn Road, Melville (631) 271-3276
Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms, Dix Hills
Candy apples, apple cider and even apple ice cream are some of the fun finds at this Dix Hills farm stand. You can also purchase fall decorations and mums while there. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6 Bagatelle Road, Dix Hill’s (631) 549-3276
Richters Orchard, Northport
Many spots close for the winter, but Richters Orchard takes the opposite approach, standing open August through May. Find apples and cider at this Northport go-to. Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1 Richters Dr., Northport (631) 261-1980
Pat and Don’s Pumpkin Farm Stand, Yaphank
Apples are available from August to November at Pat and Don’s Pumpkin Farm Stand. But you may want to splurge on the apple pie — it’s known for being the best this side of Briermere Farms. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 142 Long Island Ave, Yaphank (631) 924-7444
