New York state is the second leading grower of apples in the United States, after Washington state. In addition, The United States is the second leading grower of apples after China. It's no wonder that picking your own apples, or visiting a local orchard, is an enjoyable pastime for upstate New Yorkers.
Albany and Rensselaer counties boast several lovely orchards, in addition to two apple festivals. Most of the country orchards are just a short drive from city life.
Albany County
Indian Ladder Farms is located in Altamont, NY. In addition to apples, the farm has pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, blueberries, and pumpkins at the appropriate times. Apple picking usually begins around the second week in August, and lasts through the end of October. Indian Ladders grows 19 varieties of apples, but only 12 are available for pick-your-own. Indian Ladders offers the traditional apple varieties, such as Golden Delicious and Gala, in addition to popular varieties such as Honeycrisp.
In its farm store and cafe, Indian Ladders sells local products and homemade baked goods. The apples grown there are raised using the "Eco-Apples" method. While not organic, Eco-Apples are treated with chemicals and pesticides a lot less than traditional produce.
Indian Ladder has a large property, that includes a cider house and a barn with farm animals. They offer barn tours and host birthday parties for kids, and apple picking parties for kids and grown-ups alike. There is a summer camp for children that focuses on teaching kids about nature, history, and animals.
Altamont Orchards, which holds the annual Capital District Apple Festival & Craft Fair in October, is another option for picking your own apples in Albany County. In addition to pick-your-own, Altamont Orchards has an affiliated golf course and restaurant. The orchards are located at 6654 Dunnsville Road in Altamont, about 5 miles from Indian Ladder Farms.
Altamont has a farm market that is over 18,000 square feet. In addition to apple products and local goods, they have a Christmas shop and a greenhouse that offers hanging plants and other gardening supplies.
Rensselaer County
Goold Orchards offers a second local apple festival in October. In addition to arts and crafts, there are several wineries that display their goods. The orchards are located in Schodack, and have a winery and farm store on the premises. Goold offers seven varieties of pick-your-own apples, including the popular McIntosh and Empire apples.
All three of these orchards offer the popular apple cider donuts. Offered fresh and warm, there are often long lines to buy these unique treats. For more information about picking apples in other areas of New York state, please visit the NY Apple Country website.
Allison Russo - Allison Russo holds a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Most recently she ...
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