Whether it be the crunching of rusted autumn leaves under boots, the warm crackling of the fireplace, or cuddling up in cozy wool blankets, the fall season always brings an air of nostalgia. If you’re looking to spend a fall immersed in nature and the great outdoors while not straying too far from Westchester, apple picking is a great option. The crisp air filled with the scent of fresh apples while sipping hot cider makes it among the most fun and iconic fall activities. If you are a foodie, do not worry because each location mentioned below offers sweet apple cider donuts, freshly baked pies, and apple cider. Some fun farms and orchards that are merely one drive away include:
HARVEST MOON FARM & ORCHARD
Open on the weekends during September and October, Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard is a short half-hour drive away, located in North Salem, New York. It has over thirty varieties of apples ready for picking, as well as a pumpkin patch. The orchard has a rural, countryside vibe. “I really liked the farm-to-table restaurant that they have… and I would definitely go back there again,” Caroline Wu ’27 said. “It’s a great place to go to spend time, eat food, and relax.” Their pumpkin cheesecake is highly recommended.
LYMAN ORCHARDS
About an hour and a half drive from Westchester, Lyman Orchards is located in Middlefield, Connecticut. The orchards make for a fun full-day getaway with a variety of activities such as a farm market, a pick-your-own season including apples and pumpkins, a corn maze, wagon rides, and a golf club in the fall. In addition, the orchard sells pies that have a combination of fresh fruits, sugar, and crispy crust that are near perfection.
FISHKILL FARMS
This family-owned orchard is located in the town of East Fishkill, New York, which is only an hour’s drive away. The farm offers a pick-your-own season that runs from September 3rd to October 27th. The weekends are a great time to visit because of the Farms Fall Harvest Festivals with wagon rides, live music, a corn maze, and more!
Another activity many find the most enjoyable in fall is hiking. Being surrounded by nature and admiring the fall foliage is worth the sweat. Hiking is also a good break from stress such as school and extracurriculars. Some accessible and beautiful locations include:
BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
The park features sights and activities ranging from a lake, river fishing, and a swimming pool to trails suitable for hiking and biking. Situated in Tomkins Cove, an hour’s drive, the park’s beautiful views and colorful foliage are worth the drive. “I went in the fall and the trees there were orange and yellow so that was really pretty, and I enjoyed walking my dog around the lake,” Annika Yogaratnam, ’27 said. “I definitely recommend going there.” Bear Mountain State Park is the way to go if you are looking for a relaxing walk with beautiful scenery.
ROCKEFELLER STATE PARK PRESERVE
Located in the village of Pleasantville, the preserve is primarily composed of hardwood forest. The Rockefeller State Park Preserve contains scenic routes through meadows, hills, and valleys of varying lengths making it great for families. The park also holds events that require registration such as birdwatching, yoga, and stargazing. Since the preserve is right in Westchester County, there’s no reason not to go enjoy a peaceful and intimate walk before winter hits.
