Pick Your Own Cherries:
The Hudson Valley Farms and Info You Need to Know
A few years ago, I did something I never thought I’d do. We decided to make a visit to Prospect Hill Orchards in Milton NY to pick your own cherries.
Picking cherries, you ask?
Yes, it’s just like picking apples.
Whether you visit Prospect Hill Orchards in Ulster County NY or another great orchard throughout Hudson Valley, take the day and enjoy picking your own cherries.
If you’re in the planning stages of your pick your own cherries journey, make sure to check these other Posts that will help you with your outing:
- Summer in the Hudson Valley: Things to do & What to Pack
- Hudson Valley Summer Events No to be Missed!
- Farmers Markets Throughout the Hudson Valley
- Hudson Valley Farms and what is ready for pickin
This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.
Things to Know before you go Pick your Own Cherries:
- Cherry Picking Season is short in the Hudson Valley and begins at the end of June to Mid-July
- Sweet Cherries are usually available at the end of June, while Sour Cherries are usually available in July.
- The Orchards are busiest on the weekends, so check their websites for weekday hours
- Some orchards charge an admission fee. Confirm the information before heading out to the orchard.
What Month is Best to Pick Your Own Cherries?
Depending on the year’s climate and rainfall, Pick your own Cherries typically begin in June and can last until as late as July.
Where are the Cherry Picking Orchards Located?
There are wonderful ‘Pick Your Own Cherries’ orchards throughout Mid & Upper Hudson Valley.
Below are a few orchards throughout the Hudson Valley that offer pick your own cherries.
Dutchess County, NY
– Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction)
At the time of this posting, Fishkill Farms is offering Socially-Distanced Picking. Reservations are required in order to pick your cherries and you must choose a ‘picking package’.
There will be a maximum of 5 people per reservation and you will be allowed to pick for 1 hour only.
CHERRY PICKING HOURS: (as of the date of this published post)
Tuesday – Sunday: 9am – 4:45pm by Reservation ONLY
WEBSITE:
fishkillfarms.com
– Mead Orchards (Tivoli)
Mead Orchards provides picnic tables, as well as, plenty of open spaces for blankets and responsible picking.
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Sweet Cherries:
Late June to early July
Sour Cherries:
Between Early and Mid-July
ADMISSION:
No admission or parking fees
WEBSITE:
www.meadorchards.com
– Rose Hill Farm (Red Hook)
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Anticipated start date: June 20th, 2024
ADMISSION:
No info yet
WEBSITE:
www.pickrosehillfarm.com
Orange County, NY
– Lawrence Farms (Newburgh)
Pricing and picking containers are available at the Market (so stop by there first). Picnics are allowed and there is a play ground on the premises.
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Late June – July
Daily: 9am – 4pm
ADMISSION:
$7 per person Monday-Thursday and $10.00 per person Friday-Sunday and Holidays
WEBSITE:
lawrencefarmsorchards.org
– Ochs Orchard (Warwick)
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Late June – July
ADMISSION:
No info yet
WEBSITE:
www.ochsorchard.net
Ulster County, NY
– Prospect Hill Orchards (Milton)
There are three different container sizes & prices for cherry picking.
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Reservations are required for the 2024 picking season.
Starting: June 23rd
ADMISSION:
Fee is part of the reservation
WEBSITE:
prospecthillorchards.com
– Tantillo’s Farm Market (Gardiner)
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Daily beginning end of June
ADMISSION:
No admission fees
WEBSITE:
Tantillo’s Farm Market FB Page
Did you Know that Sunflower Season is right after Cherry Picking Season?
Reference my article all about Sunflower Fields in NY so you know
where to go and what to do when you get there!
Columbia County, NY
– Fix Bros Fruit Farm (Hudson)
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Sweet Cherries
Beginning June 19th
Sour Cherries
Beginning of July
Open Daily
ADMISSION:
No info at this time
WEBSITE:
www.fixbrosfruitfarm.com
– Smith Farms (Hudson)
CHERRY PICKING DATES: (as of the date of this published post)
Cherries
Around June 21st, 2024
Open Daily: 10am – 4 pm
ADMISSION:
No info at this time
WEBSITE:
www.smithfarmshudson.com
What is so special about Pick Your Own Cherries?
#1: Pick Your Own Cherries comes around for a very short period of time
Pick Your Own Cherries is a special event and it’s very short window compared to picking other fresh fruit at orchards throughout the Hudson Valley. Cherries are only here from late June through July.
#2: Good/Delicious Things come in Small Packages
Do you know anyone who does not love sweet or sour delicious cherries.
How about?
- Cherry soda
- Vanilla/Cherry Ice Cream
- Cherries on top of ice cream
- Cherry Pie
#3: It’s a wonderful, outdoor experience that can be shared with your special people/person
Even though there may be restrictions set, the ‘Pick Your Own Cherries’ Community strives to make it the best and safest activity that you can do.
What’s better than going outside and enjoying the fresh air while picking the best and freshest fruit for you and your family? Absolutely Nothing…
Have I convinced you yet to pick your own cherries?
Cherry Picking/Storing Tips:
- There are two types of cherries: Sweet cherries and sour cherries.
- Some people call the sour cherries: tart or pie cherries.
- Most people eat sweet cherries as they are and prefer sour cherries in pies, jams, preserves and jellies.
- Cherries will not ripen off the tree, so make sure you’re picking the fruit at its peak.
- Sweet cherries are firm when they’re ripe and should never be ‘mushy’ and they should have shiny skin.
- Cherries with stems attached will keep longer when placed in the fridge.
- Do not wash the cherries when you get home until you are ready to use them. They will spoil quicker if they are washed prematurely.
- Cherries are very perishable and will only keep in the fridge for a few days after picking. So consume them as quickly as possible or freeze them as soon as possible after bringing them home.
- If you can’t eat them all quickly, then use these fruit saver containers. I use these and they have been a lifesaver, especially for fruits that go bad pretty quickly (strawberries and raspberries)
Tips for an Amazing Time Picking your Own Cherries:
- Call the farms beforehand to confirm the hours, availability, & cherry varieties
- Wear comfy clothes, a hat and and comfy, closed toe shoes, like my favorites here.
- Bring a water bottle with water to stay hydrated, like this one and wear sunscreen.
- Avoid weekends, if you can, and go early in the morning to beat traffic, get a good parking spot and to beat the crowds and the summer afternoon heat.
- Pack food and beverages as many farms do not offer concessions/farm stores.
- If you can, bring a cooler with ice for transporting your cherries back home and minimize the cherries overheating in the car.
Read More:
Free things to do in the Hudson Valley
Summer in the Hudson Valley: Things to do & What to Pack
Summer Events in the Hudson Valley not to be missed!
Until the Next Adventure…
PIN IT FOR LATER!
