Apple Picking at Smith’s Orchard and Cider Mill

New York Apples

Apple seeds were brought over to New York from Europe in the 1600s. Today, New York is the second largest apple producing state in the US with many varieties grown across the state. Considering this history (and NYC’s Big Apple nickname), it’s no surprise apples were designated as the state fruit in 1976. 

Western New York is home to many farms and orchards. Many of them welcome visitors to come to pick their own or purchase already harvested apples every fall. My husband and I usually go apple picking at Smith’s Orchard and Cider Mill each fall and get ourselves some delicious apple cider slushies.

Apple Picking at Smith’s Orchard and Cider Mill

The 20-acre orchard is easily navigated with the rows of different varieties labeled so you can pick your favorites. Smith’s Orchard grows several varieties including Macintosh, Cortland, Empire, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Crispin, Ida Red, and Rome. They’ll have something for everyone, whether you want apples for a sweet, crunchy snack, or for baking into delicious treats. Ladders aren’t really needed since the trees’ branches are kept trimmed down to be easily reached, even by kids.

Open weekends seasonally from September through December, apple picking at Smith’s Orchard is a fun fall activity. The orchard is located at 4960 Mapleton Rd in Pendleton, NY. There is a small parking lot in front of the orchard and buildings as well additional parking behind the barn.

Upon arriving at the orchard, stop in the barn to get bags from the employees who will let you know what varieties are ready for harvest that day. You can wander the rows of trees and take your time picking the tastiest looking apples, or purchase just what you need from the freshly picked apples in the bins by the barn. Once you’re done picking, then head into the barn for the employees to weigh and ring up your purchases.

Fresh Pressed Cider

The cider mill is home to the farm’s 100+ year old cider press where visitors can watch apples being crushed into fresh cider. This is also where you can get freshly pressed cider in all forms: fresh squeezed, hot, or ice-cold slushie. Cider donuts and other local products are available for purchase as well as gallons of cider to take home. 

After picking our apples, I always get one of the cider slushies as a treat and we get a gallon cider to take home with us. The apples we’ve picked over the years have become snacks, apple pies, harvest apple cakes, apple crisps, and jars of apple sauce. Going apple picking at Smith’s Orchard  is one of my favorite fall traditions and should be on everyone’s autumn bucket list!

Have you ever gone apple picking? What’s your favorite fall activity?