Fall Fun in Washington County, NY: Your Guide to Apple Orchards & More Near Saratoga
Ready to embrace the crisp autumn air? Washington County, NY, is the perfect destination for fall fun. This beautiful region is home to rolling hills, family-friendly farms, and, most importantly, some of the best apple orchards and pumpkin patches in the state.
Discover everything you can do and see this season to make the most of the vibrant, bountiful harvest with your family.
Pick Your Favorite Apples at Local Orchards
Hicks Orchard
Whether you're looking for apples, pumpkins, or fall fun, Hicks Orchard in Granville has it all. Hicks is New York State's oldest U-pick orchard, a family tradition since 1905. They offer berries in the summer and apples in the fall.
The orchard grows over two dozen delicious varieties of apples. But that's not all! They also offer farm activities and great food and drinks, such as their famous cider doughnuts, hard cider at Slyboro Ciderhouse's tasting room, and more.
Apple Hill Orchards
Nestled in Whitehall, Apple Hill Orchards is a family friendly and family owned orchard where you can pick your own apples or buy a bag of pre-picked ones.
Stroll through the orchard to find apples that are in season and ready to be picked.
McWhorter's Orchard
Visit McWhorter's Orchard in Argyle for fun autumnal activities. The local orchard opens in the fall for apple picking, pumpkin picking, mouthwatering apple cider doughnuts, and more. It's a great way to spend a fall afternoon.
The orchard features a pony ride for kids as well as a wagon ride that can take you to the orchard. Check out McWhorter's Orchard for yourself to see why one Google reviewer called the farm "one of the best-kept secrets in the area."
Find Pumpkins of All Shapes & Sizes
Strawberry Ridge
While berries are the main produce, Strawberry Ridge in Granville is also known for its huge pumpkin patch, which opens in mid-to-late September.
The farm grows over a dozen varieties of pumpkins, including orange, white, and green. Bring the kids and let them pick out their favorite.
As an added bonus, you and the kids can see their Scottish Highland Cattle, which many believe are the cutest type of cattle. Their long hair and big personalities make them a joy to see.
Gardenworks Farm
When fall comes around, so do new fruits and vegetables that visitors can pick at Gardenworks Farm in Salem. In September and October, the farm welcomes families to stop by for pumpkins, raspberries, fall squash, and more products like apple cider.
Gardenworks also boasts many decorations, crafts, and other goods to purchase inside, including cafe-style food, such as paninis, that visitors can enjoy at its outdoor seating area.
With a friendly farm atmosphere where anyone can feel welcome, Gardenworks is a perfect option for a day trip.
Hand Melon Farm
The historic Hand Melon Farm is a 425-acre working farm in the heart of Washington County. From summer through fall, they offer U-pick fruits and vegetables. Squash is their specialty in the fall, so find some pumpkins and other vegetables to take home with you.
Although not available in the fall season, if you get the chance to stop in during August, you can try one of the farm's hand melons. The melons, which are the farm's namesake, are renowned by people of the region for being the most delicious type of melon around.
No matter when you make it to the Hand Melon Farm, you are guaranteed fresh produce with great taste.
Attend Fun-Filled Fall Festivals in Washington County
See the Hot Air Balloons High in the Sky
Look up and watch massive hot air balloons take off at the annual Adirondack Balloon Festival, held from September 18-21, 2025.
This year, the event will be held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport and Crandall Park, just a short drive from Washington County.
Plan a trip to the area in time to see the hot air balloons fill the sky with bright bursts of color. And, be sure to stick around for live music, vendors, tasty food, and more.
Discover Unique, Handmade Products at the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival
Don't miss one of the most colorful festivals of the season—and no, we're not talking about the foliage.
On September 20-21, 2025, the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival will bring unparalleled creativity to the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich.
Some of this year's highlights will include over 100 booths featuring wool, pottery, wood, paper crafts, all-natural body care products, festival foods, local craft beverages, family-friendly demonstrations, and more.
Admission to the Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival is just $5 for adults, while kids under 13 get in for free. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping, find a decoration for your home, and discover something new!
Washington County: A Beautiful Fall Destination
Embrace the magic of autumn in Washington County, NY! From u-pick apple orchards and pumpkin patches to local festivals, this beautiful region is the ideal place to make lasting family memories and enjoy all the season has to offer.
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