Foliage in the Hudson Valley peaks from mid-October to early November, and in New York City in early to mid-November. Because of April frost damage, many New Jersey farms are closed for apple picking this year, so it is best to go within September. This guide covers prices and reservation requirements as of September 2026, including $10 per vehicle at Bear Mountain and Minnewaska, $25 for adults at Storm King, Demarest admission of $9.70 plus a $21 bag of apples, Alstede from $26.99 and Masker at $49.95 per car, along with Metro-North fares and rules on parking, cash and dogs.
Fall in New York and New Jersey is short. Peak foliage varies by two to three weeks from region to region, and the best apple varieties are gone by mid-October. This year there is another variable: a late April frost severely damaged orchards in the Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey, so several New Jersey farms are not opening for apple picking at all this year, and those that have opened have fewer varieties. As of Sept. 15, 2026, we checked and compiled state park and farm prices, reservation requirements, directions and parking, and cash and dog rules.
Peak Foliage: It Moves South From the North
New York State's tourism office (I LOVE NY) publishes a foliage report every Wednesday starting Sept. 16, compiled from more than 100 volunteers. Based on past records, peak foliage comes in late September to mid-October in the Adirondacks, early to mid-October in the Catskills, mid-October to early November in the Hudson Valley, and early to mid-November in New York City and Long Island. In New Jersey, the Forest Service of the Department of Environmental Protection updates its foliage map every Friday during the season. This year, peak foliage is forecast for Oct. 16–19 in the north (High Point and Sussex County), Oct. 21 on average statewide, and Oct. 24 to early November in the south. Every forecast can be off by two weeks either way, so it is better to check the report and make weekend plans a week ahead. Within New York City, Central Park, Prospect Park and Fort Tryon Park are free. The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the All-Garden Pass costs $35 for adults on weekdays and $39 on weekends, the Grounds Pass for NYC residents is $15, and Wednesdays are free for NYC residents.
Take the Train Instead of Driving: Breakneck, Cold Spring and Beacon
On weekends in October, traffic is heavy on the Palisades Parkway, the Bear Mountain rotary and Route 17 toward Warwick. To go without a car, the easy route is to take Metro-North's Hudson Line from Grand Central to Breakneck Ridge (hiking), Cold Spring (a stroll through the village) or Beacon (the Dick Gallery and Fishkill Farms). Under the fares that rose on Jan. 4, 2026, one-way off-peak tickets to Cold Spring and Breakneck cost $16 and Beacon $18.50, and off-peak fares apply all day on weekends. The family fare, which lets up to four children ages 5–17 ride for $1 each with one adult, now applies at all times of day. One-way tickets expire at 4 a.m. the next day, so you should not buy return tickets in advance. From Beacon station, Fishkill Farms is a 15- to 20-minute taxi or Uber ride. If you drive, enter Minnewaska, Sam's Point and Bear Mountain before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on nice days to avoid parking lot closures.
Apple Picking: Go Within September This Year
According to reporting by NorthJersey.com and the Warwick Valley Dispatch in early September, April frost led several New Jersey farms, including Battleview, Eastmont, Sun High, Donaldson and Stony Field, to cancel apple picking this year. Phillips is open only on weekends, and Terhune is operating on a limited basis. Fishkill Farms in the Hudson Valley lost most of its peaches and pears, and Ochs Orchard does not have its full range of varieties. Even at farms that are open, the best varieties may run out early, so go in September or early October at the latest, and call or check Facebook for that day's conditions before you leave. Below are 2026 prices at farms popular with Korean Americans.
Pumpkins, Doughnuts and Hayrides
Pumpkin picking begins Sept. 26 at Demarest and Sept. 19 at Harvest Moon and Apple Ridge. Pumpkins are priced on-site by size and weight. Hayrides and corn mazes are included in admission at Alstede and Liar Meade, and Demarest runs them on weekends. Cider doughnuts cost $8.99 for six at Alstede and $31.99 for 12 at Delicious Orchards in Colts Neck (no apple picking). Demarest's doughnuts took first place in NorthJersey.com's vote for the best doughnuts in New Jersey, so weekend lines are long. From Sept. 26 to Nov. 1, Demarest also holds a drive-through Halloween light show.
Before You Go: Cash, Shoes and Timing
Dr. Davies, Stuart's, and Apple Ridge accept only cash for admission and picking, as does the Demarest animal farm. Ochs adds a 4% fee for card payments. Orchards are hilly and have bees, so it's best to bring closed-toe shoes, long socks, an extra layer, insect repellent and water. Most farms do not allow outside containers, backpacks or coolers, and Fishkill checks trunks and bags on the way out. Orchard admission usually closes between 4:15 and 4:30 p.m. To avoid crowds, go on a weekday or before 11 a.m. on a weekend. If you visit state parks often, the New York State Empire Pass ($80) covers vehicle fees at Bear Mountain, Harriman and Minnewaska, and New Jersey state parks are free after Labor Day. Storm King's peak-season weekend rates, Fishkill's base reservation fee and Harvest Moon's admission price were not posted on the official pages at the time of publication, so check them on the booking screen. This guide is based on the New York State Parks department, each farm's official website, the MTA fare table, and September reports from NorthJersey.com and the Warwick Valley Dispatch. It will be updated if prices change.