Every year the US produces over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins. Whether you're carving scary Jack-o-Lanterns for Halloween, decorating your front steps in an autumnal palette that would make Martha Stewart proud, or baking a pie, pumpkins are a quintessential part of the Hudson Valley fall experience. We're in peak foliage, so it's an excellent time to get out there and enjoy the fresh air while taking home a pumpkin baby.
A few weeks ago, we asked you to vote for your favorite farms to go pick pumpkins in fall. Here are the results, plus a few staff picks for good measure. Don't forget to wear your masks and socially distance from other guests!
Hurds Family Farm | Modena
Hurds Family Farm was the number one pick with readers and Chronogram staff alike. The 120-acre farm is a veritable fall paradise with acres of U-pick apples and pumpkins. Select your choice pumpkin ($5-$20 depending on size), but that's not all. Wednesday through Friday you can purchase a wristband for $9 that gives you (or your kids) access to a range of activities from the obstacle course to a corn maze.
Located just outside the village of New Paltz, in the middle of an agrarian expanse of fields, the Wallkill View Farm Market is iconic. Head there this October to pick your own pumpkin and get lost in the three-acre corn maze (emerge triumphant and get a free pumpkin!). Like most places, Wallkill View Farm has canceled its hayrides this year, but the market is stocked with goodies, as is the bakery and garden center. Treat yourself to an apple cider doughnut—trust us. Open daily 9am-6:30pm. Hurds Family Farm | Modena
Hurds Family Farm was the number one pick with readers and Chronogram staff alike. The 120-acre farm is a veritable fall paradise with acres of U-pick apples and pumpkins. Select your choice pumpkin ($5-$20 depending on size), but that's not all. Wednesday through Friday you can purchase a wristband for $9 that gives you (or your kids) access to a range of activities from the obstacle course to a corn maze. Maynard Farms & Orchards | Ulster Park
Farmers' market favorite Maynard Farms offers U-pick pumpkins and apples in a sprawling orchard overlooking the Hudson River on weekends, 10am-5pm. Don't sleep on this—they're calling it their best pumpkin patch in years. Also BYO scissors, knife, or secateurs—they don't pre-cut the pumpkin stalks like a lot of places. Cash or check only.Kesicke Farm | Rhinebeck
Kesicke Farm's annual Fall Festival runs weekends 10am-5pm from September 26 through November 1. The fun includes a five-acre corn maze, hay wagon rides, a petting zoo, and U-Pick pumpkins (priced by size). You can also buy farm-raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and eggs, and fresh-baked cider donuts at the farm store. Cash only.Jenkins-Lueken Orchard | New Paltz
If you want epic views of the Shawangunk Escarpment and Mohonk Tower, Jenkins-Lueken is the spot for you. Grab a courtesy cart or wheelbarrow and roll out to the field to pick your perfect pumpkin in the shadow of the ridge. This U-pick fruit farm is a great place to visit all summer and fall, starting with strawberries in June through raspberries, blackberries, blueberries in July, and of course, apples starting in August. The pumpkin patch is only open weekends, and don't forget to pick up a jug of their farm-fresh cider on your way out!
