Do I need to make a reservation?
What should I wear when I visit?
What is the minimum amount of apples I can pick?
How much does it cost to pick apples?
Where can I find information about the apples you sell on your farm?
Is there a way of getting to your farm via mass transit?
Can I make arrangements for a group to go picking?
Can I have a birthday party/event at your farm?
Can I have my wedding or large party event on your farm?
Can I have a photo session with my family or friends at the farm?
Q: Do I need to make a reservation?
A: There are no reservations needed to visit our farm except for Christmas trees. We operate on a first come, first served basis to visit the bakery, farm market, corn maze, wine tasting, apple and pumpkin picking. For Christmas trees during the 2026 season, we will REQUIRE all customers to make RESERVATIONS to be admitted to the Christmas tree plantation to cut a tree from the field OR to the area to select a pre-cut tree from Saturday, November 29th to Sunday, November 30th, 2025. In December there are no reservations needed for Christmas trees. This applies to BOTH pre-cut and Choose-n-cut Christmas trees. Please visit our Christmas tree page for more details. For information about groups please see here and for information about party space rental please see here.
Q: What should I wear when I visit?
A: We recommend wearing closed toe sneakers or shoes with tall socks and pants. The farm is a typical orchard with long grass and uneven ground.
Q: How much does it cost to pick apples?
A: Prices vary depending on weather and variety of apples we are picking so please email us at wilkensfruitfarm@gmail.com for details. Please note that there is no admission or parking fee. We only charge for the apples you pick! With that being said there is a minimum to enter the the orchard.
Q: What is the minimum number of apples I can pick?
A: There is a 1/4 bushel (1 peck) minimum (11 pounds) for every 1 or 2 people to enter the orchard or a 1/2 bushel minimum(22 pounds) for every 3 to 4 people. If that is too much, there are smaller quantities of pre-picked apples available in the Farm Market.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, we accept most major credit cards for payment, though we do suggest a $10 minimum purchase for using cards. We accept cash too!
Q: Where can I find info about the apples you sell on your farm?
A: Click this link to go to the apple info page.
Q: Am I allowed to bring my dog?
A: We LOVE dogs, but unfortunately pets are not permitted at Wilkens Farm.
For the comfort and safety of all our guests, and due to state and federal food safety regulations that prohibit animals in orchards and agricultural fields, dogs and other pets are not allowed in our orchards, fields, farm market, or other farm areas. We kindly ask that you leave your furry friends at home when visiting.
Service dogs that are individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability are welcome. However, emotional support, comfort, therapy, or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not permitted.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors. We look forward to welcoming you to the farm!
A: Yes. Cider is available starting the third week in September due to the need of at least 5 varieties ripe in order to make it taste right. The cider is not pasteurized, however it is UV treated, which is approved by the NYS Health Department. The flavor changes throughout the season due to the different apple mix and sweetness of the apples. The cider freezes well, however make sure the it is defrosted completely and shake well after thawing. Apple Cider has various health benefits including natural pectin, fiber and antioxidants. The cider making process includes washing the apples, grinding them followed by pressing and a partial filter through cider blankets. Cider can be cloudy because healthy pulp is included. Pressed pulp is called pomace which is composted or fed to animals.
Q: Can we climb the Apple trees?
A: No, climbing the apple trees is not permitted.
Many of our apple trees are nearly 100 years old, and their branches can be weak, hollow, or fragile. Climbing can damage the trees and create a safety risk for visitors. Our younger trees are also not designed to support climbing and branches will break.
If you’re having trouble reaching apples higher up in the tree, we offer picking poles for rent to help you safely harvest fruit from higher branches.
Thank you for helping us protect our trees and preserve the orchard for future generations! 🍎🌳
Q: Are there any natural hazards to be aware of?
A: Yes. As with any working farm, there are a few natural hazards that visitors should be mindful of during their visit:
- Wasps and Yellow Jackets: These insects are commonly found around farms and orchards. If one approaches you, avoid swatting or making sudden movements. Instead, remain calm and stand still until it moves away.
- Woodchuck Holes: Uneven ground and animal burrows can create tripping hazards, so please watch where you walk.
- Poison Ivy: Poison ivy can be found in the orchard. We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and socks. Bringing baby wipes for a quick clean-up can also be helpful.
Because herbicides that kill poison ivy would also damage our apple trees, we cannot spray for it. Instead, we manage it by hand-cutting and regular mowing as much as possible.
If you believe you may have come into contact with poison ivy during your visit, we encourage you to wash exposed skin as soon as possible, and Tecnu® soap is available at our farm pavilion.
Your safety is important to us. By being aware of your surroundings and dressing appropriately, you can enjoy a fun and comfortable day at the farm! 🍎🌳🚜
Q: Can I visit the farm using Public Transportation?
A: Yes. You can take the Metro-North Hudson Line to either Croton-Harmon or Peekskill station and then take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft to the farm.
The ride from either station to Wilkens Farm is approximately 15 minutes. If using a rideshare service or taxi, please have your driver drop you off at the Red Barn Loop upon arrival at the farm.
We recommend checking train schedules in advance and arranging your return transportation before your visit, especially during busy fall weekends.
We look forward to welcoming you to the farm! 🍎🚆🎃
Q: Can we bring our own food and use the picnic tables?
A: No. The picnic tables at Wilkens Farm are reserved for the enjoyment and consumption of food and beverages purchased on the farm. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a picnic, we recommend Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, located approximately ¼ mile east of the farm on the opposite side of the Taconic State Parkway. The park offers excellent picnic facilities, including:
- Picnic tables
- Grilling areas
- Open fields for soccer and softball
- Volleyball courts
- Restrooms
- Ample parking
Directions from the farm: Exit the farm and turn right. At the bottom of the hill, turn left. At the traffic light, turn right. The park entrance will be approximately ¼ mile ahead on your right.
We encourage visitors planning group meals or picnics to take advantage of the park’s beautiful facilities before or after their visit to the farm. 🍎🧺🌳
Q: Can I make arrangements for a group to go picking?
A: This 2025 season we will be hosting group reservations on Fridays and select Wednesdays. We will not have any groups nor buses scheduled for the weekends as our farm gets quite crowded or other weekdays as our farm doesn’t have the staff to accommodate. With that being said your group is welcome to come another time and pick following our general guidelines and following the usual minimum picking requirements to enter the orchard. Please note no buses are allowed on Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day.
Reservations can be made for Wednesdays and Fridays(groups of 15+ persons) including but not limited to schools, scouts, church groups and others. Email wilkensfruitfarm@gmail.com for more information and we will get back to you in a couple days when the farm is open or you can request a Group Reservation by filling out the form HERE. We start taking reservations on August 1st.
Q: Can I have a birthday party/event at your farm?
A: During the 2025 harvest season we will not be hosting any party reservations or offering the usual special party tent to reserve. We do not have any areas available.
Q: Can I have my wedding or large party event at your farm?
A: Yes, we do rent our land and facilities for weddings and large events. Email wilkensfruitfarm@gmail.com for more information.
Q: Can I have a photo session with my family or friends at the farm?
A: Yes, we offer photo shoot by reservation only on weekdays in November when we are open: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays except from Thanksgiving week on (11/24/2025-11/28/2025). For a 2 hour time slot it is a $250 site fee. The photographer must have proof of certificate of insurance prior to the session. Please email wilkensfruitfarm@gmail.com to arrange.