Let’s be honest: it’s not fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch!
And while our favorite city is filled with plenty of ways to embrace the season—from pumpkin-spiced everything to festive markets and autumn events—sometimes you just want to get out of the concrete jungle and spend a day surrounded by crisp air, colorful leaves, and actual pumpkins growing in a field.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel particularly far to find the quintessential fall day. One Hudson Valley farm was just recognized among the best pumpkin patches in the country by USA TODAY’s 10BEST, and it has pretty much everything you could want from an autumn escape.
Why USA TODAY Readers Ranked Kelder’s Farm No. 3 in the Nation
Kelder’s Farm has steadily climbed the national rankings over the past several years, securing its spot near the very top of the 2026 list.
- Proven Track Record: After earning top-10 spots consistently in previous Readers’ Choice Awards, its 2026 No. 3 ranking solidifies it as New York’s premier fall destination.
- Massive Scale & Variety: Unlike smaller patches, Kelder’s offers a sprawling pick-your-own field filled with classic orange jack-o’-lanterns, heirloom gourds, and mini decorative pumpkins.
- Photogenic Hudson Valley Backdrop: Nestled right near the Shawangunk Ridge, the farm delivers panoramic views of peak fall foliage alongside iconic photo setups across the property.
Ultimate Autumn Experience: 35+ Attractions, Corn Mazes & Farm Animals
A trip to Kelder’s is far more than just picking a pumpkin—it’s a full-day event packed with seasonal activities:
- The Massive Corn Maze: Put your navigation skills to the test in a themed corn maze designed fresh each season.
- Highland Cows & Petting Barn: Say hello to the farm’s resident fluffy Highland cows, energetic goats, and other friendly farm animals.
- Classic Hayrides & Attractions: Jump on a scenic tractor-drawn hayride around the perimeter of the fields, test your aim with apple cannons, and let kids burn energy on the giant jumping pillows.
- Farm-Fresh Treats: Stop by the farm market for fresh apple cider donuts, local cider, baked goods, and farm-raised goods to bring home.
Essential Visitor Info: How to Get to Kelder’s Farm from NYC
Located in Ulster County’s Rondout Valley, Kelder’s Farm is an easy day trip or weekend escape from New York City.
- By Car from NYC: Take I-87 North (NYS Thruway) to Exit 18 for New Paltz. Merge onto Route 299 West, turn right onto Route 44/55 West, and follow US-209 North straight to the farm entrance at 5755 US Rte 209. Drive time is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
- By Public Transit: Catch a Trailways bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to New Paltz or Kingston. From either station, take a 20-to-25-minute rideshare (Uber or Lyft) directly to the farm.
- By Train: Ride Amtrak or Metro-North (Hudson Line) to the Poughkeepsie Station. From there, it is about a 40-minute drive or rideshare across the Mid-Hudson Bridge to Kerhonkson.