There are few better ways to celebrate fall in New York than with crisp mountain air, cider donuts, and a wagon ride through the orchards — and Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards in LaFayette, NY delivers it all in picture-perfect form.
Just named one of the best apple orchards in the entire U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best (for the fourth time!), this 114-year-old, family-run orchard has become an Upstate institution — and one of the most iconic fall destinations in New York.
Founded in 1911 by onion farmer George Skiff and dairy farmer Andrew Beak, the orchard began as a small hillside plot along Route 20.
Five generations later, Beak & Skiff has grown into a full-blown fall paradise — home to rolling orchards, a farm market, distillery, cider house, tavern, and live music stage — all surrounded by panoramic views of Central New York’s countryside.
Throughout the decades, the orchard has weathered droughts, frosts, and even a “big freeze” in 1945.
But with innovation (like wind machines to protect blossoms and the state’s first flash-pasteurized cider mill), Beak & Skiff became one of the most respected names in New York agriculture — and a must-visit for anyone chasing peak fall vibes.
From late August through October, the U-Pick season takes over the hillsides, offering 20+ apple varieties like Honeycrisp, SnapDragon, Jonagold, and Ginger Gold.
Visitors can hop on a free wagon ride through the orchard, grab a basket, and pick their own apples under fiery fall canopies.
Afterward, the Apple Hill Campus awaits, where you can:
- Bite into warm cider donuts or fresh apple dumplings from the Café & Bakery
- Sip craft hard ciders, spirits, and wines at the 1911 Tasting Room & Tavern — all made on-site
- Catch a live concert or seasonal event on the lawn
- Browse local goodies and gifts at the Apple Hill General Store
Families can also explore the play area and corn maze, while couples and friend groups often linger on the deck with cider flights and orchard views that feel straight out of a postcard.
Beak & Skiff’s award-winning 1911 Established line has made it a destination for cider and spirits lovers, too.
The distillery’s small-batch vodka, gin, and hard ciders have racked up national awards — and they’re best enjoyed with a view of the autumn landscape that made them possible.
This month, visitors can also celebrate spooky season in true Upstate style at Beak & Skiff’s 5th Annual Halloween Bash on October 25th.
Expect haunted orchard energy, a costume contest (with $500 cash for first place!), eerie cocktails, live music, and a roaring outdoor fire under the October sky.
Tickets include a seasonal buffet and a signature 1911 drink — but they will sell out fast.
Why it’s worth the drive from NYC
At just about five hours from Manhattan, Beak & Skiff makes for the ultimate fall weekend road trip — and it’s close enough to pair with a visit to nearby Syracuse or Skaneateles, one of the most beautiful lake towns in the Finger Lakes and entire state.
The 10 best apple orchards in the U.S., according to USA Today
- Lyman Orchards – Middlefield, CT
- Red Apple Farm – Phillipston, MA
- Sky Top Orchard – Flat Rock, NC
- Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge, GA
- Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards – LaFayette, NY
- Bishop’s Orchards – Guilford, CT
- Knaebe’s Apple Farm – Rogers City, MI
- Peck & Bushel Organic Fruit Company – Colgate, WI
- Apple Hill Orchards – Mansfield, OH
- Milburn Orchards – Elkton, MD