FIELD NOTES
4.7
(
80
)
Early fall at Mead Orchards brings a crisp edge to the hills and stretches the sunlight across long rows heavy with fruit. There’s a hum of wagons, laughter drifting from the playground, and baskets thumping with fresh apples by noon.
What to Expect:
🍏 U-pick apples and pumpkins, with dozens of varieties rotating by the week
🌽 Massive corn maze (maps available at check-in) and a pirate-themed play village for kids
🍩 Fresh cider donuts, pressed apple cider, and a farm stand packed with local jams and honey
🚜 Hayrides offered weekends, plus picnic tables tucked under old trees
🐶 Dog-friendly fields—leashes required
Important Information:
✔ Open Fridays 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturdays & Sundays 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, September–October
✔ Most rows are mowed, but hilly terrain—sturdy shoes or wagons help
✔ No outside bags in the orchard; purchase bags before picking at the trailer
✔ Group hayrides and playground access offered on weekends; check website for weather closures
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
Local Insights
🍏 Peak Pickers: Arrive before 11:00 AM on weekends for best apple selection and lightest crowds — shoulder bag fills fastest.
🌳 Hilltop Trick: Bring a cart or wagon if you want to explore the furthest rows—it's easy on the way down, but the orchards slope back up.
🗺️ Maze Map: Grab a corn maze map at the check-in—none posted at the maze itself and it can take a solid hour without it.
🎵 Pop-up Eats: Local food trucks and beer tent pop up most Saturdays—check the website or Instagram for a lineup before you visit.
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Best For
Families, groups, weekend apple picking, cider lovers
COORDINATES
15 Scism Rd
,
Tivoli
,
NY
12583
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Visitors return each season for a blend of plentiful apple varieties, wide-open fields, and reliable small-town feel. Families call out healthy fruit, easygoing crowds on most weekends, and friendly, helpful staff. The corn maze and playground come up often as kid favorites, though some note the cost of extras (maze, hayride) or a need for clearer orchard maps. A handful mention split fruit during wet spells, but most highlight the fresh donuts, quality cider, and enough space that it never feels overrun—even at peak.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
MOUNTAIN MAP
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
Mountain Stats
The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
U-pick apples (Honeycrisp, Macoun, Evercrisp, Golden Russet, Ludacrisp, Shizuka, Winecrisp, Cortland, Crimson Topaz, Mutsu, more); U-pick pumpkins; Corn maze; Hayrides; Cider press; Fresh cider; Cider donuts; Farm store; Play village; Weekend food trucks.
Best TimeS TO visit
Early on weekend mornings offers quiet picking and the widest apple varieties, especially late September. For maze and playground, midday to late afternoon brings more activity. Food trucks mostly run Saturday noon to 3 PM.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible at farm store and check-in. Some rows are mowed, but hilly terrain and sections with uneven ground—strollers and wheelchairs may be limited beyond main areas. Portable toilet on site, no paved restroom.
Reservation Policy
No reservations required for regular U-pick or farm visits; purchase picking bags at the airstream booth before entering rows; events and group hayrides may require advance inquiry online.
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✅ Cancellation Policy
Open rain or shine; field activities and hayrides may be paused for severe weather. Check social media for closures or crop updates.
