How to Visit the Best Cidery in New York State This Fall

Fall is the season of pumpkin picking and Halloween, but it's also the best time for adults to drink some of the best hard ciders in the country.

There's no shortage of ways to celebrate fall in the Hudson Valley, especially when it comes to apples. With orchards (and beloved apple cider donuts) around every corner, it's no wonder that the same is true for hard cider... but which destinations are actually worth the trip?

Hard Cider Destinations in the Hudson Valley

While the nationally-recognized cidery is slightly further upstate (more on that in a second), there are also many wonderful cideries in the Hudson Valley. Bad Seed in Highland, NY, for example, not only has an fantastic list of ciders to try, but amazing food options as well.

Best Cideries in Orange County, NY

Hudson Valley cider hunters in Orange County should also check out the nationally-renowned Angry Orchard Cider House in Walden, NY, Orange County Distillery in New Hampton, NY, and Pennings Farm Cidery in Warwick, NY (below). The cidery recently acknowledged by USA Today as one of the best in the nation, however, is in Otsego County.

Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, NY

In 2024, Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, NY won USA Today's title of best cidery in the entire country. While they (barely) missed out on the top honor for a second year in a row, their cider, as well as their beautiful campus (below), was still good enough to be labeled the best cidery in New York State.

USA Today Names Fly Creek Cider Mill Best in New York State

In 2025, Fly Creek Cider Mill came in at number three on USA Today's 10 Best List for cideries. The good news is that the top-tier cidery, complete with self-guided tours, kid activities, and a restaurant, is just a mini road trip away from the Hudson Valley.

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Fly Creek Cider Mill is located at 288 Goose St in Fly Creek, NY, roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive from the Hudson Valley. Take a virtual tour of Fly Creek Cider Mill below, and keep scrolling to check our more Orange County, NY cideries right here in the Hudson Valley.