Paws, Pumpkins, and Peak Foliage: The 2025 Dog-Friendly Hudson Valley Fall Bucket List 🍂
It’s here! That magical time of year in the Hudson Valley when a refreshing breeze begins to stir the leaves, the scent of cider donuts is never far away, and every weekend is a new opportunity for a cozy adventure. Don’t let this incredible season pass you by! We’ve created the ultimate checklist to help you and your pup make the most of every golden moment. Get ready to start planning your tail-wagging fall fun.
🛍️ Visit a Bustling Farmers Market
There’s nothing like a weekend morning spent strolling through a local farmers market. Your pup will adore the symphony of new smells, and you’ll love gathering local apples, pumpkins, and seasonal treats. It’s the perfect, low-key way to soak in the community spirit.
- Beacon Farmers Market: A vibrant market right in the heart of one of our favorite dog-friendly towns.
- Pawling Farmers Market: A classic, charming market with a wonderful selection of local vendors.
- Woodstock Farm Festival: More than just a market, it’s a weekly celebration with live music and a fantastic vibe.
- Taste NY Todd Hill Farmers’ Market: Conveniently located on the Taconic, it’s a great stop for fresh produce and local goods.
🍎 Sniff Out the Perfect Apple
Is it even fall in the Hudson Valley if you don’t go apple picking with your pup? Let them trot alongside you as you search for the perfect Honeycrisp or Macoun. Many orchards welcome leashed dogs to join in the fun (and the tasting!).
- DuBois Farms, Highland: A family-favorite spot with a huge variety of PYO crops and fun farm activities.
- Weed Orchards & Winery, Marlboro: A one-stop-shop for fun where you can pick apples, listen to music, and grab a bite.
- Prospect Hill Orchards, Milton: Offering a more traditional, peaceful apple-picking experience across several beautiful locations.
- Greig Farm, Red Hook: A lovely, welcoming farm with apple picking, a market, and friendly goats to visit.
🍁 Enjoy a Tail-Wagging Foliage Tour
The Hudson Valley puts on a world-class color show, and the best seats are on the trails and in the parks. A hike or a stroll among the brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows is a must-do for every person and pup.
- Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie: See the foliage from a sky-high perspective on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge.
- Long Dock Park, Beacon: Offers a gentle stroll with stunning views of the river and mountains ablaze in fall color.
- Little Stony Point, Cold Spring: A short hike leads to a dramatic, rocky beach with incredible views of the Hudson Highlands.
- Catskill Rail Explorers, The Catskills: A truly unique adventure! Your pup can ride along (check their pet policy for size/carrier requirements) as you pedal through the glorious fall canopy.
🍷 Sip & Stay at a Scenic Winery
Relaxing on a beautiful winery patio with a glass of local wine and your loyal pup at your feet? That’s Hudson Valley fall living at its finest. Many of our incredible wineries offer dog-friendly outdoor spaces where you can both unwind.
- Waterwheel Winery & Distillery, Wallkill: A charming, rustic spot with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for an afternoon tasting.
- Weed Orchards & Winery, Marlboro: Enjoy their wine, cider, and beer in their lively, dog-friendly outdoor area.
- Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook: Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the beautiful, sprawling grounds for a picnic and a bottle of wine.
- Whitecliff Vineyard, Gardiner: Offers spectacular views of the Shawangunk Ridge from their dog-friendly lawn and patio areas.
🎉 Attend a Festive Fall Festival
From harvest celebrations to street fairs, fall is festival season! It’s a great way to enjoy live music, festive food, and the vibrant energy of the community with your four-legged friend by your side.
- Harvest Festival at Barton Orchards, Poughquag: A lively event with everything from corn mazes to live music, perfect for a fun-filled day.
- Apples & Wine Festival at Weed Orchards, Marlboro: A celebration of two of the Hudson Valley’s best offerings in one festive weekend.
- San Gennaro Festival at Robibero Winery, New Paltz: Enjoy delicious Italian food and wine in a beautiful, dog-friendly vineyard setting.
- Sleepy Hollow Street Fair, Sleepy Hollow: Explore this historic, spooky town during its most exciting season at this fun, open-air community event.
Pup-Tip: Festivals can be crowded and loud. They are best suited for confident, well-socialized dogs who are comfortable with lots of activity.
Before You Go…
Fall is a busy season! We strongly recommend clicking the links to call ahead or check the website/social media of any farm, festival, or business before you visit. Event schedules can change, and it’s always best to confirm before you and your pup pile into the car.
What’s number one on your fall bucket list? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share your autumn adventures with us on Instagram! Tag @frank.endog and use the hashtag #HVFallPaws for a chance to be featured.
