The height of cherry season runs 3-4 weeks in mid-to-late July but can be impacted by weather, so start checking in late June. Here are a few places you can pick your own cherries near Rochester.
They run concurrently with raspberries and blueberries. You can find U-Pick and farmers markets for the entire harvest season on our Locally Grown Produce harvest guide.
Please check with a farm directly before you head out to make sure the crop is still available. Many farms do take multiple forms of payment, but we advise bringing cash just in case.
Also note that due to the late-season frost on May 18, 2023, some farms may have less produce available, and some may have none if their blossoms are unable to recover.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
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Cherry Farms in Monroe County
Schutt’s Apple Mill
Webster
Posted on June 28, 2023, “Now open for cherry picking! We can’t wait to share these one-of-a-kind summer fruits. Picking hours from 9am-4pm.”
Whittier Fruit Farm
Gates
NOTE: Because of a late-season freeze, they are unable to offer U-Pick cherries in 2023.
Cherry Farms in the Greater Rochester Area
Burnap’s Farm Market & Garden Cafe
Sodus
U-Pick Cherries is opening on July 6.
G and S Orchards
Walworth
Note that U-Pick may not be available for 2023.
Posted July 4, 2023, “You Pick open today with Red Raspberries, Juneberries & Rhubarb. Farm Stand open today with Sweet Cherries, Blueberries, Juneberries, Red Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Honey, Broccoli, Kale, Zucchini, Kohlrabi, Fennel, Herbs, Fresh Garlic & Onions.”
Morgan’s Farm Market
Marion
Posted on July 1, 2023, “Next U-Picks are Monday and Wednesday from 5-7pm. Both Strawberries and Cherries. If you can bring your own container for cherries that would be great.”
Call or check Facebook for their U-Pick schedule: (585) 626-9137.
Hurd Orchards
Holley
Posted July 1, 2023, “Happy Fourth of July Weekend! Next week we will be open ALL week – Monday – Saturday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Fourth of July Picking: Sweet Cherries, Red Raspberries and Blueberries!”
Watt Farms
Albion
Posted July 2, 2023, “We will be opening tomorrow from 10–4 with u-pick raspberries and cherries! We’re open 7 days a week 10–4.”
Kappus Farms
Burt
Posted on July 3, 2023, “Make this Independence Day, Red, White, and Cherry! Hope to see you this 4th of July for cherries U-Pick! All varieties of sweet and sour cherries are now available We are open from 8 am–7 pm.”
Bittner Singer Orchards
Appleton
Posted June 28, 2023, “Farmer David says Don’t tell Dad, but we are opening UPick TODAY!!!! 8 AM until 8 PM. We have Black sweet cherries, white sweet cherries, and Ernie Jubeleum Tarts ripe and ready to pick.”
Tips for when you pick your own cherries
Thank you to pickyourown.org for these helpful tips!
- The difference is simple: sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh. Pie cherries are very tart, and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies, and butter, adding sugar to sweeten them.
- Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
- Picking before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
- Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
- If the stems are left attached, the cherries to be shipped will keep longer. They can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days.
- Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you’d be surprised how you can work up your thirst and appetite! And don’t forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren’t a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
- Avoid leaving the picked cherries in the sunshine for any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the trunk or on the car seat.
- Always call before you go to the farm. They are more affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) than most crops. When they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so call first.
- If you use your containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smash the lower ones. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3-inch tall sides, and large pots make suitable containers.
- Don’t wash them until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
- Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase.
- Even under ideal conditions, cherries will only be kept for a few days in a refrigerator, so for the best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
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Where is your favorite spot to pick cherries?
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