12 Upstate New York Cider-Donut Stands Worth Pulling Over For

Fall in Upstate New York brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and one irresistible treat: cider donuts. These sweet, spiced rings are a regional treasure that locals and visitors crave every autumn.

I’ve tracked down the best spots where you can grab these warm, sugary delights fresh from the fryer.

1. Stone Ridge Orchard – Stone Ridge, NY

Picture biting into a donut made with flour milled right in the neighborhood and cider pressed on-site. That’s what you get here, where authenticity meets flavor in every bite.

The 200-year-old barn creates a postcard-perfect backdrop against the Catskills. Weekend visitors can pair their donuts with wood-fired pizza from the food truck parked nearby.

2. Barton Orchards – Poughquag, NY

This place turns donut-eating into a full celebration. Spread across 175 acres, you’ll find entertainment, a tap room, and food trucks all centered around those golden treats.

The donut sundae deserves special mention—warm donut crowned with ice cream and caramel drizzle. It’s indulgent, messy, and absolutely worth every calorie you’ll happily consume.

3. Fishkill Farms – Hopewell Junction, NY

Nutmeg gives these donuts a distinctive warmth that sets them apart from the standard cinnamon-sugar variety. The eco-certified orchard takes pride in sustainable farming practices that show in every bite.

Weekends bring an extra treat: hard ciders crafted from heritage apples at the Treasury Cider taproom. Pairing fresh donuts with artisanal cider makes for a memorable afternoon.

4. Golden Harvest Farms – Valatie, NY

Since 1957, this family operation has perfected the art of continuous donut production. Walk in any time during the day and you’re guaranteed a warm one straight from the fryer.

The farm store extends beyond donuts to apple pies, regional cheeses, and spirits from their own distillery. Everything reflects generations of apple-growing expertise passed down through the family.

5. Dyn’s Cider Mill – Richfield Springs, NY

Near Cooperstown sits this under-the-radar treasure where small batches mean perfectly spiced flavor in every donut. The intimate scale allows for careful attention that mass production simply can’t match.

Weekends feature antique cider press demonstrations that add educational value to your visit. Watching traditional methods brings appreciation for how these treats came to be regional favorites.

6. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard – North Salem, NY

Honey adds an unexpected sweetness that makes these donuts uniquely memorable. The slightly smaller size means you can justify eating two or three without feeling too guilty about it.

Live music on weekends creates a festive atmosphere while you sample hard ciders. Kids love pressing their faces against the viewing window to watch donuts being made right before their eyes.

7. Appledale Orchards – Mexico, NY

Vanilla notes distinguish these old-fashioned cake donuts from typical recipes. The family-run operation near Lake Ontario maintains traditions that commercial operations have long abandoned for efficiency.

Grab your warm donuts and unfiltered cider, then settle at picnic tables overlooking the orchards. The peaceful setting makes you want to linger far longer than originally planned.

8. Masker Orchards – Warwick, NY

Just an hour from NYC, you can park your car right beside your favorite apple trees. The pick-your-own experience combined with perfectly textured donuts makes this a family favorite worth the drive.

Generous cinnamon sugar coating ensures sweet satisfaction in every bite. Head upstairs in the country store for spectacular views across the entire 200-acre orchard spread below.

9. Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards – Lafayette, NY

Five generations of apple-growing wisdom go into these mini donuts served hot with cinnamon-sugar coating. The bite-sized format means you can sample multiple flavors without committing to full-sized portions.

The on-site distillery crafts apple-based spirits you can taste in their tasting room. Hilltop views during peak foliage season create breathtaking scenery that rivals any postcard you’ve ever seen.

10. Indian Ladder Farms – Altamont, NY

Perched at the base of the Helderberg Escarpment, this century-old farm produces addictive donuts with crispy exteriors and soft, apple-infused interiors. The contrast in textures keeps you reaching for just one more.

The biergarten pours farm-brewed hard cider and beer for adults while kids explore farm animals and nature trails. It’s a complete experience beyond just grabbing donuts and leaving.

11. Wright’s Farm – Gardiner, NY

Established in 1904, this operation has had over a century to perfect their slightly crisp exterior and tender, cinnamon-spiced interior. The textural balance achieves what many others attempt but few master.

The farm market showcases local produce, homemade jams, and their own hard cider. Everything feels authentically rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage rather than manufactured for tourist appeal.

12. Fly Creek Cider Mill – Fly Creek, NY

At 163 years old, this water-powered mill produces legendary cake-style cider donuts that have earned devoted fans across generations. The historic setting adds authenticity you simply can’t replicate in modern facilities.

Watch the 1889 cider press work its magic while ducks paddle around the mill pond. The viewing deck provides peaceful spots to enjoy your treats while soaking in pastoral scenery.