Visit Angry Orchard in Walden, NY

The orchards of the Hudson Valley are some of the most bountiful and beautiful in the country, attracting millions of travelers each year. Perfectly nestled about halfway between the Albany and New York metropolitan areas, orchard tours and other “agritainment” options abound in the Hudson Valley, but none of the options are as unique (or ubiquitous) as the Angry Orchard in Walden, NY, home to one of the most popular hard cider producers in the U.S.

Learn About Cider on an Angry Orchard Tour

Whether you’re from Albany, NY, or Albany County, WY, chances are you’ve come across a bottle of Angry Orchard hard cider at your favorite local restaurant or in your grocery store’s beer and malted beverages section. Homegrown and brewed exclusively in the small hamlet of Walden, NY, Angry Orchard cider is more than just a local favorite — it’s the product of the largest cider producer in the country.

For this reason, tourists flock to the off-the-beaten-track Walden Cider House by the thousands each year, hoping to learn more about how the famous cider is made and get a taste of some exclusive or even experimental flavors. From behind-the-scenes tours to a top tasting room, a visit to Angry Orchard is well worth the trip.

Angry Orchard Tour Options

The 60-acre property that Angry Orchard calls home contains more than just rows and rows of apple trees, although apple trees are plentiful, of course. Visitors can visit the Cider House, treehouse, stone barn, and more. Angry Orchard offers a variety of tour options, depending on your available time, interests, and the size of your group.

• Stone Barn Tasting Experience – This exclusive tour for private groups is semi-guided and offers visitors a chance to learn about the various ciders Angry Orchard offers. It includes a series of private tastings.
• Treehouse Experience – Visitors enjoy the stunning views of the Shawangunk mountain range from the balcony of the Angry Orchard treehouse. In addition to touring this unique building and learning about its creation, guests enjoy two tastings of Angry Orchard ciders. Please note that because of the architecture of the treehouse building, this tour may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
• Barrel Room Tour – Visitors interested in the history of cider making as well as how and where Angry Orchard makes their cider should book a spot on the Barrel Room tour, which also includes tastings of new and exclusive cider flavors.
• Orchard Walk Tour – Visitors whose interest lies on the agricultural side of the cider industry should book this “can-in-hand” walking tour through the orchard lands. During your time on foot, you will learn about the history of the property and its famous Cider House, as well as get some details about Angry Orchard’s growing methods and its plans for the future.

Other Events and Things to Do at Angry Orchard

Angry Orchard is a special stop for many Hudson Valley travelers, in part, because it’s open year-round and offers seasonal specials and exclusive tours and events that are specific to the time of year. For example, photos among the apple blossoms in the spring and firepits in winter are quite popular with tourists.

In addition to their tours, Angry Orchard includes a Cider House that serves light appetizers and shareable plates along with exclusive cider flavors you cannot find at your local pub (including a non-alcoholic option). In the same area, folks can visit a gift shop equipped with take-away cider options, such as cans, bottles, and growlers, along with other Angry Orchard merchandise. While onsite, visitors can join the Cider Club to keep in touch and enjoy exclusive quarterly cider options by mail.

Continue to Explore Local Libations at The Clemson Bros. Brewery at The Gilded Otter

Although a visit to Angry Orchard is certainly a fine first stop on a Hudson Valley brews tour, there are many other popular stops for local libations. A little more than 15 miles north of the orchard, in the charming town of New Paltz, visitors can enjoy another local take on classic beverages at The Clemson Bros. Brewery at The Gilded Otter in New Paltz.

Originally founded in 1998 and known for its majestic mountain views, the popular local spot has spent years attracting tourists and locals alike who enjoy a good meal with a cold beer. Acquired by The Clemson Bros. Brewery (based in nearby Middletown) in 2019, The Gilded Otter still offers some of its original brews, such as the Back Porch Summer Lager and Wallkill River Wheat, along with a variety of Clemson Brothers’ favorites, such as the Brewer’s Mistress IPA. The experience is topped off with great burgers and a full dinner menu.