About Us:
Nestled at the base of the Helderberg Escarpment, Indian Ladder Farms is a medium-size apple orchard and working farm located in Altamont-Voorheesville, about a half hour from New York's capital, Albany. Named for the Indian Ladder Trail, a trade route located in the Escarpment and visible from the farm, the farm's location at the base of the mountains is ideal for growing apples as the cooler spring air coming from the Escarpment ensures that apple blossoms bloom later, protecting them from late frosts. In the fall, the Escarpment allows for warm days and cool fall nights which help ripen and sweeten the fruit. This land at the base of the Helderbergs has historically been ideal for the growing of apples
Founded in 1915 by Peter G. Ten Eyck, the grandfather of the current owner, Indian Ladder Farms began with the purchase of the Andrew Smith farm; this original farm house is located at the far end of the current parking lot. The original Smith barns across the street from Indian Ladder Farms have since been converted to a house. Over the years, as the farm began to grow, additional adjoining farms were purchased and the land was united to create Indian Ladder Farms The "s" remains as a tribute to the original farms.
Initially, Indian Ladder Farms was primarily a dairy farm with Guernsey cows and only a few acres of fruit trees. The dairy barn for cows was destroyed by fire in 1949 and changed the future of the farm. Although no cows were hurt by the fire, without a barn they no longer had a home and the decision was made to sell all of the Guernsey cows at the Altamont Fair. The Ten Eyck family remained committed to the land and decided to continue with small-scale fruit growing and to raise Hereford beef cattle. By 1963 the apple and fruit trees which had been planted years earlier had reached maturity and Indian Ladder Farms made the decision to sell the cattle and concentrated on establishing itself as an apple farm.
Indian Ladder Farms now grows a variety of crops including berries, tomatoes, apples and pumpkins. Many of these can be picked fresh in season through our pick-your-own. They are also available through our country store and served in our own Yellow Rock Cafe and Bakery.
