This New York Alpaca Farm Lets Families Take A Walk With The Fluffiest Trail Buddies

Nobody has ever been unhappy walking alongside an alpaca. New York has a farm that built an entire experience around that very reliable truth.

Families show up, meet their trail companions. And don’t forget to spend the next hour in the grip of animal induced joy that no theme park has ever replicated at this level of charm.

Go this season and try to act casual when the alpaca turns to look at you directly. Nobody manages it and nobody needs to.

New York family experiences in 2026 cover a lot of ground but very few produce this kind of pure uncomplicated happiness. The trails are beautiful, the alpacas are ready, and the only thing left is showing up and letting the fluffiest trail buddies in the state do the rest.

What Makes This Farm Absolutely Worth The Drive

Some places earn their reputation the hard way, through years of consistency, care, and genuine passion. Lilymoore Farm has done exactly that, rising to become TripAdvisor’s number one thing to do in Pleasant Valley, NY.

That ranking is not a fluke.

The farm sits on a beautifully maintained property where nearly 200 animals call home. Many of them are rescues, given a second chance and a permanent place to belong.

That backstory alone makes every visit feel meaningful.

Guides here are warm, knowledgeable, and clearly devoted to every animal in their care. The whole experience feels personal, never rushed or transactional.

You are not just a ticket number.

The farm has been featured across various media outlets and participates in the Dutchess Tourism Connection Finder Family Fun Trail. It also belongs to the Farm Finder Ag-Adventure Trail, connecting it to a broader network of Hudson Valley experiences.

Families planning a New York weekend getaway will find this stop genuinely hard to top. The combination of rescued animals, expert guides, and stunning scenery creates something that sticks with you long after you have driven back home.

Lilymoore Alpaca And Llama Farm: Meet The Stars Of The Show

Right on Moore Road in Pleasant Valley, at 21 Moore Rd to be exact, Lilymoore Alpaca and Llama Farm has built something truly special. The farm is home to alpacas, llamas, horses, goats, chickens, geese, a rescued pig, and even a bird sanctuary for pigeons.

Every animal here has a story.

Alpacas are naturally curious and easygoing creatures. They have soft, cloud-like fiber coats and personalities that range from serene and sweet to downright cheeky.

No two are the same, and that variety keeps every visit feeling fresh.

Llamas bring their own energy to the mix. Slightly larger and often more theatrical than their alpaca cousins, they keep guests laughing and on their toes.

Guides introduce each animal by name, which instantly makes the connection feel real and personal.

The farm also hosts a 501(c)(3) bird sanctuary called Dreaming of a Chance, which is included in the guided farm tour experience. With nearly 200 animals living on the property, there is always something new to discover.

Lilymoore is rated 4.9 stars and earns every fraction of that score through the sheer variety and heart of what it offers visitors of all ages.

The Alpaca Trek Experience Explained

Alpaca Treks at Lilymoore are a one-of-a-kind outdoor activity that pairs guests with their very own alpaca or llama for a guided walk through meadows and woodland paths. Each trek lasts approximately one hour and is packed with photo opportunities that genuinely surprise people.

Guides lead the group at a relaxed pace, sharing facts about the animals, pointing out their individual quirks, and making sure everyone feels comfortable. Guests get to feed their animals along the trail, which is a highlight that tends to produce the biggest smiles.

At the end of the walk, the alpacas often get a cool-down with a water hose, which they seem to absolutely love. It is one of those spontaneous moments that guests remember long after the day ends.

The animals graze freely during a final rest period, giving everyone time for photos and a bit of extra snuggling.

Small group treks accommodate up to 12 guests, while private treks can host up to 15. Reservations are required and advance booking is strongly encouraged because spots fill up quickly.

The trek is recommended for guests aged 9 and older, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult for safety.

Guided Farm Tours For Every Age

Not every member of the family may be ready for a full alpaca trek, and that is perfectly fine. Lilymoore offers guided farm tours designed to be welcoming and accessible for all ages, including the youngest visitors who may not meet the age requirement for the trek itself.

During the tour, guests meet alpacas, llamas, goats, horses, and even a rescued mini pig up close. Feeding the friendly goats by hand is a crowd favorite, and children especially light up during that part of the experience.

The pig has been known to twirl in excitement and show off a few tricks, which tends to stop everyone in their tracks.

Tours also include a visit to the Dreaming of a Chance bird sanctuary, where rescued pigeons and other birds live on the farm grounds. Guides share the stories behind the animals, explaining how many of them arrived as rescues and found their forever home at Lilymoore.

Group tours run on Saturdays, while Thursday and Friday options include both private and group farm tours starting in May. Private tours feature an exclusive guide and accommodate up to five guests, with larger group arrangements available.

All visits require reservations, so planning ahead is a must.

Behind The Scenes: A Closer Look At Farm Life

For those who want to go deeper than the standard visit, the Behind The Scenes group tours on Saturdays offer a more intimate look at how Lilymoore operates day to day. It is the kind of access that farm enthusiasts genuinely appreciate.

Guides walk guests through the workings of a real, functioning farm that prioritizes animal welfare above all else. You learn how the animals are cared for, what their daily routines look like, and what it actually takes to maintain a property of this scale.

The information is delivered in a way that feels conversational rather than like a lecture.

Many of the animals at Lilymoore came from difficult situations before finding their home here. Hearing those individual stories adds real weight to the visit.

It shifts the experience from entertainment to something closer to education and empathy.

The farm operates Thursday through Saturday, opening at 10 AM on Thursdays and Fridays and at 9:30 AM on Saturdays. Guests can reach the farm by phone at 845-605-7002 or visit the website at lilymoorefarm.com to book in advance.

Behind The Scenes tours are popular, so early reservations make a real difference in securing your preferred date and time.

What To Wear And How To Prepare

Preparation is a small but important part of making the most out of your Lilymoore visit. The farm recommends that trek participants wear sneakers or hiking boots along with pants rather than shorts or sandals.

The trails pass through meadows and wooded areas, so practical footwear really does make a difference.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is always a good call. New York weather in the Hudson Valley can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall, so layering is a smart move for morning visits.

Closed-toe shoes are not just a suggestion here but a genuine safety measure when walking alongside animals on uneven terrain.

Bringing a camera or making sure your phone is fully charged is highly encouraged. The farm has several designated photo spots along the trek route, and guides are happy to help capture group shots.

The lighting through the woodland canopy tends to be especially beautiful during morning hours.

Pets are not permitted on the property, with the sole exception of service dogs. That policy exists to protect the wellbeing of the farm animals, and it is a rule worth knowing before you arrive.

Planning your visit around the farm’s Thursday through Saturday schedule ensures you get the full experience without any surprises at the gate.

The Farm Store And Alpaca Products Worth Bringing Home

Before you leave Lilymoore, the on-site farm store deserves a proper visit. It carries a thoughtfully curated selection of alpaca products that are soft, hypoallergenic, and sustainably sourced.

Many of the items are exclusive to Lilymoore and simply cannot be found anywhere else.

Alpaca fiber is one of nature’s more remarkable materials. It is naturally temperature-regulating, free from the scratchiness associated with traditional wool, and incredibly durable.

Products made from it tend to age beautifully and hold their quality through years of regular use.

The store carries yarn, accessories, and other handcrafted goods that make for genuinely meaningful souvenirs. Buying from the farm store also supports the animals directly, since proceeds help fund their ongoing care.

That connection between purchase and purpose adds a layer of satisfaction that you do not always get from a typical gift shop.

Donations are also welcome and appreciated by the farm. Given that nearly 200 animals rely on Lilymoore for their permanent home, any contribution goes toward a cause that is clearly operating from a place of real commitment.

Walking out with a soft alpaca scarf and the knowledge that you helped support a rescue farm is a pretty satisfying way to end any visit.

Planning Your Visit To Lilymoore Farm

Getting to Lilymoore from New York City takes roughly an hour and a half, making it a very manageable day trip from the metro area. The drive through Dutchess County is scenic and unhurried, a pleasant contrast to city traffic that starts working on your mood well before you arrive.

The farm is open Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Sunday through Wednesday the farm is closed, so planning around that schedule is essential.

Booking in advance is not just recommended but practically necessary given the high demand for both treks and tours.

Reservations can be made through the farm website at lilymoorefarm.com or by calling 845-605-7002. The team is responsive and genuinely helpful when it comes to answering questions or accommodating group needs.

Private tour options are available for those who prefer a more exclusive experience with a dedicated guide.

Lilymoore is a participant in two regional trail programs, the Dutchess Tourism Connection Finder Family Fun Trail and the Farm Finder Ag-Adventure Trail, making it easy to pair with other Hudson Valley stops on a longer itinerary.

A visit here is the kind of experience that earns a permanent spot in your annual plans before you have even made it back to the parking lot.