20 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in the U.S.

Northeast: Where Tradition Meets Taste

The Northeast boasts a rich history of apple orchards, making it a prime destination for apple picking. From historic farms to scenic landscapes, here are some top spots:

1. Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards (LaFayette, New York): Known as one of the largest apple orchards in the country, Beak & Skiff offers a vast selection of apple varieties, along with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They also feature a distillery and a cider mill.

2. Lyman Orchards (Middlefield, Connecticut): With a history dating back to 1741, Lyman Orchards is a true New England institution. Enjoy apple picking, a corn maze, and a farm market.

3. Shelburne Farm (Stowe, Vermont): Enjoy apple picking with a beautiful Vermont backdrop, featuring a Children's Farmyard, walking trails, and delicious cheese.

4. Russell Orchards (Ipswich, Massachusetts): A classic New England farm with a variety of apple varieties for picking. Their farm stand also offers homemade pies, cider donuts, and other seasonal treats.

5. Poverty Lane Orchards (Lebanon, New Hampshire): Enjoy apple picking at this beautiful and sustainable orchard, surrounded by the scenic beauty of New Hampshire.

Midwest: Sweetness on the Prairie

The Midwest might surprise you with its abundance of apple orchards. Here are some excellent places to experience apple picking in the heartland:

6. Edwards Apple Orchard West (Poplar Grove, Illinois): A family-friendly destination with a large apple orchard, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch. They also have a bakery with mouthwatering apple pies and donuts.

7. County Line Orchard (Hobart, Indiana): With over 30 varieties of apples, County Line Orchard offers a diverse apple picking experience. Enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, and a bee yart.

8. Garwood Orchards (LaPorte, Indiana): Another gem in Indiana, Garwood Orchards offers a fun-filled day with apple picking, hayrides, and a farm market.

9. Sietsema Orchards & Cider Mill (Ada, Michigan): Enjoy apple picking with a focus on cider production. They also offer fresh pressed cider and other delicious treats.

10. Apple Holler (Sturtevant, Wisconsin): Featuring four different orchards, Apple Holler provides a diverse apple picking experience, as well as a restaurant, bakery, and kids' activities.

West Coast: Apples with a Coastal Vibe

The West Coast offers unique apple picking experiences, often accompanied by stunning coastal views or nestled among vineyards. Consider these options:

11. Riley's Apple Farm (Oak Glen, California): Step back in time at this historic apple farm, offering a glimpse into California's early agricultural past.

12. Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville, California): Located near the coast, Gizdich Ranch offers apple picking, as well as delicious pies and other baked goods.

13. See Canyon Fruit Ranch (San Luis Obispo, California): Enjoy the beautiful views as you pick apples at this ranch, which provides beautiful orchards of various apples.

South: Unexpected Apple Delights

While not as well-known for apple orchards as other regions, the South still offers some delightful apple picking experiences.

14. Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge, Georgia): A family-owned and operated apple orchard with a wide variety of apples, a winery, and a market.

15. Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock, North Carolina): Enjoy panoramic mountain views while apple picking at Sky Top Orchard. They also have a playground, hayrides, and a cider donut shop.

16. Justus Orchard (Hendersonville, North Carolina): Known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious apples, Justus Orchard is a great place for a family outing.

Beyond the Usual Suspects

Here are a few more notable apple picking destinations across the United States:

17. Pine Hill Orchard (Colesville, New Jersey): A fantastic spot for apple picking in New Jersey that also has a shop with local foods.

18. Carlson Orchards (Harvard, Massachusetts): Enjoy the beautiful scenery and pick some of the best apples in Massachusetts.

19. Rulfs Orchard (Peru, New York): Offering U-pick apples, pumpkins, and scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains, Rulfs is a great choice.

20. Hillside Orchard Farms (Lakemont, Georgia): Enjoy a variety of activities at this farm from apple picking to petting zoos for the little ones.

Plan Your Perfect Apple Picking Trip

Before heading out for your apple picking adventure, be sure to check the orchard's website or call ahead to confirm availability, hours, and apple varieties. Also, wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and don't forget your camera to capture those precious fall memories. Enjoy the crisp air, the vibrant colors, and the sweet taste of freshly picked apples! Here is the table for your to plan your apple picking trip.