Fall is apple season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a trip to an apple orchard. From picking your own apples to sampling cider and doughnuts, there’s something for everyone at an apple orchard. And the best part is, you can go apple picking from north to south and coast to coast in the US.
Let’s explore the 10 top-notch orchards throughout the US!
Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards
New York
Immerse yourself in the Finger Lakes fall foliage and pick your own apples at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards.
This 1,000-acre orchard is home to over a dozen varieties of apples, making it one of the most diverse orchards in the country. So whether you’re a fan of sweet, tart, or spiced apples, you’re sure to find your favorites.
After you’ve picked your apples, take a hayride through the orchards and enjoy the stunning fall foliage. Or, visit the petting zoo and meet some of the farm animals. And, of course, no visit to Beak and Skiff would be complete without sampling some of their delicious ciders and apple wines.
Mercier Orchards
Georgia
Step back in time at Mercier Orchards, a family-owned and operated apple orchard that has been in operation for over 80 years.
Nestled in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, Mercier Orchards is a slice of rural Georgia heaven. Here, you can pick your own apples, take a hayride through the orchards, or visit the farm animals. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike on one of the trails throughout the orchards. The trails range from easy to moderate, so there’s something for everyone.
Sky Top Orchard
North Carolina
Calling all apple lovers! Sky Top Orchard is the place for you if you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the fall season. Located on a mountaintop in Zirconia, North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard offers a variety of activities for all ages, including picking apples, hayrides, petting zoo, and sampling various ciders and donuts.
Be sure to visit during their Apple Festival in October!
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Massachusetts
Nestled in the rolling hills of Stow, Massachusetts, Honey Pot Hill Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm providing sweet treats to the community for 97 years.
During the fall, Honey Pot Hill Orchards transforms into a magical wonderland where you can pick your own apples, take a hayride, and enjoy all sorts of family-friendly activities.
With a variety of apples to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect pick. After you’ve filled your bag, head to the bakery for a warm, fresh-baked donut or visit the Farm Store for specialty products.
Los Rios Rancho
California
Los Rios Rancho is a hidden gem nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. This family-owned and operated orchard has been around since 1906, and it’s the perfect place to step back in time and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Partake in activities such as horseback, tractor, and carriage rides, a petting zoo, and nature trails throughout the property that are perfect for families to enjoy. Los Rios also features a year-round eatery where you can grab a slow-cooked smoked sandwich.
But what makes Los Rios Rancho Orchard genuinely unique is its historic charm. The orchard has various antique farm equipment, including a horse-drawn cider press and a 1920s tractor. You can also visit the old barn, now a museum that tells the story of the orchard’s history.
Spicers Orchards
Michigan
Spicers Orchards is a fun-filled fall harvest wonderland nestled in the rolling hills of Fenton, Michigan. This sixth-generation family-owned and operated orchard has provided the community with sweet treats since the 1950s when the first farm near Detroit would take fruit by wagon to the downtown area. If this history isn’t enough reason to visit, keep reading!
Spicers Orchards is truly unique with the variety of activities for all ages. There’s something for everyone at Spicers Orchards, from corn mazes and petting zoos to apple wine tastings and live music. Explore the various events happening all through fall. You’re sure to have a fun and memorable time!
Apple Holler
Wisconsin
Apple Holler is a family-owned orchard in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, that has provided sweet treats to the community for many years. They are known for their rich history, tradition, and wide variety of apple products.
In addition to their pick-your-own apples, Apple Holler also offers a variety of other activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and a petting zoo. They also have a year-round restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a special focus on apple-inspired dishes.
So whether you’re looking for a taste of the old-fashioned or a fun-filled day out, Apple Holler is the perfect place to visit.
Applecrest Farm Orchards
New Hampshire
Applecrest Farms is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard, and it has been providing the community with delicious fall treats for a century. The Wagner family, who has owned and operated the farm for four generations, takes great pride in their apples and is committed to providing their customers with the best possible experience.
Applecrest Farms hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival, which takes place on the weekends from September to October, and it’s a great way to enjoy the changing leaves, fresh-picked apples, and all the fun activities the farm offers. The festival features a variety of activities, including tractor rides through the orchards, a corn maze that’s sure to challenge even the most experienced navigators, live music from local bands, lawn games to keep you entertained, baked goods, and other food options to satisfy your appetite. Plus, there’s a petting zoo that is perfect for kids to enjoy!
The Fall Harvest Festival is a great way to celebrate the changing seasons and enjoy the best that New Hampshire has to offer. So mark your calendars and make plans to visit Applecrest Farms this fall!
Solebury Orchards
Pennsylvania
Solebury Orchards is an 80-acre fruitful oasis nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania. From June to November, the orchard opens its gates to visitors of all ages who are eager to pick their own delicious fruits and berries.
The orchard is stunning in the fall season, with the trees ablaze in color. Visitors can enjoy the changing leaves while they take a hayride through the orchards or try to find their way through the corn maze. And, of course, a fall visit to Solebury Orchards would only be complete by trying the warm donuts.
After a day of exploring, stop by the market and load up on the fresh produce, applesauce, and fruit butters. You can also find a variety of souvenirs and gifts, perfect for taking home to remember your visit.
Stribling Orchard
Virginia
Step back in time and experience the simple pleasures of spending the day at Stribling Orchard. This sixth-generation family-owned orchard has served the community delicious fruits for over 200 years in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Whether you pack a picnic or wander the orchards enjoying the beautiful vista views, you’ll find a relaxing and enjoyable time at Stribling Orchard. And, of course, no visit to an orchard would be complete without picking your own apples.
After a day of exploring, stop by the Harvest House to pick out some honey, jams, jellies, salsa, and fresh apple cider. You can also find a variety of souvenirs and gifts, perfect for taking home to remember your visit. On fall Saturdays, head to the bakery and grab a pie or baked goods to take home!
Johnson Orchards
Washington
Apple orchards are for more than just the Midwest and East Coast. If you’re looking for a truly unique fall foliage experience, head to the other side of the country to Johnson Orchards in Yakima, Washington. This family-owned and operated farm has been around for over 100 years, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the best of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
During the fall season, Johnson Orchards is popping with colorful foliage and many things to do. You can pick your own apples, take a hayride through the orchards, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. And, of course, no trip to an apple orchard would be complete without sampling some fresh-baked pies and other delicious treats.
Johnson Orchards is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
No matter where you are in the US, take a road trip to an apple orchard this fall and enjoy the festivities of picking apples, eating warm donuts, and all the other fun that comes with it!
