Road trip anyone? With Labor Day officially behind us, it’s time to look towards a cozy fall, and… apple picking season!! We’ve rounded up the crème de la crème of fall fun by state for your upcoming adventures. Save this list and grab your besties, your camera, and head out to the orchard.
And, if you bring home too many to eat (is there really such a thing?) we’ve got you covered with this No Peel Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe.
Alabama
- Scotts Orchard
- Location: Hazel Green, AL
- Varietals: 18
- Acerage: 982
Starting in Montgomery, take highway 31 north, and prepare yourself for a slice of apple heaven. There are several orchards peppered across the state, but the winner goes to one of the oldest: Scotts Orchard. This orchard has been family owned and operating since 1901. Scotts orchard is currently run by the third generation.We’re including this one in Alabama, even though technically their farm sprawls across the Tennessee border too. In 2010 as a Tennessee Century Farm.
Alaska
- Clarks Apple Orchard
- Location: South Anchorage, Alaska
- Varietals: 20+
Planted in 1960, Clarks Apple Orchard is named after its founder Lawrence Clark. His niece Sonja and her husband Randy have continued the tradition and plant new varieties every year– so there’s new discoveries bound for your yearly visit! They offer a seasonal YouPick event, and ask children to remain supervised while visiting.
Arizona
- Apple Annie’s Orchard
- Location: Willcox, AZ
- Varietals: 10
- Acreage: 125
Just outside of Tucson, you will find Apple Annie’s Orchard. The unique topography of the area has allowed the Holcomb family to thrive in their orchards to thrive in the desert climate — located in the Sulphur Springs Valley at an elevation of 4300.
Arkansas
- Cox Berry Farm and Nursery
- Location: Clarksville, AR
- Varietals:13
For over 50 years, the Cox family has been growing apples, pumpkins, berries and so much more. Located on Redlick Mountain, you can make this a whole day trip and enjoy the views. They offer picked and self pick options.
California
Ciara Brewer
- Apple Starr Orchards
- Location: Julian, California
- Varietals: 9
- Acreage: 28
Julian California is the place for apples. People travel all up and down the state to make their way to downtown Julian and try some of their famous pie. Apple Starr Orchards is located in Julian, and they boast organic apples and pears from trees between 20-70 years old. This can easily become a full day adventure by heading into downtown Julian and settling the score once and for all: who has the best apple pie?
Colorado
- YA YA Farm and Orchard
- Location: Longmont, CO
- Varietals: 17
YA YA Farm and Orchard’s story begins in 1896 with a family establishing the farm, and was reborn in 2003 when the current owners rehabilitated the old farm which had been neglected. They specialize in old world heirloom apples
Connecticut
Savannah Gagnon
- Wright’s Orchard
- Location: Tolland, Connecticut
- Varietals: 23
Wrights Orchard is the premiere apple orchard in Connecticut for a family day of fun! Weaving through the property, you will find apples and pumpkins, as well as a store on the property where you can score some fresh made goodies. Their apple orchard includes 2,000 semi dwarf and dwarf trees.
Delaware
- Fifer Orchards
- Location: Camden-Wyoming, DE
- Varietals: 27
- Acreage: 300
Five generations of Fifer’s have continued on the tradition of this Delaware farm. “Our mission is to grow and sell high quality produce, while preserving the environment, serving the community and maintaining family values.” Their dedication to their community is something we can all get behind to support– not to mention their vast selection.
Florida
- Clear Creek Farm
- Location: Milton, FL
- Varietals: 1
While there are tons of you pick options throughout Florida for citrus and berries, the weather is not quite right for the beloved apple tree. That being said, you can head over to Clear Creek Farm and tour their sustainable set up, which includes the rehabilitation of the historic Alabama Shell apple tree. Each year they have a tree grafting demonstration to showcase how they are working with the fruit trees.
Georgia
- R & A Orchards
- Location: Ellijay, GA
- Varietals: 18
- Acreage: 70
Since 1947, R & A Orchards has been providing apples for their community. A full family affair, they also offer children’s and seniors tours throughout the year! R & A’s farm store does not disappoint either– make your way home with a bushel of apples and some hot sauce or jam!
Hawaii
- Aloun Farms
- Location: Kapolei, HI
- Acreage: 3,000
While apples don’t grow in Hawaii, you can get your fall fix with pumpkins! Since the majority of the produce in this state is imported, Aloun Farms has been dedicated to servicing their community with fresh, locally produced produce since 1977.
Idaho
- Cabalos Orchard
- Location: Kuna, ID
- Varietals: 12
- Acreage: 10
Organic apples anyone? Cabalos prides themselves on their organic fruits and vegetables. This farm is open seasonally only and ran by the Cabalos themselves. Also– the fall fun doesn’t stop with apple picking! This orchard also hosts a pumpkin patch, and they are even taking orders for Thanksgiving turkeys!
Illinois
- Eckert’s Farm
- Location: Belleville, IL
- Varietals: 11
- Acreage: Multiple Locations
Eckert’s Farm is a staple in southern Illinois! They have been running their operation for seven generations and counting. With multiple locations and events throughout the year, there is something happening almost all year round. The self-pick tours even come with a ride a wagon.
Indiana
- Anderson Orchard
- Location: Mooresville, IN
- Varietals: 30
Apple festival, apple barn, apple concession stand– Anderson Orchards is the apple of our eye! With 30 varieties of apples on site and a variety of fun to keep the whole family engaged, this is a must see orchard. Family owned and operated since 1969. Additionally, they
Iowa
- Wilson’s Orchard and Farm
- Location: Iowa City, IA
- Varietals: 120
- Acreage: 80
Wilson’s farm is a modern play on an old school farm. With one of the most diverse apple variety you-pick operations around, they have grown exponentially. In 2016, they relocated one of the century old barns on the property and turned it into Rapid Creek Cidery.
Kansas
- Cider Hill Family Orchard
- Location: Kansas City, KS
- Varietals: 18
- Acreage: 38
“The Orchard’s mission is to create a place where families can come spend time together”. Cider Hill does that and so much more… U-pick apples, pumpkins, AND fishing spread across their 38 acre farm. There are plenty of spots for a family picnic, with 5 ponds nestled in the property for the anglers out there.
Kentucky
- Evan’s Orchard & Cider Mill
- Location: Georgetown, KY
- Varietals: 15
- Acreage: 175+
As a fifth generation farm, Evan’s has gone through some changes over the years. It used to be a tobacco and cattle farm, and in the early 1990’s, they decided to pivot and specialize in apples, as well as a variety of fruits and veggies.Not only does Evan’s have apples and other produce available for you-picks, they have a giant playground on the farm for the kiddos to burn some energy after eating some delicious apples.
Louisiana
- Mrs. Heather’s Farms
- Location: Hammond, LA
Louisiana may not have any you-pick apple orchards, but they do have Mrs. Heather’s pumpkin patch! For the little ones, you will find plenty of fun activities including a tunnel slide, zip line, hay maze, barrel swing, and more!
Maine
- Ricker Orchards
- Location: Turner, ME
- Varietals: 16
Maine has a lot to choose from, with an entire pomological society dedicated to its apple orchards. For family fun and selection, Ricker Hill is hard to beat! Located in the small town of Turner, about an hour’s drive from the coast, they have a corn maze and even a disc golf course. Make sure to grab some of their signature donuts and cider on your way out.
Maryland
- Larriland Farm
- Location: Silver Spring, MD
- Varietals: 22
- Acreage: 251+
An enormous farm, clocking in over 251 acres of property, Larriland farm focuses on their thriving pick your own produce business. The name is attributed to a specific herd of cattle the family raised– paying tribute to their beginnings. Fall fun activities include hayrides, a straw maze, pumpkin patch, and a “Boo Barn” for kids 4-6 years old.
Massachusetts
- Tougas Family Farm
- Location: Northborough, MA
- Varietals: 38
- Acreage: 88
Pioneers of variety, Tougas Family Farm is constantly adding unique new hybrid apple selections to their orchards. They work hard to make sure you find apples at their farm that don’t make it to the supermarket shelves. Located close to Boston, city-dwellers can find a quaint country experience amidst the 88 acres full of apples. Pumpkin patches, and even a barnyard of friendly animals.
Michigan
- W. Overhiser Orchards
- Location: South Haven, MI
- Varietals: 22
- Acreage:
Since 1863, W. Overhiser Orchards has been providing fresh fruit. Clocking in 22 varieties of apples, the orchard is also home to apricots, pears, peaches, plums, pumpkins– and of course the state’s signature cherries! Farmside activities include hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, and fishing.
Minnesota
- Aamodt’s Apple Farm
- Location: Stillwater, MN
- Varietals: 8
- Acreage: 50
Aamodt’s is fun for all ages! For the kids, there is a tractor pulled kiddie train ride, goat farm, and wagon rides. For the adults, there is an 1880’s barn that is now a bakery with a live bee observation window, wine tasting with Saint Croix vineyards on the property, and the novelty Thor’s Cider.
Mississippi
- Cherry Creek Orchards
- Location: Pontotoc, MS
- Acreage: 123
While there are not places to go apple picking in Mississippi, you can get your peach picking on! Cherry Creek Orchards offers you pick options for peaches, nectarines, plums, figs, blackberries, tomatoes, purple hull peas and local honey.
Missouri
- Centennial Farms
- Location: Augusta, MO
- Varietals: 16
- Acreage: 65
Owned originally by a Daniel Boone follower, Centennial Farms has been family operated for over 165 years. On the property, you will find a nationally registered historic century-old timber-framed barn. The apple orchard was planted around 1969, and hayrides and pumpkin patches are also available for fall fun.
Montana
- Rocky Creek Farms
- Location: Bozeman, MT
- Varietals:
- Acreage: 57
Rocky Creek Farms, also known as Gallatin Valley Botanical, began as a CSA program and has developed into a larger an organic farm based around providing high quality produce to their community. Using a variety of permaculture techniques, the mission of the Rothechiller family is balance and diversity. Apple picking offered seasonally, farm school opportunities, the farm also hosts delectable farm dinners, a fall festival and pumpkin patch, as well as custom cider to order!
Nebraska
- Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard
- Location: Nebraska City, NE
- Varietals: 21
The Kimmels believe in sharing with neighbors, agricultural education research, and historic preservation. Onsite activities include the you-pick barn (equipped with a Happy Orchard app to learn about the orchard!), Hayrack Rides, nature trail, a pollinator playground, vineyard, and even internships! Their educational program offerings include Agritourism, Education, Research, Specialty Forest Crops, Sustainable Agriculture, and Viticulture.
Nevada
- Gilcrease Orchard
- Location: Las Vegas, NV
- Varietals: Check App
- Acreage: 60
When we think about Las Vegas, we don’t necessarily think about fresh produce. The Gilcrease Orchard is uniquely situated near some artesian springs that have allowed this orchard to thrive for over 90 years. Experimenting with apples that could thrive in the desert climate, the Gilcrease family was able to establish a thriving orchard. With plenty of produce happening year round, make sure to check the Gilcrease app for more details on what’s available for you-pick!
New Hampshire
- Brookdale Fruit Farm
- Location: Hollis, NH
- Varietals: 19
An award winning farm with 173 years in the game makes Brookdale Fruit Farm a must-see farm in New Hampshire! Brookdale offers an old timey vibe for a traditional apple picking experience. They also have an impressive farm stand, natural ice cream, and pumpkin patch to boot.
New Jersey
- Terhune Orchards
- Location: Princeton, NJ
- Varietals: 34
- Acreage: 200
Apple picking, pumpkin picking, barnyard fun, children’s education programs, live music, and a winery are all on the list of fun activities at Terhune Orchards. This organi farm located outside of Princeton, this central Jersey location invites visitors from all over the state– not to mention their award-winning wine selection!
New Mexico
- Manzano Mountain Retreat
- Location: Torreon, NM
- Varietals: 37
These mountains are named after the spanish word for apple: Manzano. Manzano Mountain Retreat has the largest selection of apples in New Mexico. This region was settle by the Spanish Conquistadors, making these some of the first apple trees planted in America. As a full on retreat center, lodging is available along with tons of activities– a perfect fall get-a-way!
New York
- Barton Orchards
- Location: Poughquag, NY
- Varietals:
- Acreage: 120
Barton Orchards offers so much more than just apple picking– all within a couple hour drive from downtown New York City! Activities include: apple cider doughnut sundaes, a dog park, a corn maze, haunted house, a petting zoo (with llamas and peacocks!), tree top adventures, and the Tap Room, which pours local craft beer, cider, and wine.
North Carolina
- The Orchard at Altapass
- Location: Spruce Pine NC
- Varietals: 25
A Blue Ridge Mountains experience! The Orchard at Altapass is situated inside of 3,000 acres of protected forest land. They delight in offering visitors a taste of Appalachia with some of the regions best apple picking, live music, dancing, storytelling, bird watching, hay rides, trails and so much more. Check out the founder Bill’s TedX talk about the preservations of culture, his road to apple picking and more here.
North Dakota
- Cottonwood Cider House
- Location: Ayr, ND
- Varietals: 40
To pick apples, North Dakotans will need to venture over to Minnesota or South Dakota– but they can enjoy a beautiful cider farm chalk full of seasonal activities! With cold weather variety apples, Cottonwood Cider House and farm cultivates 40 different varieties to make craft cider. Onsite tours available.
Ohio
- Burnham Orchards
- Location: Berlin Heights, OH
- Varietals: 22
- Acreage: 835
Priding themselves on the cutting edge of new varieties, Burnham Orchards in Ohio offers som of the best apple picking in the state! Aside from a wonderful you-pick, they have an onside cider house, bakery, corn maze and a ton of fun events throughout the fall! Check out the website for up-to-date information.
Oklahoma
- Livesay Orchards
- Location: Porter, OK
- Varietals:
- Acreage: 2,210
Located in the capital of Oklahoma, Livesay Orchards has apple picking, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and fun kids activities throughout the fall harvest season! The Livesay family’s fall fun is matched by its passion for peaches.
Oregon
- Bell’s Orchard
- Location: Wallamette Valley
- Varietals: 9
A “short orchard” local favorite! The apple trees here allow kids and adults to pick apples without the use of a ladder (your back will thank you!) Cultivating their own honey, grab some local honey and quell the fall allergies. When supporting Bell’s, you also support the local community, as they donate thousands of pounds of produce to local charities and members of the community.
Pennsylvania
- Shady Brook Farm
- Location: Yardley, PA
Shadybrook Farm in Yardley is the go-to you-pick spot for Pennsylvania. Wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, apple picking in our apple orchard,pick your own sunflowers, a year round farmer’s market, and a trike track will keep the family fun going for hours! There’s even a nursery and garden center coupled with their 100 years of experience to boost your home garden.
Rhode Island
- Dame Farm & Orchards
- Location: Johnston, RI
- Varietals: 9
- Acreage: 7
Since the 1840s, the Dames family has been farming their land in Rhode Island. For being in a small state, the Dames farm packs a mighty punch! With 9 varieties of apple strung out across their 7 acres, visitors are guided through the orchard with tags on each tree naming the variety and suggested use.
South Carolina
- Bryson Apple Orchard
- Location: Mountain Rest, SC
- Varietals: 16
Bryson Apple Orchard makes for a perfect fall drive, being situated between several state parks and outdoor activities. The orchard was settled afterRichard Bryson traveled to Long Creek for a bear hunt, following black bears destroying apple trees and bee hives in the area. A destination adventure, visitors can choose from 16 varieties of you-pick or we-pick apples to take along on their way in or out of a day of outdoor adventure!
South Dakota
- Country Apple Orchard
- Location: Harrisburg, SD
- Varietals: 13
- Acreage: 78
With over 6,000 trees, Country Apple Orchard has been offering memorable experiences to families in the Sioux Falls area since 1984. With several fall festivals through the season, activities include you-pick apples, wagon rides, pony rides, kiddy trains, a children’s barn and several homemade goodies!
Tennessee
- Wooden’s Apple House
- Location: Pikeville, TN
- Varietals: 21
- Acreage: 100
Fried apple deliciousness anyone? Wooden’s Apple House boasts some of the best fried apple goods to go along with an authentic you-pick apple experience. This bootstrap farm was moved to Tennessee following the loss of the family farm in Florida during the Great Depression.
Texas
- Sonlight Apple Orchard
- Location: Mason, TX
- Varietals: 6
Sonlight Apple Orchard claims to grow the sweetest apples in the united states! Their tree -ripened apples contain 14% more sugar than their counterparts, and 41% more sugar than the ones you typically find at your store. Making your way to the orchard for apple picking, you can stay at their Apple B & B, try your hand at the antique cider press, check out the local historic sires, and go apple bobbing!
Utah
- McMullin Orchards
- Location: Payson, UT
- Varietals: 6
- Acreage: 900
The cool evening lake breeze adds a crisp flavor to the McMullin Orchards apples. Since 1927, the McMullin’s have been cultivating Gap Certified and non-GMO fruit in Utah.
Vermont
- Hackett’s Orchard
- Location: South Hero, VT
- Varietals: 47
- Acreage: 50
The landscape of South Hero, Vermont lends itself to some of the tastiest apples around, and the Hackett family has been part of the 100 year history since 1967. The farm offers a variety of fun fall activities, including the you-pick, orchard tours, and all-ages wagon rides.
Virginia
- Carter Mountain Orchard
Location: Charlottesville, VA - Varietals: 2
It’s no secret that the Northeast offers some of the most beautiful fall drives, and Carter Mountain Orchard is a premier destination! Offering a scenic drive through, your trip can culminate with a fabulous you-pick and lots of fall goodies!
Washington
- Northwest Bloom Farm
- Location: Redmond, WA
- Varietals: 5
- Acreage: 47
Located at the North West Bloom Organic Farm, apple pickers can rejoice in a seasonal you-pick, along with education on farming and permaculture. Apple varieties include Liberty, Jonagold, Spartan and Golden Russets, and quince.
West Virginia
- Rellim Orchard
- Location: Kearneysville, WV
- Varietals: 29
As the second oldest continuing orchard in West Virginia, Rellim’s offers a stunning 29 varieties of apples. This orchard is on the National Register of Historic Places, being established in 1880. While you can’t pick them yourself, you can enjoy the stunning views of the farm as you pick up some of the freshest apples around.
Wisconsin
- Brightonwoods Orchard
- Location: Burlington, WI
- Varietals: 200
While not a you-pick orchard due to the height of the apple trees, Brightonwoods offers a ton of fall fun activities, and you can get fresh apples (200 varieties!) from the orchard onsite, after roaming the rows. There is a two story tree house for the kiddos to overlook the farm, while the adults can head over to the AepplTreow Winery.
Wyoming
- Gallagher’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
- Location: Clark, WY
Apples don’t grow in Wyoming, but pumpkins do! Make your way to Gallagher’s corn maze and pumpkin patch for some fall fun. Activities include: 8 Acre corn maze
Hayrides, Hay bale maze for younger kids, 2 Acre pumpkin patch, Hay bale slide, Shelled corn pit, and a concession stand with goodies and drinks featuring Gallagher’s Natural Beef Burgers and Brats!
