The Best Apple Picking Farms And Orchards In America
Load up on pick-your-own apples at these farms and orchards.
As summer rolls out and cooler weather begins to trickle in, you may constantly be thinking about all of the fall activities you're looking forward to enjoying. From dressing in your favorite monochrome outfit to sipping on pumpkin spice anything, fall is truly the underrated champion of seasons. And while many people consider pumpkins to be the unofficial mascot of the crisp and cool season, nothing beats spending time at your nearest orchard picking your own apples. Truly, who can get enough fresh Honeycrisp or Gala apple right out of the bushel?
Though many farms, orchards, and cider mills suspended or decreased their volume of in-person picking during 2020's season due to onset on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many are back to operating within normal parameters as the number of vaccinated individuals continues to rise in the United States. Of course, not all are back to business as usual and many are still adhering to social distancing as well as other CDC guidelines, so you'll want to be sure to do your research before showing up.
Regardless of where you go, this roundup of the best orchards, farms, and cider mills for apple picking—approved by Yelp reviewers—is sure to give you plenty options. And you can make plans to road-trip to a few if you're feeling adventurous. Not your type of party? Try heading to the best places for apple cider instead.
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Hillcrest Orchards, Georgia
Hillcrest Orchards in Ellijay
"What a fun place. In comparison to the other Apple farms , Hillcrest has many more activities to offer besides picking apples. They have a petting zoo ( rabbits, goats, kitties , you can also feed the goats ), a chicken race , duck race , pig race , and swimming pigs ( that was very funny ) and the kids seemed to love it ! Great fun for the whole family. And last but not least, pick your own apples. You can walk or jump on a tractor for a ride. Highly recommended for the whole family!" - Yelp user Tania S.
Ochs Orchard, New York
Ochs Orchard in Warwick
"Had a fantastic time picking apples (which are still fresh and delicious 2+ weeks later), and were surprised we could pick fresh veggies, too. The prices were totally fair, and the apple cider donuts were delicious." - Yelp user Am P.
Willowbrook Apple Farm, California
Willowbrook Apple Farm in Oak Glen
"Tons of people — couples, friends and families alike — come to pick apples, make apple cider, eat caramel apples, and view the animals on the farm. My friends and I picked apples and ate them with caramel. We even had a few tasty apple habanero meatballs that were sold on site." - Yelp user Krystle C.
Cider Hill Farm, Massachusetts
Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury
"The farm is beautiful and their selection of apples is impressive. So many delicious varieties to choose from. The orchard is serene and perfect for getting away from the city to take in nature and fresh air." - Yelp user Jon R.
Riamede Farm, New Jersey
Riamede Farm in Chester
"There's a free, short tractor-pulled hayride out to the middle of the orchard for those who don't want to schlep all the way through. or the wagons you can use (free, too) to collect your fruit as you stroll. Try the delicious hot apple cider doughnuts ... you'll be hooked and will need a second or maybe even a third." - Yelp user Amalia Y.
Tougas Family Farm, Massachusetts
Tougas Family Farm in Northborough
"Can safely say that this is the best local farm in the area. Always get my pumpkins and apples here and can't forget about those cider donuts! This place is extremely efficient and can accommodate a large amount of people." - Yelp user P G.
Carter Mountain Orchard, Virginia
Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville
"Carter Mountain Orchard truly has something for everyone in the family and is a great place for a family outing. On the property they have a wagon ride option and apple picking. At the food barn, they have donuts, cider, pies and cider slushes. On site they also feature wine tastings, as well as Bold Rock Cellar cider flights, pints, and cases to go." - Yelp user Torey S.
Solebury Orchards, Pennsylvania
Solebury Orchards in New Hope
"Screw Christmas ... apple picking is my favorite time of year, and Solebury Orchards is my favorite place to do it. The staff are helpful, the apples are plentiful (and delicious) and they usually have bushels of honeycrisp apples to purchase (joy to the world). Quite frankly, the cider and apple cider donuts are worth the hike alone." - Yelp user Callan W.
Gizdich Ranch, California
Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville
"Been here many times for berry and apple picking. Staff are friendly and all the pies and foods are delicious! You can have a picnic in the backyard under trees. Good place for kids and family." - Yelp user Anh N.
Stribling Orchard, Virginia
Stribling Orchard in Markham
"Loads of different apple varieties, and there was a stand for fresh-dipped caramel apples and kettle corn (drool!). Little kids love this place — lots to see and it's just beautiful, with row after row of apple trees in a picturesque mountain landscape." - Yelp user Jennie S.
Battleview Orchards, New Jersey
Battleview Orchards in Freehold
"Great for apple picking — I would definitely suggest this place to go apple picking with your family on a nice day. I love the little market; so cute! The cider and hot donuts are amazing!" - Yelp user Lyndsay V.
Mercier Orchards, Georgia
Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge
"I grew up going to the apple festivals up here and had a wonderful time picking apples with my family and then enjoying hot pies afterward. Everything I have ever gotten here has been fabulous. Mericer's is just the best for fresh, local produce and YUMMY apple pies." - Yelp user Samantha D.
Eckert's Belleville Farm, Illinois
Eckert's Belleville Farm in Belleville
"Pick your own is fantastic. It's always very organized and they do a great job sending you to areas with a lot of fruit. We love picking our own fruit! The apples and peaches are fantastic - so much better than grocery store." - Yelp user Angela N.
Applecrest Farm Orchards, New Hampshire
Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls
"I've been coming since I was a kid. They have bluegrass music, apple picking, hayrides, scarecrow-making, pie-eating contests and yummy farm items to buy." - Yelp user Julie H.
Triple B Farms, Pennsylvania
Triple B Farms in Monongahela is offering curbside pick-up for the 2020 season.
"We had complete freedom to pick what we wanted and had a total blast doing it! There is no fee to do it, you just pay for the apples. I would recommend Triple B Farms to everyone who enjoys fall, food and everything else that comes with it! This is truly the best hayride, pumpkin patch, and overall fall farm experience!" - Yelp user Lizzie D.
Mack's Apples, New Hampshire
Mack's Apples in Londonderry
"This is a pure apple picking place — none of the mazes, animals, or cider donut draws you see at some of the other orchards, but if you want to feel more connected to nature with less crowds, this place is for you. They had the cheapest apples out of all the orchards I have been to in New England, and the most plentiful selection too." - Christina M.
Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market, Connecticut
Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market in Middlefield
"I love everything about Lyman's orchard. The views alone are worth a drive! Lyman's has so much to offer — from the corn and sunflower mazes, to pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, fresh apple cider and donuts." - Yelp user Erica K.
Edwards Apple Orchard, Illinois
Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove
"You get the charm of taking a tractor ride to the apple orchard to do your picking and back at the grounds is a plethora of activities.
There's the play area for kids, a country store where you can purchase any kind of "treat" that can be considered country-cute." - Yelp user Aimee M.
A & M Farm Orchard, Ohio
A & M Farm Orchard in Midland
"They have a nice orchard that you can pick your own apples from or grab some already picked in the store. The cider is some of the freshest most crisp that I've tasted. I got a ton, including some to freeze. I also got Jonagold apples, which are huge and delicious." - Yelp user Heather L.
Ni'Kesia Pannell is an entrepreneur, multi-hyphenate freelance writer, and self-proclaimed Slurpee connoisseur that covers news and culture for The Kitchn. She's the former Weekend Editor for Delish who also writes about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music for a range of additional outlets.
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