Pie worthy picks in Insta worthy groves.
Across the country, the beginning of fall brings chilly weather, crimson leaves, and apples. Dating back to around 1625, when the first apple orchard was planted in Boston's Beacon Hill, apple picking has become a beloved fall tradition in the U.S.
As the season runs from late August through November, each month offers a unique spread of varieties for slicing, baking, and crunching. Whether you’re hoping to score some Honeycrisps or are on the hunt for the elusive Prairie Spy, here are some of the best orchards to add to your fall bucket list.
Bishop’s Orchards, Guilford, Connecticut
Set atop 313 acres of farmland, Bishop’s has been in the same family for six generations and credits their longevity to their commitment to sustainability. Championing a science-first approach and low-impact farming practices, they’ve grown an enviable grove of over 20 apple varieties, including the classic McIntosh, sweet-tart Braeburns, and the juicy Golden Delicious. In addition to rolling rows of trees, there’s also a creamery on-site serving up Apple Cider Donut Sundaes and offering Connecticut-grown wine and cider at their Little Red Barn.
Avila Valley Barn, Avila Beach, California
Avila Valley Barn wasn’t always a brimming grove of trees. The brand started as a farm stand back in 1986, but as the brand vision grew, so did their trees. Today, the farm sits on 250 acres, over 40 of which are dedicated to their orchards, growing all the classics, including Granny Smiths and Cosmic Crisps. The property is also home to a smokehouse offering the quintessential fall roasted corn on the cob and an old country bakery specializing in homemade, fruit-filled bakes.
Beak & Skiff: Lafayette, New York
Founded in 1911, the 400-acre farm, now home to 300,000 trees, was always meant to farm apples. Through spring freezes, harsh winters, and lingering frost, the crops have endured, thanks to a meticulous care routine that involves hand-trimming and bringing in over 400 bees to help pollinate crops. The crops were so successful that the family was able to launch a hard cider brand, 1911 Spirits, known as the first brand in the county to hold a distillery license nd produce gin. In addition to the massive groves, the orchard is also home to the 1911 Tasting Room and Tavern, in case all that picking left you parched.
Bellewood Farms, Lyden, Washington
As the largest orchard in Western Washington, Bellewood Farms is known for its top-tier Honeycrisp crops. Set on 31 acres of farmland, they grow over 20 varieties of apples and pears against the backdrop of Mount Baker. The family farm offers an on-premises tasting room to sample the best batches from their distillery, and a triple-threat cafe that serves as a grill, bar, and bakery where you can purchase a cool glass of cider, freshly baked pies, or cinnamon-dusted French toast.
Sky Top Orchards, Flat Rock, North Carolina
If you're looking for a classic fall mountain afternoon, Sky Top is the orchard for you. Founded in 1982 by David and Lindsey Butler, the 120-acre farm sits atop Mount McAlpine and grows around 22 varieties of apples, including all the classics from Gala to Golden Delicious. Their season kicks off in late July and runs through October. You can find a “ripening” calendar on their website to help gauge the best time to visit based on your apple preferences.
Mercier Orchards, Blue Ridge, Georgia
Bill and Adele Mercier started their namesake orchard back in 1943, and it’s been in the family ever since. Over four generations, what started as a small farm stand has grown into a massive 300-acre farm, offering berries, blossoms, and apples. In addition to the popular U-pick experiences, the farm also boasts a winery, candy kitchen, and fishing experience for folks who prefer to spend their time on the water.
The Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery, Hudson Valley, New York
Right around Labor Day, the Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery opens its over 120 acres of orchards, first planted in 1990, for a “refined” picking experience offering 65 varieties of apples, ranging from Fuji to the rare SnowSweet. Once you’re finished shopping the branches, the property also features a charming full-service cafe and cans of Doc’s Cider, brewed at the oldest cidery in New York State.
Eplegaarden Apple Orchard, Fitchburg, Wisconsin
Eplegaarden is a local community farm with strong Norwegian roots. Founded in the 1980s by Vern and Betty Forest, the couple planted thousands of trees and left a lasting legacy in their community. Today, 16 acres of their farm are dedicated exclusively to growing a wide variety of apples, including RubyMacs, Sansas, and SnowSweets. Their farm store is a local hot spot, offering fresh cider, local honey, and warm apple cider doughnuts. In the off-season, they offer frozen cider and cider donuts, so you can have your fall favorites whenever you please!
Kelder’s Farm, Hudson Valley, New York
Also built on family tradition is Kelder Farm, owned and operated by the Kelder family for around six generations. You’ll find all of your favorite varieties here: Honeycrisp, Cortland, Gala, and Empire, starting in mid-August, alongside over 40 additional attractions, including a petting zoo, mini golf course, a mobile chicken coop, and a taproom.
Cider Hill Family Orchard, Kansas City, Kansas
According to Kansas City locals, Cider Hill Family Orchard is the place for the best picks of the season. The 38-acre farm is a hot spot for U-pick, with 6,000 trees and 18 varieties, including the Pristine Apple, which opens the season in early July. The farm is also a beloved wedding venue offering sweeping views of rolling groves and a quaint white barn for events. In addition to nuptials, the farm offers sweet treats to pair with sweet memories, including classic apple cider doughnuts, kettle corn, and signature sundaes.
Terhune Orchards, Princeton, New Jersey
For over 45 years, the Mount family has farmed over 40 different crops at Terhune, including 30 varieties of apples. Their dedicated team is there to guide visitors on the best pick methods for their dwarf branches, which are perfect for smaller hands to reach. A visit to the farm also gives you access to the farm store, located at the heart of the property, and the winery, which features wines made from grapes grown on the grounds.
Fishkill Farms, East Fishkill, New York
The Morgenthau Family has been farming this land in East Fishkill, New York for over a century. In its over-a-hundred-year history, Fishkill Farms has seen many visitors, including Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who appointed Fishkill’s founder, Henry Morgenthau Jr., Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration during his presidency and later Secretary of the Treasury. The farm went wholesale for a bit, but eventually returned to its local roots. In 1996, 83 years after its founding, the farm was opened to the public and has remained open ever since. Today, they offer around 58 different types of apples; they kick the season off with the small but crisp William’s Pride and end with their tartest variety, the classic green Granny Smith.
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