10 Apple Orchards to Visit this Fall

Welcome autumn with bright, juicy apples straight from the tree.

By: Samantha Lande

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Some Of Our Favorite Pick-It-Yourself Apple Orchards

Waving goodbye to summer doesn’t have to be all bad. Fall brings some of our favorite things–changing leaves, cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches and apple orchards. If you are lucky to live in a state where apples are abundant, fruit picking has likely become an annual tradition. On top of picking, a trip to the apple orchard also often comes with fresh pressed cider, cinnamon donuts, a dizzying corn maze and a scenic tractor ride. Enjoy!

Twin Star Orchards

New Paltz, NY

This orchard prides itself on “ugly” apples that may not be perfect enough for grocery store shelves but are packed with amazing flavor. Head out to the Hudson Valley for apple picking and linger in the pavilion for wood-fired pizza and live music. They also host special events like yoga in the orchard, pig roasts and hard cider tastings.

The Elegant Farmer

Mukwonago, WI

Wisconsin is a beauty in the fall with gorgeous leaves, crisp temperatures and plenty of goodies. The Elegant Farmer is a must-visit for their famous apple pie in a bag, especially in September and October for their Harvest Fest. Pick from a variety of apples from Honeycrisp to Granny Smith, take a tractor-pulled hayride and make your own caramel apple before tackling the corn maze!

Sky Top Orchard

Flat Rock, NC

There’s a reason why this orchard is called Sky Top for its expansive panoramic views of the western North Carolina mountains, so have your cameras ready. Pick apples, chow down on freshly made cider donuts or walk through the bamboo forest’s nature trail within the orchards for a moment of serenity. Then head to the barnyard to visit with sheep, goats, geese and other animals before watching cider get pressed right in front of you.

Carter Mountain Orchard

Charlottesville, VA

Get ready to climb a small mountain for these apples– it’s worth it for the juicy fruit and scenery! During peak season you’ll find a half dozen or more varieties to pick from, plus more to buy on-site. After all of that climbing, cool off with a cider slushy. Thursday nights are extra special with orchard hours extending to 9 p.m. with live music, food and unbeatable sunset views.

Crane Orchards

Fennville, MI

This western Michigan orchard has been around for over a century and is the place to pick juicy apples. Make a trip of it and stay at their vacation rental next to the orchard. Get lost in the corn maze and jump on a hayride, but don’t miss a stop at the family’s Pie Pantry. You’ll fall in love with their apple pie, we promise.

Mercier Orchards

Ridge, GA

This fourth-generation, family-run orchard boasts the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. Apple picking is available for visitors on the weekend. Adults will enjoy sampling the hard cider made on-site and the kids won’t be able to go home without a caramel apple.

Los Rios Rancho

Yucaipa, CA

At the foothills of the San Bernardino mountains is the largest apple farm in southern California. Fall is super festive with horseback riding, a chance to press your own cider, live music, wagon and tractor rides and, of course, plenty of apples to pick!

Mt. View Orchards

Mt. Hood, OR

With views of gorgeous Mt. Hood and a 50-acre farm producing delicious, environmentally sustainable fruit, you know this is a must-visit site in Oregon. Pack a lunch (and a camera) for a picnic in the mountains before or after you pick apples. There’s a pumpkin patch in the fall and hayrides through the orchard every Saturday in October.

All Seasons Orchard

Woodstock, IL

Close to both the Chicago area and Rockford, IL, this apple orchard is a Midwestern must in the fall. Take a tractor out to the orchards and pass through fun extras hidden in the trees along the way. Pick until your heart’s content and then take some time to explore the barnyard, which has over 30 activities including a mini zipline, duck races and pumpkin bowling. Don’t leave without a delicious apple cider donut (or three) or an apple cider slushy on hot days.

Deardorff Orchards

Waconia, MN

About 30 miles southwest of Minneapolis, this apple orchard has been making people smile for over three decades. Pick your own apples and then head to the rustic barn, built in 1888, that’s filled with delightful goodies from apple pies to fudge, caramel and cider.

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