Pippins, Cortlands, and McIntoshes — You Will Totally Fall for These Apple Picking Trips!

This blog post was updated on October 2, 2023.

As summer’s golden rays transition into the vibrant color palette of autumn leaves, we welcome the comforts and beauty of the fall season. Whether it be warm sweaters, carving jack-o’-lanterns, or tailgating at your favorite team’s football game, everyone enjoys the wonders of fall.

And one of its best activities is apple picking! Indeed, apples and America have gone hand-in-hand since the first apple tree was planted on the North American continent in 1625 by Reverend William Braxton of Boston. Apples are actually not native to America; they originate in Kazakhstan. (In fact, the name of the country’s capital city, Alma Ata, means “full of apples.”)

Today, millions of Americans spend countless fall afternoons picking apples from the many orchards that dot the American countryside. Apple picking has become such a hallmark of the season that apple lovers celebrate National Apple Day each year on October 21. Apple picking season can typically run from late August to mid November, depending on the weather and which part of the country to are in. Be sure to check availability before heading out!

The following destinations represent the best places for an unforgettable apple picking trip in the United States and are sure to bring a happy degree of fall charm to your autumn day!

Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards — LaFayette, NY

LaFayette, New York’s Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards is considered one of best apple picking destinations in the country. It was founded in 1911 by farmers Andrew Beak and George Skiff, two business partners who helped usher in the idea of recreational apple picking. Boasting 400 acres of farmable land, Beak and Skiff allows guests to pick a variety of different types of apples, including McIntosh, Paula Red, and Gala. In addition to apples, the location also sells a variety of delectable treats, including cider, fudge, and homemade donuts. The location also has several other entertainment options for visitors, including a large venue for live music and magic acts for children.

Sky Top Orchard — Flat Rock, NC

Sky Top Orchard, a mere 60 miles outside of Asheville, North Carolina, represents one of the best apple picking destinations in the southern United States. The orchard exudes charm with its rural setting and small farm atmosphere. The location offers 22 delectable varieties of apples for visitors to pick, among them Honey Crisp, Gala, and Golden Delicious. Alongside apple picking, the orchard also has a variety of different activities for visitors, including hayrides and a small barnyard where guests can meet some of the farm’s animal residents, including sheep, ducks, and even peacocks.

Spicer Orchards — Fenton, MI

Spicer Orchards in Fenton, Michigan celebrates harvest season like no other farm in the Midwest. Spicer has passed down through six generations of farmers, and offers guests a dozen varieties of apples to pick from, including Fuji, Empire, and Golden Delicious. The orchard also features a corn maze that rewards successful maze-running guests with a free donut and cider, and hosts an annual Harvest Festival where guests may purchase handmade crafts and examine antique tractors and other farming vehicles!

Eckert’s Orchard — Grafton, IL

Eckert’s Orchard in Grafton, Illinois offers guests a wholesome Midwestern apple picking experience. Nestled on the picturesque bluffs of the Mississippi River, Eckert’s Grafton location is the ideal farm experience. Eckert’s allows guests to enjoy samples of their produce and unlimited hayrides to the location’s orchards with their Field Access Pass, which is less than $3 on weekdays. Along with nine different varieties of apples to choose from, guests of Eckert’s Orchard can also pick pumpkins, blackberries, and other crops. Before leaving, don’t forget to also check out the orchard’s market for a selection of everything from baked goods to jams and jellies!

Jaswell’s Farm — Smithfield, RI

Jaswell’s Farm has turned apple picking into a true family tradition. The farm — located in an area of Rhode Island that is known as Apple Valley for its abundance of orchards — has been in the Jaswell family since 1899. Due to the farm’s immense popularity in the area, guests planning to visit Jaswell’s are urged to make reservations. (Maybe start by searching for cheap hotels as soon as you can!) Other activities include tours of the farm and pumpkin picking. Guests can also try some of the family’s special candy apple recipes, which include varieties with chopped walnuts and crushed Oreos!

You may also like: Fall in Love With These New York City Autumn Experiences!

Libby & Son U-Picks — Limerick, ME

Like most family run businesses, Libby & Son U-Picks gives a sense of tradition passed down for generations. The farm has an impressive 18 varieties of apples growing on more than 5,500 trees. While Libby & Son does not charge admission, guests can purchase containers if they intend to pick apples. On weekdays, containers cost as little as $14.99. The farm also features a remarkably picturesque picnic area where visitors can enjoy the fall foliage while eating some of Libby & Son’s signature dishes, including apple cider, donuts, and kettle corn. Live entertainment is also available, featuring many local bands and musicians.

Tougas Family Farm — Northborough, MA

Tougas Family Farm is the quintessential New England apple orchard! Family run itself, Tougas Family Farm prides itself on creating an atmosphere where families can craft awesome fall memories…so you better start planning that road trip, because apple picking in Massachusetts makes for an awesome excuse!

In addition to 30 different types of apples, Tougas Family Farm also allows guests to pick crops such as pumpkins and nectarines. Intent on creating a welcoming environment for children, the farm has both a playground and barnyard with cute livestock animals. The Tougas Family Kitchen gives you a chance to enjoy a world-class meal, from fall mainstays like donuts and cider to a full menu of gourmet sandwiches, smoothies, and homemade ice cream.

Do you have a favorite apple orchard that we may have left off the list? Let us know in the comments below!