[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith Autumn comes pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wagon rides, and of course, apple picking season. Running from August until the winter, Americans across the country are invited to local apple orchards to pick their own apples from apple trees. It's a tradition many people love to partake in to bring in the fall season.
How Do Apple Picking Orchards Work?
Usually, open after Labor Day weekend, local farms open up their orchards for customers to pick their own apples and get into the autumn spirit. Some U-Pick orchards even offer hayrides, fall activities, and a petting zoo featuring farm animals. Other orchards offer pumpkin picking and even hard apple cider to taste after spending the afternoon on the search for the perfect Honeycrisp. And let us not forget most farms offer apple cider doughnuts and caramel apples to snack on.
Most places charge by the bushel, peck, or half-peck and provide bags for pickers. Picking bags should only be used for picking apples.
Go apple picking for different varieties and types of apples. Better yet, go a few times through the season for fall fun and to grab all of your favorite apples. The apples of late August and the end of October are completely different, giving you a whole new experience!
This year, make sure to pay attention to any social distancing guidelines the farm has put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
15 Apple Picking Farms Across the United States You Need to Visit
Cider Hill Family Orchard: Kansas City, Kansas
There are Fall activities galore at this U-Pick apple spot! Make sure to grab a Cider Hill Signature Sundae or take-and-bake Apple Crisp home with you.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards: Stow, Massachusetts
From apple cider donuts to apple pie, this U-Pick is only 45 outside of Boston.
Hillcrest Orchards: Ellijay, Georgia
Who needs a corn maze when you have an apple tree maze? The first in the South, this apple farm activity is truly one of a kind. Make sure to grab some ice cream to cool off from a day of family fun.
Apple Holler: Sturtevant, Wisconsin
Home of a year-round restaurant, Apple Holler is home to many varieties of apples including Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Golden Supreme, and McIntosh. What's the best apple in your opinion?
Brown's Orchards and Farm Market: Loganville, Pennsylvania
It's not just apples at this farm market! Stop in and taste local plums, cantaloupe, and green beans.
Evan's Orchard: Georgetown, Kentucky
Pick your own flowers, pumpkins, pears, blueberries, strawberries, and apples at this Kentucky farm.
Riley's Farm: Oak Glen, California
Not only is this farm a U-Pick, but it is also a living history farm catered towards educational field trips. Enjoy fresh cider and fresh apple donuts while learning about the Revolutionary War.
Edwards Orchard: Poplar Grove, Illinois
Now in its fourth generation, this orchard and farm store serves up your favorite Ginger Gold and Golden Delicious apples from their orchard.
Demarest Farms: Hillsdale, New Jersey
Open daily, the farm stand hosts a haunted orchard activity during the Halloween season.
Mt. View Orchards: Mount Hood, Oregon
Home of Golden Row Hard Cider, this orchard has been in business for over 50 years.
Sky Top Orchard: Flat Rock, North Carolina
?Open weekdays and weekends, the Blue Ridge favorite is home to nature trails and barnyard animals.
Vala's Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard: Gretna, Nebraska
Open through November 1st, Vala's Apple Orchard is the largest in Nebraska.
Vessy Orchards: Westover, MD
Fresh from the farm to the table, Vessey Orchards is the place to get delicious apple cider.
County Line Orchard: Hobart, Indiana
These apple fields have been filling peck bags since 1989! Stop by the apple barn and learn why an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Friske's Farm Market: Ellsworth, Michigan
This farm is a U-Pick mecca! Visit year-round to grab cherries, strawberries, and apples.
