As autumn approaches, apple picking in Connecticut becomes a popular activity. Renowned for its extensive apple varieties, Connecticut’s orchards boast popular choices like Rubinette, Macoun, and Cortland. With some locations offering over twenty varieties, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for apple enthusiasts.
In the Constitution State, you’ll discover a newfound admiration for everything apple, including pies, cider, and more. Get a fun-filled experience by adding in a classic fall hayride, visiting pumpkin patches, and making your way through corn mazes.
Plan your trip during early September to late October for ideal conditions and perfectly ripe apples. Don’t forget to check out the orchards’ websites for more information on hours and apple types so you can plan accordingly! Check out this list, divided by regions to help plan your ideal apple-picking trip.
Northern Connecticut
1. Ellsworth Hill Orchard & Berry Farm
Address: 461 Cornwall Bridge Rd, Sharon CT 06069
From Apple Cider donuts to delicious homemade pies, you can certainly count on this orchard to bring you an apple-filled experience you won’t forget. In addition to picking your own apples, you can pick your own pumpkins seasonally. Starting in early September, you can enjoy both apple varieties in addition to fresh peaches and Asian pears.
With farm fresh baked goods on hand and plenty of activities to do such as their annual corn maze, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful, family-owned farm.
2. Lapsley Orchards
Address: 403 Orchard Hill Rd, Pomfret Center, CT 06259
This family-owned orchard offers over 200 acres of farmland and 24 apple varieties. In addition to your classic apple picking, the farm also boasts a large variety of fresh produce ready to be picked seasonally. From sweet corn to the perfect pumpkin, you can get all your fall favorites in one place.
If you happen to visit on Columbus Day weekend, you can support local artisans at their annual Fall Festival. Don’t forget to ask about wagon rides and treat yourself to an Apple Cider donut during the months of September and October!
3. Horse Listener’s Orchard
Address: 317 Bebbington Rd, Ashford, CT 06278
This rustic farm sits on 153 acres and boasts a variety of bountiful fruits and vegetables just waiting to be handpicked. This family-friendly orchard offers both pony rides and train rides on the weekend. Starting in mid-September you can enjoy special tours and festivals throughout the fall season.
Enjoy handmade butter, honey, cider, and more at their on-site store when you visit. For a cute, nostalgic experience, the Horse Listener’s Orchard is a great destination. Don’t forget to check out the calendar for upcoming events on their website!
4. Easy Pickin’s Orchard
Address: 4805, 46 Bailey Rd, Enfield, CT 06082
With over ten varieties of apples (try the Macouns and Rubinettes) and an inviting array of other fresh produce items, you will have a blast picking your own at Easy Pickin’s Orchard. This farm has been in business since 1992 and prides itself on growing beautiful produce, herbs, and flowers, just waiting for you to hand-pick them.
Check out their website to stay up to date on special events during the fall months. Starting in early September, you can pick apples at this quaint orchard amongst other fantastic finds. Support locally-made honey and more when you visit.
5. Irish Bend Orchard
Address: 90 Pioneer Heights Rd, Somers, CT 06071Irish Bend Orchard
This Tolland County favorite offers a great selection of apple trees- there are even dwarf-sized trees for little ones to hand-select effortlessly! Enjoy apples starting in early September and discover the perfect pumpkin in the fall months as well. If you visit on the weekend, plan for hayrides through the pumpkin patch!
If you arrive early in the season, you might even be able to pick a few peaches. This straightforward approach to orchards is the perfect stop if you want to grab a peck of apples in addition to a fun fall hayride and a pumpkin!
Southern Connecticut
6. Scott’s Yankee Farmer
Address: 436 Boston Post Road East Lyme, CT
This New London County favorite is located right off of the famous, scenic Route 1. This massive orchard features a beautiful selection of apples, amongst a variety of other fruits and flowers that can be handpicked seasonally.
For over a century, this family-owned farm has thrived on providing the community with beautiful produce, plants, and flowers. Check out the cider mill and see how the process works after you acquire the perfect apple. You can even visit the donut room where their famous apple cinnamon donuts are made from June through December.
Beginning in September, you can even participate in their Swamp Adventure Corn Maze. For the ideal autumn experience, you can hand-pick your favorite pumpkins during the Fall months. This orchard seemingly has it all!
7. Lyman Orchards
Address: 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
This exciting orchard boasts a whole lot of activities in addition to apple picking. You can even golf on-site! This highly recommended spot was actually awarded one of the top ten spots to apple pick in the United States. From apple picking to corn mazes and everything in between, this widely known orchard is a must-visit.
Apples start to harvest in mid-August and go as far as mid-November at this orchard so you’ve got plenty of time to plan your trip. Don’t forget to check out their on-site supermarket so you can purchase baked goods, fresh foods, and more. With nearly 100 varieties of produce and boasting over 100 acres of scenic landscapes, you will simply love your experience at Lyman Orchards.
8. Belltown Hill Orchards
Address: 483 Matson Hill Rd, South Glastonbury, CT 06073
This southern Connecticut gem offers a great way to spend the day with plenty of activities and experiences to be had. With over 20 apple varieties to choose from, this farm also offers a plethora of other produce to pick seasonally. Their farmers market boasts fresh veggies, apple cider donuts, and homemade pies. They are locally famous for their hot apple fritters!
Starting in mid-August and all the way through November, you can enjoy apple picking so your planning options are plentiful. Both August and September boast an exciting amount of other fruits such as nectarines, peaches, and pears so you will likely be able to pick other exciting produce items.
9. Silverman’s Farm
Address: 451 Sport Hill Road Easton, CT 06612
Located in Easton, CT, this popular farm features a variety of fun activities such as a petting zoo, gift shop, and country market in addition to your classic apple picking experience. Starting in early September, you can embark on your apple adventure and even enjoy a fun hayride across the farm. Discover a range of homemade delicacies such as jams, jellies, and condiments at their on-site store. Family-friendly and with a whole lot to see and do, you can’t go wrong with this Connecticut favorite.
This family-owned farm dates back to the early 1920s and offers over twenty apple varieties starting as early as late August. Check out the website for a more detailed chart so you can pick your favorite apples when you visit!
10. Bishop’s Orchards
Address: 448-518 New England Rd, Guilford, CT 06437
For an upscale experience, Bishop’s Orchards is one that you won’t soon forget. In addition to its quality produce and apple picking, you can enjoy the on-site winery if you’re in the mood for a relaxing afternoon. This orchard is highly regarded as a must-visit in Connecticut.
This community gem also offers a creamery, a farmers market stand with all of their best-grown produce, and over twenty varieties of apples! With a well-booked event calendar, you are certain to come across some excitement at this local orchard. From movie nights to wine tours, this orchard definitely stands out from the rest.
11. Holmberg Orchards
Address: 1990 CT-12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335
This Mystic local Orchard is well known for its amazing produce throughout the summer and fall. As early as mid-August, you can pick fabulous Honeycrisp apples, and all the way through October, you will discover additional varieties. This Orchard uniquely sits on a winery and offers a wide selection of freshly made wines and hard ciders.
Visiting in October means you can wander the pumpkin patch in addition to grabbing one of your favorite apples. Not to mention, their on-site market is always offering delicious treats such as cider donuts and freshly made pies!
Western Connecticut
12. Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
Address: 278 Leavenworth Road, Route 110, Shelton, CT 06484
Locally known for its incredible variety of apples and delicious pies, you simply can’t go wrong by stopping at this gorgeous orchard. This Mill offers fresh apple cider and peach picking as well. With over 10,000 trees that date back as far as the early 1920s, this family-owned farm certainly offers an impressive amount of apple selections.
Choose from a broad variety of options when it comes to your ideal apple. You’ve got your baking favorites like Macoun and McIntosh and your classic picks like Honeycrisp and Red Delicious. But Beardsley’s gives you unique varieties such as Jonagold, Liberty, and Braeburn. For the ideal apple-tasting experience, Beardsley’s makes it easy to acquire a newfound appreciation for apple varieties.
13. Drazen Orchards
Address: 251 Wallingford Road, Cheshire, CT 06410
If you’re in the Middlesex County area, you will want to check out this gorgeous orchard. You can pick a great variety of apples such as Macoun, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Zestar when you visit from September through late October.
Enjoy a variety of other fresh fruits such as peaches, blueberries, and plums when you visit in early September. This straightforward orchard gives you that classic apple-picking experience you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to check out their honey straight from the on-site hives!
14. Blue Jay Orchards
Address: 125 Plumtrees Rd, Bethel, CT 06801
This well-known orchard is a fan favorite for Connecticut families. Year-round, you can pick a variety of different vegetables and fruits. For the perfect apples, you can visit starting in early September. For a fun-filled fall experience, visit during October and enjoy the pumpkin patch.
With an on-site bakery boasting a plethora of delicious homemade baked goods, you can’t go wrong by visiting this family-owned farm. From cider donuts to pies made with family recipes, this orchard is perfect for that simple, yet fulfilling apple-picking experience.
15. March Farm
Address: 160 Munger Ln, Bethlehem, CT 06751, USA
This fourth-generation-owned farm offers both a variety of events and produce to hand-pick. Check out their event calendar and enjoy live music and festival vibes throughout the summer and fall. With over ten varieties of apples starting in mid-September, you’re sure to find your perfect peck at March Farm.
Enjoy specialty muffins, pastries, and pies on site, freshly made with farm-grown produce. With an onsite playground and petting zoo, this unique farm is sure to be fun for the whole family. Explore the website for more information on upcoming events because they sure are plentiful!
