In Vermont, nature puts on a stunning display as the fall season approaches with lush leaves covering the hills and valleys. But in addition to its stunning scenery, Vermont also has apple picking in the fall. This time-honored custom invites friends and family together to share luscious, crisp apples against Vermont’s gorgeous scenery.
Let’s take a deeper look at some of Vermont’s best apple orchards, each with its own special charm and attractions that make the state a top travel destination for apple lovers.
1. Chapin Orchard
Address: 150 Chapin Rd, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Chapin Orchard, located in the center of Essex Junction, is a short 20-minute drive from Burlington, making it a convenient location for harvesting apples. A variety of visitors of all ages are welcome at this family-friendly orchard. Beginning in early September and continuing through October, Chapin Orchard is accessible seven days a week.
At Chapin Orchard, visitors can anticipate discovering a wide variety of apple cultivars. There is an apple for every taste, from the traditional Cortland and Empire to the delicious Macoun and Golden Russet. You can mix and match a variety of apples to create the ideal apple-picking experience.
2. Happy Valley Orchard
Address: 217 Quarry Rd, Middlebury, VT 05753
In Middlebury, to the southwest, you may find Happy Valley Orchard, a multidimensional place that offers orchard treats along with a farm stand, specialty food shop, and bakery. More than just an orchard, it is a paradise for both foodies and apple lovers.
Pick your own apples at Happy Valley Orchard, which offers well-known types like McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, and Gala. But one orchard stands out for its dedication to rare apple varieties. The rare gems Northern Spy, Keepsake, Spitzenburg, Russet, Vermont Gold, and Rhode Island Greening can all be found here.
3. Scott Farm Orchard
Address: 707 Kipling Rd, Dummerston, VT 05301
Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston is a must-see for history fans and those looking for a wholly genuine experience. On the National Register of Historic Places lies this orchard, a slice of living history. It has a long history and has been actively growing apples since 1791.
Scott Farm Orchard stands out for its dedication to environmentally sound business methods. The orchard now proudly uses “ecologically grown” techniques to produce apples that are not only delicious but also kind to the environment.
Over 120 different heirloom apple varieties, as well as plums, blueberries, peaches, pears, medlars, and apricots, may be found at Scott Farm Orchard. It combines a trip through time with a taste of Vermont’s finest heritage apples.
4. Liberty Orchards
Address: 2409 West St, Brookfield, VT 05036
The Liberty Orchards in Brookfield, a family-run orchard that specializes in seven disease-resistant apple types with the Liberty apple taking center stage, is a hidden gem for anyone looking for one.
Small apple trees are one of Liberty Orchard’s distinctive features, which makes it the ideal vacation spot for families with young children. Even the youngest apple pickers can participate because of the little space. Liberty Orchard also has affordable rates, with half-bushels costing just $12 and 4 pounds of Honey Crisp apples costing just $5.
Liberty Orchard is a warm and cost-effective option for travelers looking for an actual family orchard experience.
5. Mad Tom Orchard
Address: 2615 Mad Tom Rd, East Dorset, VT 05253
The Parsons family planted apple trees at East Dorset’s Mad Tom Orchard for the first time in 1940. The orchard underwent renovation in the late 1990s, but 100 original McIntosh and Cortland trees still give it a feeling of tradition.
In addition to apples, this orchard also lets you select cherries and raspberries, giving your picking experience more diversity. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain views as you walk through the orchard, and be sure to sample their freshly pressed cider.
Mad Tom Orchard, which is firmly entrenched in family history and a profound passion for Vermont’s agricultural legacy, is a tribute to the everlasting joy of apple picking.
6. Shelburne Orchards
Address: 216 Orchard Rd, Shelburne, VT 05482
For fruit lovers, Shelburne Orchards in Shelburne is a multifaceted visit. While choosing apples is a treat, you can also take advantage of the chance to choose sour cherries, peaches, and table grapes. The variety of apples available throughout the season is what distinguishes Shelburne Orchards from other orchards.
Each trip to Shelburne Orchards guarantees a unique apple-picking experience thanks to the variety of apples available, including Paula Reds, McIntosh, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Gala. There is something for every taste thanks to the orchard’s wide selection of apples.
A fantastic day out can also be had by visiting the Tractor Petting Zoo and indulging in their delicious cider donuts.
7. Green Mountain Orchards
Address: 130 W Hill Rd, Putney, VT 05346
An excursion through Vermont’s gastronomic gems can be had by visiting Green Mountain Orchards near Putney, which offers more than simply apple picking. You can treat yourself to apple pie and warm, fresh cider doughnuts on the majority of autumnal days. Because it is so fresh, you can even drink the cider raw.
Explore the store at Green Mountain Orchards while you are there to get locally-created jams, butter, premium cheese, and maple goods. Additionally, they let you choose your own apples and berries, which makes your stay more engaging.
8. Wellwood Orchards
Address: 529 Wellwood Orchard Rd, Springfield, VT 05156
Wellwood Orchards in Springfield is a beloved family-run farm with a more than 50-year history. The orchard offers a variety of activities besides apple picking, such as wagon rides and the chance to select strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, and more.
Their country store is a veritable treasure trove of farm-fresh food and freshly baked goods. The orchard’s high location offers panoramic vistas as well, making it the perfect setting for priceless family portraits.
9. Burtt’s Orchard
Address: 283 Cabot Plains Rd, Cabot, VT 05647
Apple lovers will find a delightful surprise at Burtt’s Orchard in Cabot. Although they provide more than 40 apple kinds, what distinguishes them from other orchards is their special selection of apples.
Discover varieties including Northern Spy, St. Edmund’s Russet, Pixie Crunch, Ashmead’s Kernel, Binet Rouge, Summer Mac, Summer Rambo, Cox’s Orange Pippin, William’s Pride, Blue Pearmain, Winter Banana, Jonagold, and others at Burtt’s Orchard.
10. Champlain Orchards
Address: 3597 VT-74, Shoreham, VT 05770
A leader in environmentally friendly orchard methods, Champlain Orchards near Shoreham claims to be one of Vermont’s oldest continually running orchards. They also cultivate peaches, cherries, nectarines, and berries in addition to the 100 different varieties of apples.
With a focus on sustainability, Champlain Orchards complies with Eco Apple standards and has earned organic certification from Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF). Additionally, the farm is solar-powered electrically, which is consistent with their aim of environmental care.
When you visit Champlain Orchards, you may not only enjoy the local produce but also see sustainable farming practices in action.
11. Hackett’s Orchard
Address: 86 South St, South Hero, VT 05486
Founded in 1967 on 50 gorgeous acres in South Hero, Hackett’s Orchard is a family-run farm that has grown to be a cherished landmark in the community. Visitors have the opportunity to discover the wide world of apples thanks to the orchard’s amazing collection of 47 different apple types.
In addition to apple picking, Hacketts Orchard offers a variety of other foods, including fresh cider donuts, apple cider, veggies, pumpkins, Vermont maple syrup, and local honey. It is a comprehensive orchard experience.
A picnic area, autumn wagon rides, orchard tours, and u-pick excursions are available to visitors. The orchard’s attractions are enhanced by community gatherings like the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the spring.
12. Northcourt Orchard
Address: 499 Kendall Rd, Enosburg, VT 05450
Northcourt Orchard, originally known as Vaillancourt Orchard, is a tiny yet mighty family-run farm close to the Vermont-Canadian border. While getting there can involve a little bit of a hike, the payoff is certainly worth it.
Pick your own apples from the numerous apple trees dotted across this picturesque orchard’s tranquil grounds. You will discover the flavor of their apples captures the soul of Northern Vermont as you visit the orchard.
The highlight of your trip should be their handcrafted cider donuts, a delectable dessert that captures the distinctive flavor of this picturesque area.
Related Articles
Discover the Best Apple Picking Orchards near Los Angeles (2023)
Discover the Best Apple Picking Orchards in Washington
13 Best Apple Picking Orchards in New Hampshire (2023)
16 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Maine (2023)
10 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Pennsylvania (2023)
12 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Missouri (2023)