Best Apple Picking Spots in the United States

If you’re looking for a family-friendly fall activity, or a fun daytime date, you can’t go wrong with apple picking. These are just a few of the best spots around the United States to pick your own apples.

Mellick’s Farm is the largest fruit grower in New Jersey. They have locations in both Califon and Oldwick, and allow you to pick your own apples from their orchard. They offer more than 20 apple varieties, although you may want to call ahead to find out what’s ripe for picking. On weekends in September and October, they offer free wagon rides, so you don’t have too much walking while you’re there. They also have fresh apple cider, baked goods, jarred jellies and jams and natural honey available to purchase at their locations.

Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, N.H., is the host of New Hampshire’s best Annual Apple Festival. They have a pick-your-own orchard where you can find varieties from Ginger Gold to Fuji, Honey Crisp and Cortland apples. It’s only an hour away from Manchester, Vt., which is a hugely popular family vacation area and a gorgeous location for viewing fall foliage.

Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Parkdale, Ore., is among the top 5 apple orchards in USA Today’s 10 Best Apple Orchards in the country. Their Heirloom Apple, Asian Pear and Hard Cider Tasting in late October is not to be missed. Here, you can taste more than 100 varieties of apples, and enjoy the refreshing pear and apple hard cider varietals. They ask that visitors bring their own bags and boxes if you wish to pick your own apples, but if you forget, they have empty boxes available for only 50 cents.

Beware that not all orchards in the United States have a pick-your-own option, so you may want to call and ask before making the trip.