🍎 Apple Picking Season in Connecticut & Massachusetts
Crisp air, colorful foliage, and fresh cider donuts… September & October are prime time for PYO apples across CT & MA. From corn mazes and hayrides to farm markets and scenic views, these orchards make fall unforgettable.
Connecticut Orchards
Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland Counties
- Lyman Orchards, Middlefield – One of CT’s largest; 25+ varieties, corn maze, market and bakery.
- Rogers Orchards, Southington – Two locations, PYO September through October (weather permitting).
- Hickory Hill Orchards, Cheshire – Newly reopened with fall PYO and a country store.
- Belltown Hill Orchards, South Glastonbury – 20+ apple varieties, hayrides and a bakery.
- Blue Hills Orchard, Wallingford – Sixth-generation farm, weekend PYO hours in season.
- Johnny Appleseed’s Farm, Ellington – Dwarf trees and many apple varieties.
- Irish Bend Orchard, Somers – Fourth-generation farm with apples and Asian pears.
- Scotts’ Connecticut Valley Orchards, Deep River – Classic shoreline orchard experience.
New Haven, Windham and New London Counties
- Lapsley Orchards, Pomfret Center – Wagon rides on fall Sundays, donuts and a farm stand.
- Holmberg Orchards & Winery, Gales Ferry – Apples, flowers, and weekend tractor rides.
- Bishop’s Orchards, Guilford – Large PYO operation, festivals and a corn maze.
Fairfield & Litchfield Counties
- Blue Jay Orchards, Bethel – 20+ varieties with cider donuts and fresh apple cider.
- Silverman’s Farm, Easton – Beloved fall staple with market, animal farm and PYO apples.
- March Farm, Bethlehem – Hilltop orchard views, apples September–October plus activities.
- Hidden Gem Orchard, Southbury – Boutique orchard with antique and modern varieties.
- Averill Farm, Washington Depot – Tenth-generation orchard with apples and pears.
Massachusetts Orchards
MetroWest & West of Boston
- Berlin Orchards, Berlin — Passionate apple growers; lovely orchard setting.
- Wojcik’s Farm, Blackstone — 4th-generation family farm with PYO.
- Nashoba Winery, Bolton — 50+ acre orchard & vineyard with winery/distillery.
- Hanson’s Farm, Framingham — Seasonal PYO, sunflower/corn mazes & hayrides.
- Fairmount Fruit Farm, Franklin — Family farm, events & farm stand.
- Carlson Orchards, Harvard — 100-acre working farm; apples & other tree fruit.
- Doe Orchards, Harvard — PYO apples since the 1960s.
- Westward Orchards, Harvard — Apple picking & wagon rides to the pumpkin patch.
- Stowe Farm Orchard, Millbury — 6th-generation family passion for apples.
- Tangerini’s Farm, Millis — PYO programs, farm kitchen & treats.
- Belkin Family Lookout Farm, Natick (South Natick) — Historic orchard, U-Pick, taproom & events.
- Tougas Family Farm, Northborough — 30+ varieties, bakery, barnyard & playground.
- Dowse Orchards, Sherborn — Ladder-free picking for families.
- Sunshine Farm, Sherborn — Third-generation farm; PYO apples Sept–Oct.
- Shelburne Farm, Stow — PYO, warm cider donuts, hayrides & animals.
- Carver Hill Orchard, Stow — Low-key, scenic classic.
- Honey Pot Hill Orchards, Stow — Famous cider & donuts; now on-site hard cider.
- Parlee Farms, Tyngsborough — Big-time PYO, bakery & fall fun.
North Shore & Northern Suburbs
- Cider Hill Farm, Amesbury — 50+ varieties through the season; legendary donuts.
- Connors Farm, Danvers — PYO apples & pumpkins, corn maze & kid activities.
- Russell Orchards, Ipswich — PYO, farm store & on-site winery/tastings.
- Boston Hill Farm, North Andover — Farm stand, PYO & cider donuts.
- Smolak Farms, North Andover — PYO, fall festivals, animals & playgrounds.
- Brooksby Farm, Peabody — City-owned gem with PYO & farm store.
South Shore, South Coast & Cape Cod
- C.N. Smith Farm, East Bridgewater — Popular PYO apple destination.
- Sauchuk Farm, Plympton — PYO apples plus a beloved corn maze (seasonal ticketing).
- Crow Farm, Sandwich — Seasonal PYO & farm stand; check site/social for dates.
Pro Tips
- 🍏 Varieties by month: Early Sept: Gala, McIntosh, Cortland. Late Sept–Oct: Honeycrisp, Macoun, Fuji, Empire. Late fall: Mutsu, Braeburn, Ida Red, Rome.
- đź•‘ Beat the crowds: Weekday afternoons or early weekend mornings are usually quietest.
- 🎒 Come prepared: Sturdy shoes, reusable bags, layers, and a little cash for cider donuts. 📸 Don’t forget the photos!
As the days grow shorter and the leaves turn golden, apple picking offers a perfect blend of tradition, nature, and time well spent. Enjoy your New England fall adventure!