Apple Picking in Connecticut: The 13 Best Orchards and Farms

Spend some time this fall strolling through lush, colorful trees, taking in the cool fall weather. One idyllic place to accomplish this is inside a beautiful apple orchard. Thankfully, Connecticut has a wealth of options to choose from. We’ve collected just a small sampling here to help you decide where your next journey will take you. Let’s take a look at the 13 best apple orchards in Connecticut.

1. Averill Farm — Washington Depot

Step back in time when you visit Averill Farm for your apple-picking adventures. This location started in 1746 and specializes in fall produce. It opens in August and welcomes visitors through December. You can pick your own produce, including apples, during your stay. But don’t forget to swing by their market and take home some homemade treats. A few of the things you may find include apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider donuts, and jam.

2. Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard — Shelton

With over 10,000 apple trees on site, Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard won’t run out of apples anytime soon. This beloved orchard got its start in the mid-1800s. They offer a U-Pick adventure for individuals and families starting in early September. One important note is that visitors can only pick their own apples on the weekends. Some varieties you may discover include Braeburn, Mutsu, Macoun, Liberty, and Winesap.

Make sure to pick up some of the fresh-pressed apple cider that they produce on-site. You can find all your fall favorites from mid-September until late October.

3. Belltown Hill Orchards — South Glastonbury

Visitors can start picking their own apples at this family-run orchard starting mid-August. Some varieties are available through late October, so there is ample opportunity to snag your favorite. Belltown Hill Orchards grows over twenty options. They also use some of that bounty to make fresh-baked apple fritters, apple cider donuts, and apple pie. Essentially, they are a one-stop shop for all your favorite apple treats. 

4. Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Cidery — Guilford

Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Cidery has been operational for over 150 years. There is a magnificent selection of apples available for U-Pick adventures. However, the selection will vary throughout the season. The harvest window is typically late August to late October. There are over twenty different varieties to choose from, though their availability will vary. Call in advance to find out when your favorite is in season! The orchard also offers cozy wagon rides through the orchard so families can spend some time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

5. Blue Hills Orchard — Wallingford

This family-owned and operated orchard started in 1904. It boasts an amazing 250 acres of apple trees in addition to the other fruit grown on-site. They offer a chance for families to pick apples straight out of the orchard, although available varieties will change through the season. So, plan a fun weekend outing to Blue Hills Orchard. You even get a wagon ride out to the trees! A few of the tasty options include Jonagold, Empire, Braeburn, Pink Lady, and Mutsu.

6. Blue Jay Orchards — Bethel

Are you ready to pick your favorite fall crop? Stop at Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel. They have over 8,000 trees across 122 acres. Visitors can choose from over twenty apple varieties. There is also apple cider and fresh-baked goodies ready for enjoying. All U-Pick produce options are weather-dependent. Make sure to call ahead before you make the trek.

Return later in the fall for a picture-perfect pumpkin patch and seasonal activities.

7. Buell’s Orchards — Eastford

One of the longest-standing apple orchards in Connecticut is Buell’s Orchards. This family-owned farm works hard to bring sustainable produce to the market. Guests love the annual harvest festival, where fall fun knows no bounds. There are hayrides, wagon rides, music, barbecue, and produce picking opportunities. However, you don’t have to wait for the festival to come around to pick your share of apples. Stop by starting around Labor Day. Apple season typically runs through October, depending on the weather.

8. Drazen Orchards — Cheshire

What can’t you find at Drazen Orchards in the fall? In addition to their selection of flavorful pears, this family favorite spot offers an enormous selection of apples to pick from. Some varieties they grow include McIntosh, Sweetie, Jonagold, Mutsu, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp. But that’s not all. The orchard also produces honey and grows some tasty vegetables. 

Be sure to stop by their farmstand for locally produced items and fresh baked goods made with apples from the orchard. 

9. Holmberg Orchards — Gales Ferry

Holmberg Orchards is more than just an apple orchard. It is a family-run farm that also operates a cidery, bakery, and winery on-site. Guests can pick up some produce at the market or take advantage of the U-Pick options. The apple availability will vary based on weather and seasonality. Some of the delicious choices include Empire, Idared, Cameo, Evercrisp, Macoun, Fuji, and Ludacris. You can even sign up for text updates to stay in the loop!

10. Lyman Orchards — Middlefield

Farming at Lyman Orchards dates back to the early 1700s. However, today, this family-owned land is much more than an orchard. There is a market that has delicious baked goods and a tasty deli. Visitors can stop by for a round of golf on the property. They host weddings, events, and parties that delight guests. But, most importantly, they have a fantastic selection of apples available for harvest!

There are over 200 acres of fruit at the orchard, ensuring this fall favorite is regularly voted amongst the better apple-picking spots in the state. They are open for U-Pick apple season from mid-August through mid-November. And with over 30,000 apple trees, there is plenty of fruit to go around. Some of the varieties they grow include Ida Red, Pink Lady, Rome, Cameo, Macoun, and Cortland. 

11. March Farm — Bethlehem

Swing by this family-run farm for all the best produce. March Farm has plenty of U-Pick options, including everyone’s fall favorite – apples. The season runs from September through October and includes some truly delicious varieties. Visitors can choose from Empire, Jonagold, Mutsu, Rome, Honeycrisp, Cortland, and more. 

This farm also has a seasonal CSA, pumpkin patch, hay rides, and hosts events. There is something for everyone at one of the most unique apple orchards in Connecticut. 

12. Scott’s Connecticut Valley Orchards — Deep River

Scott’s Connecticut Valley Orchards is family-run and one of the must-visit apple orchards in Connecticut. Visitors can cut their own flowers and harvest fruit from the wide selection available. The apple season starts in late August and runs through October. Varieties and U-Pick times will vary based on weather and seasonality. 

13. Silverman’s Farm — Easton

This family favorite was established in the early 1900s and enthralls visitors with scenic tractor rides through the farm. They have U-Pick apples available while supplies last. So, make sure to head to the farm early enough to get a decent harvest. You will want to call ahead to find out which varieties are available and if the weather will cooperate with visitors.  

Summary of the 13 Best Orchards and Farms

The photo featured at the top of this post is © branislavpudar/Shutterstock.com