Apple Picking in Maine: The 15 Best Orchards and Farms

When fall hits, some things are undeniable. The chill in the air, the leaves changing color, and cravings for fall foods. Of the fall favorites, apple competes with heavy hitters like pumpkin and cranberry and holds its own. Nothing tastes better than a freshly picked apple, except maybe a freshly baked apple pie! Maine’s growing conditions, aided by the salty breeze of the Atlantic, are practically perfect for apples, and the state celebrates with dozens of apple varieties to choose from. Apple picking in Maine is quite a popular fall activity.

Did you know that Maine grows over 100 varieties of apples? Regardless of whether you’re looking for sweet apples for immediate snacking or perfectly tart apples destined to become delicious pies, you’re sure to find a new favorite at Maine’s many orchards. Maine’s apple season extends from late August through October. Different apple varieties mature at different rates, so availability will change depending on when you go picking. Fresh apples will be easy to find at fruit stands and farmer’s markets everywhere, but going to an orchard to pick your own has become a favorite seasonal activity for many! If you’re going to select your own harvest, take a look at these tips for apple picking:

• Apples ripen first on the outsides of the tree’s canopy, so check the outermost edges first! 
• Gently twist your chosen apple to see if it comes loose. Ripe apples will be easy to pick, so don’t use too much force. If an apple’s not ready to pick, it won’t be very delicious!
• Storage is important! To avoid bruising your bounty, handle the apples gently and pack them in a cardboard box or canvas bag. Airflow is good for keeping apples crisp.

To make the most of the fall season, many orchards that offer a you-pick option also include other activities. Hay rides, farm animal petting zoos, and picnic setups are common but not guaranteed. Also, if you’re searching for a hard-to-find variety, it’s best to call the orchard in advance. Now, slip on your flannel and wool socks, and let’s take a look at Maine’s 15 best orchards for apple picking.

1. Lakeside Orchards

Location: 318 Readfield Rd, Manchester, ME 04351

Family-owned and operated, Lakeside Orchards features more than 200 acres and a wide variety of apples to choose from. This orchard is one of the largest in Maine and has produced apples for over 40 years. The on-site farm store offers already-picked apples if you’d rather not pick them yourself, as well as other produce and products made by local small businesses.

2. Brackett’s Orchards

Location: 224 Sokokis Ave, Limington, ME 04049

Thought to be the oldest family-owned and operated orchard in the state, Brackett’s Orchards began in 1783. The orchard is now in the hands of the eighth generation and has only grown. The 75 acres now provide nine apple varieties, as well as pumpkins and squash, blueberries, and peaches. Pick-your-own apples runs every weekend during apple season, while the on-site farm stand remains open all week and features locally-made products.

3. Ricker Hill Orchards

Location: 295 Buckfield Rd, Turner, ME 04282

Ricker Hill Orchards has provided fresh produce to its community for over 200 years. Its seasonal favorites include pumpkins, Christmas trees, and — of course — apples. In fact, this orchard grows so many apples that it’s known for its apple products, like apple cider donuts and other pastries and hard apple cider. Ricker Hill also serves as an event venue, disc golf course, and getaway for family fun. Pony rides, bounce houses, and petting farms keep kids busy on the weekends while adults enjoy food trucks, live music, and that delicious hard cider.

4. Wallingsford’s Orchard

Location: 1240 Perkins Ridge Rd, Auburn, ME 04210

Owned by the same family that owns and operates Ricker Hill, Wallingsford’s Orchard helps their love of apples and fall fun reach a wider audience. This orchard also offers you-pick options for apples and pumpkins, as well as a corn maze, seasonally spooky hayride, and petting zoo. Get your sweet tooth sated here, too, with a great bakery and lots of delicious goodies to choose from.

5. Cayford Orchards

Location: 99 Hilton Hill Rd, Skowhegan, ME 04976

On just 18 acres, Cayford Orchards grows an incredible 57 varieties of apples for visitors to enjoy. This sixth-generation orchard offers a no-frills but quintessential fall adventure among its 1,200 trees. It provides already-picked apples by the bag or bushel in addition to its you-pick experience. Cayford Orchard specifically focuses on heirloom varieties, so it’s a great place to discover uncommon apples. They also charge by the bag rather than by the pound.

6. Boothby’s Farm Market & Orchard

Location: 366 Boothby Rd, Livermore, ME 04253

Boothby’s has served its Livermore community since 1865 as a fully operational farm and orchard and has just kept growing. Its orchard features several types of apples, which can be picked fresh, selected from the on-site store, or enjoyed as fresh, hand-pressed cider. In addition to apples, Boothby’s Farm Market also features a variety of products and produce sourced within 30 miles of the farm, such as Livermore-raised beef, fresh cheeses, soaps, and more. On you-pick weekends, you can also enjoy tastings of the wine grown and created right on site!

7. Hansel’s Orchard

Location: 44 Sweetser Rd, North Yarmouth, ME 04097

Simple and sweet, Hansel’s Orchard focuses on what it’s good at — apples! Beautiful apple trees throughout the orchard offer up quite a bounty, as well as a picturesque spot for a picnic. This orchard is only open during apple-picking season, on weekends and Wednesdays, or by special appointment. As the season continues, Hansel’s Orchard will provide step stools and picking poles to get those apples just out of reach. 

8. Libby & Son U-Picks

Location: 86 Sawyer Mountain Rd, Limerick, ME 04048

Libby & Son provides a full and fun fall experience if simple apple picking isn’t what you’re looking for. In addition to apples, this 40-acre orchard also features you-pick pumpkins, plums, peaches, blueberries, and raspberries. Libby & Son also hosts live music, food trucks, events like pumpkin carving contests, and more for when you’re done picking. The orchard also practices environmentally conscious growth methods and was named the best apple orchard in America by USA Today for 2023.

9. Thompson’s Orchards

Location: 276 Gloucester Hill Rd, New Gloucester, ME 04260

Since 1906, Thompson’s Orchards has offered a bountiful orchard and freshly baked goods. This family-run orchard features several apple varieties and an active on-site bakery that keeps its market store stocked with pastries, cakes, and apple cider donuts. A day at Thompson’s Orchards also includes tractor rides, pumpkin picking, and perusing the many hand-made items in the market.

10. Meadow Brook Farm

Location: 727 Webbs Mills Rd, Raymond, ME 04071

Meadow Brook Farm prides itself on “old-fashioned apple picking at its best!” This small, locally-owned farm doesn’t just grow apples and includes a wide variety of you-pick produce. Its apple season ends by the end of September and features just three varieties, so get them while they last! Meadow Brook’s laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to ease into fall, as well as join in on a variety of events for all ages.

11. Hope Orchards

Location: 434 Camden Rd, Hope, ME 04847

Nestled on a seven-acre farm, Hope Orchards packs a surprising variety of apple types within its borders — 21, to be exact! Not all varieties are available for you-pick, since the orchard wants to protect some of its heirloom trees. Hope Orchards operates exclusively during apple season, from mid-September to early November, but also offers pick-you-own pumpkins, pears, and carrots.

12. Rocky Ridge Orchard

Location: 38 Rocky Ridge Ln, Bowdoin, ME 04287

Rocky Ridge Orchard sits amongst picturesque hay fields and exudes comfortable farm vibes. The farm store on site opens for the summer stocked to the brim with sweet and savory treats — a crabmeat roll followed by local ice cream, anyone? However, this orchard really shines during apple season, when its trees become laden with several varieties to choose from. Visitors can either pick the apples themselves or enjoy pre-picked varieties from the store.

13. Five Fields Farm

Location: 720 S Bridgton Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009

A fall and winter favorite, Five Fields Farm has grown apples for over 100 years. This orchard features about 10 apple varieties available throughout the season. You’ll also have the option to pick the apples yourself or buy pre-picked options at the on-site store. The fun doesn’t end at the farm with the apple season, either. Five Fields Farm also features snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing on the surrounding 480 acres.

14. Randall Orchards & Cider Mill

Location: 1 Randall Rd, Standish, ME 04084

Randall Orchards has been owned and operated by the family since 1906. The thriving orchard includes 20 different apple varieties, as well as peaches, pears, and other vegetables. In addition to fresh apples, Randall Orchards features an on-site press for fresh apple cider. This orchard is open for visitors every day, offering more opportunities for fall fun!

15. Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards

Location: 19 Blanchard Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021

Here’s one for those who don’t want to fuss with the pick-your-own craze. Owned and operated by “local apple experts,” Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards is home to over a thousand apple trees. The 14-acre farm’s first apple trees were planted in the 1830s, and the Sweetser family has kept the tradition alive ever since. Today, the orchard features more than 50 apple varieties, all available at the Apple Barrel roadside market alongside other fresh produce and locally-made products.

Types of Apples Grown in Maine

Maine apples run the gambit of tastes, textures, and culinary intention. No matter what you’re looking for, odds are you’ll find it among the state’s orchards and 100 different varieties of apples. Here’s a short list of Maine favorites, including highlights of the popular and unique varieties.

• McIntosh: The most popular variety in New England and one of the top 10 most widely grown varieties in the United States
• Macoun, Cortland, and Honeycrisp: Very quickly gaining ground on McIntosh as household favorites, particularly in the Northeast
• Black Oxford and Brock: Originated in Maine! Black Oxford was developed in Oxford County around 1790, while Brock was introduced in 1934 as a cross between McIntosh and Golden Delicious

Summary

This is by no means an exhaustive list — Maine is a veritable treasure trove of farms and orchards to discover during apple season. Each orchard will have something unique to enjoy, so take the time to explore!

Coincidentally, apple season aligns very nicely with the changing of summer into fall, meaning it’s peak leaf-peeping season as well. No matter what area of Maine you’re in, the fall foliage is sure to be breathtaking. Just one more check on your autumnal to-do list!

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