The season has arrived for apple picking in Connecticut!
Right now, dozens of farms and orchards all across the state are welcoming visitors for the fall season to pick from over 60 varieties of fresh, delicious Connecticut apples. Many of these farms also feature additional activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and farm stands stocked with fresh produce and seasonal treats, making your visit even more memorable.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a unique date idea, or just a relaxing way to connect with nature, apple picking is the perfect activity.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to find the best apple picking spots in Connecticut, so you can plan the perfect fall adventure. Get ready to grab your basket and start exploring!
When is Apple Picking Season in Connecticut?
Apple picking season in Connecticut typically begins in early September and runs through late October, depending on the weather and the specific varieties of apples.
Some orchards may even open in late August for early ripening apples, but the peak season hits during the cooler fall months.
Different apple varieties are ready for picking at different times, so we highly recommend checking with local farms to see what’s in season during your visit.
The Best Apple Orchards & Farms in CT
We strongly encourage you to support local Connecticut farmers, who work hard to raise quality apples in Connecticut.
Here is a list of some of our favorite apple orchards in Connecticut where you can stop by and pick your own apples for a fee:
Averill Farm – Washington Depot
Established in 1746, Averill Farm is a 10th-generation family farm offering apple, pear, and pumpkin picking from mid-August to late December. Visitors can also enjoy fresh cider, apple cider donuts, cut flowers, and homemade jams. The farm is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm during the season.
Address: 250 Calhoun St, Washington Depot
Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard – Shelton
Operating since 1849, Beardsley’s Cider Mill offers apple picking on weekends only, starting on September 10. With over 10,000 apple trees, the orchard also features delicious cider and cider donuts. Apple picking hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, and cash is required for purchases.
Address: 278 Leavenworth Rd, Shelton
Belltown Hill Orchards – South Glastonbury
Belltown Hill Orchards, founded in 1904, offers apple picking from mid-August through late November. The farm also provides pumpkin picking from September to October, making it a great spot for fall family fun.
Address: 483 Matson Hill Rd, South Glastonbury
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market & Winery – Guilford
Since 1871, Bishop’s Orchards has been offering apple, pumpkin, and pear picking, along with a farm market and winery. Apple picking begins in early September and runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm Be sure to grab some cider donuts from the market!
Address: 1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford
Blue Hills Orchard – Wallingford
Blue Hills Orchard is a sixth-generation farm that has been operating since 1904. Apple picking season runs from mid-August to late October, with the orchard open on weekends. Containers for picking are provided, and the orchard’s beautiful 300-acre setting makes for a perfect fall outing.
Address: 141 Blue Hills Rd, Wallingford
Blue Jay Orchards – Bethel
A Bethel community staple, Blue Jay Orchards offers apple picking from September through late October. The farm’s famous apple cider donuts and fresh cider are a must-try at their farm market. Picking is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 am to 4:30 pm
Address: 125 Plumtrees Rd, Bethel
Buell’s Orchard – Eastford
A family-run farm since 1889, Buell’s Orchard offers apple picking from early September through late October. The orchard is open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm
Address: 108 Crystal Pond Rd, Eastford
Burdick Road Orchard – New Hartford
Dating back to 1730, Burdick Road Orchard provides a rich historical setting for apple picking. The orchard offers limited apple picking from mid-September through early November, open daily from 8:30 am to dusk.
Address: 250 Town Hill Rd, New Hartford
Defazio Orchard – Dayville
Defazio Orchard offers apple picking, a corn maze, and fall fun activities. The orchard is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Pick some apples, explore the corn maze, and shop for mums and corn stalks.
Address: 1393 North Road, Dayville
Dondero Orchards – South Glastonbury
Established over a century ago, Dondero Orchards offers daily apple picking from July through October. The farm is also known for its baked goods and craft fairs, making it a local favorite for fall activities.
Address: 529 Woodland St, South Glastonbury
Drazen Orchards – Cheshire
Dating back to the 1800s, Drazen Orchards offers a wide variety of apples from mid-August through mid-October. With picnic tables available and a scenic setting, this is a great place to enjoy an apple-picking afternoon.
Address: 251 Wallingford Rd, Cheshire
Easy Pickin’s Orchard – Enfield
Starting in early September, Easy Pickin’s Orchard offers apple picking in a relaxed setting. All trees are fully-dwarfed, making it easy for everyone to pick apples comfortably. Apple picking runs through late October.
Address: 46 Bailey Rd, Enfield
Hickory Hill Orchard – Cheshire
Owned by a doctor-turned-farmer, Hickory Hill Orchard has been family-run for over 40 years. The orchard offers over 20 varieties of apples for picking on weekends from 9 am to 5 pm starting in mid-September.
Address: 351 S Meriden Rd, Cheshire
High Hill Orchard – Meriden
Open from early September through late November, High Hill Orchard offers apple picking every day except Monday. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views and fresh cider at this family-run orchard.
Address: 170 Fleming Rd, Meriden
Holmberg Orchards – Gales Ferry
A fourth-generation family farm, Holmberg Orchards offers apple picking daily (except Mondays) from mid-September through late October. The orchard is known for its fresh cider donuts and other farm-fresh goods.
Address: 12 Orchard Ln, Gales Ferry
Horse Listener’s Orchard – Ashford
With 153 acres of apple trees, Horse Listener’s Orchard offers a scenic apple-picking experience starting in late September. They also host special events and train rides in the fall.
Address: 317 Bebbington Rd, Ashford
Irish Bend Orchard – Somers
Irish Bend Orchard is a fourth-generation farm offering apple picking on weekends from September through October. They grow several varieties, including rare apples like Smokehouse and Cameo.
Address: 90 Pioneer Heights, Somers
Johnny Appleseed’s Farm – Ellington
With 14 varieties of apples, Johnny Appleseed’s Farm offers a great apple-picking experience from early August through late October. Pumpkin picking begins in late September.
Address: 185 West Road, Ellington
Karabin Farms – Southington
A family-run farm offering apple picking from early September through late October, Karabin Farms is known for its dwarf apple trees, making it easy for kids to pick apples. The farm also features a snack shack and animals to visit.
Address: 894 Andrews St, Southington
Lapsley Orchards – Pomfret Center
Lapsley Orchards spans 20 acres and offers apple picking daily from September through October. Visitors can also pick pumpkins starting in October.
Address: 403 Orchard Hill Rd, Pomfret Center
Lyman Orchards – Middlefield
One of Connecticut’s oldest farms, Lyman Orchards offers apple picking from mid-August through mid-November. The farm also has a popular market with freshly baked goods, including cider donuts.
Address: 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield
March Farms – Bethlehem
Established in 1915, March Farms offers apple picking from September through October. The farm also has a playscape and farm animals, making it a great spot for family outings.
Address: 160 Munger Ln, Bethlehem
Rogers Orchards – Southington
Rogers Orchards has been growing apples since 1809. Offering over 20 varieties of apples, this orchard is open for picking from early September through late October. Don’t miss their famous apple sour cream coffee cake and cider donuts.
Address: 336 Long Bottom Rd, Southington
Rose Orchards – North Branford
A family-owned farm since the early days of Connecticut, Rose Orchards offers apple picking from late September through October. The farm also has a creamery serving frozen custard and a grill for fresh food.
Address: 33 Branford Rd, North Branford
Scott’s Yankee Farmer – East Lyme
Scott’s Yankee Farmer offers apple picking daily from early September through October. Visitors can also enjoy tractor rides and fresh cider, making it a fun fall destination for families.
Address: 33 Branford Rd, North Branford
Scotts’ Connecticut Valley Orchards – Deep River
Operating since the late 1800s, Scotts’ Connecticut Valley Orchards offers apple picking from late August through October. Be sure to call ahead for updates on picking conditions.
Address: 274 Kelsey Hill Rd, Deep River
Silverman’s Farm – Easton
Silverman’s Farm offers pick-your-own apples from late August through October. The farm also has an animal farm where visitors can meet goats, llamas, and even buffalo! Fresh cider and baked goods are available at the farm market.
Address: 451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton
Woodstock Orchards – Woodstock
Established in 1958, Woodstock Orchards offers apple picking from Labor Day through mid-October. The farm’s market also features fresh cider donuts and other baked goods.
Address: 494 CT-169, Woodstock
Wright’s Orchard – Tolland
With over 2,000 apple trees, Wright’s Orchard offers apple picking from September through October. Be sure to visit soon, as the season may be shortened due to drought conditions.
Address: 271 S River Rd, Tolland
Can You Pick Apples for Free?
Did you know that technically you can pick apples for free all over Connecticut? The trick is in knowing where to look.
There are many abandoned farms in Connecticut that have seasoned apple trees growing on the property. If one of these farms is on state-owned land you are free to pick as many apples as you like.
We spotted an abundance of apples growing on Babcock Pond, ripe for the taking. Backcock Pond is located in Colchester on Route 16 east of intersection with Route 149. Access is on the south side of Route 16 at Wildlife Observation Area.
When picking apples in Connecticut, make sure you are picking on state-owned land and not private property. Babcock Pond wildlife management is located in Colchester, Connecticut. There are multiple entrances. If you go to the pond you will see them and apples are readily available.
Apples are ripe for the picking in September and October in Connecticut.
Have you spotted an abandoned farm on Connecticut state property where you pick apples? Leave a comment below
Went to get the free apples could not find them. Are they still there and do you have a location looked at conservation area not there.