Connecticut’s picturesque orchards offer a delightful array of apple varieties, from the crisp, sweet Honeycrisp to the tart, versatile Granny Smith. Apple picking is a cherished autumn tradition in the state, providing a perfect outdoor activity for families, couples, and friends alike.
To make your apple-picking adventure as enjoyable and efficient as possible, consider packing a few essentials, like a durable fruit-picking bag, comfortable footwear, and sun protection.
Also Read: 12 Best Pick Your Own Peaches in Connecticut: Savor the Sweetness
Apple Picking in Connecticut Essentials
- Fruit Picking Bag: A hands-free option to keep your apples safe while you pick. [Check Options]
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are a must for navigating orchard terrain. [View Options]
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect against the autumn sun. [Look for a Hat]or [Get a Sunscreen]
- Hydration: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your picking adventure. [View all Options]
Best Apple Picking Farms in Connecticut
Apple picking is one of the best farming events to do on summer days, and there are plenty of things that farm owners offer other than Apples. You can buy from farm stands, enjoy a picnic, or even go on an education tour that is all about apples and farming.
But which are some of the best Apple farms in Connecticut? I took note of the best Apple farms for picking during my last visit, and here is what I recommend.
North Connecticut
1. Lost Acres Orchard
- Amenities: Bakery, kitchen.
- Opening Hours: Call for hours and Apple availability.
- Additional Info: The kitchen and bakery are a must-visit for homemade treats like pies and quiches.
- Address: 130 Lost Acres Rd, North Granby, CT 06060
- Phone: (860) 653-6600
- Additional Activity: Enjoy their bakery with fresh pies and pastries.
Located in North Granby, Lost Acres Orchard offers more than just apple picking; it’s home to a bakery and kitchen serving up homemade goodies, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely visit. The orchard is known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious baked goods.
2. Johnny Appleseed
- Amenities: Hayrides, farm stand.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, September to October.
- Additional Info: This is a great spot for eco-conscious pickers and those looking for a quaint, engaging farm experience.
- Address: 185 E Flat Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759
- Phone: (860) 567-6733
- Additional Activity: Visit their farm market for local produce and homemade goods.
Located in Ellington, Johnny Appleseed’s Orchard offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a wide variety of apple trees. This orchard prides itself on sustainable practices, providing a healthy environment for both the apples and the visitors. In addition to apple picking, the farm has scenic hayrides and a cozy farm stand selling fresh produce and local honey.
3. Bussa Orchards
- Amenities: Personalized experience.
- Opening Hours: Call for hours and Apple availability.
- Additional Info: Ideal for those seeking a more intimate picking experience with a focus on customer engagement.
- Address: 53 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT 06001
- Phone: (860) 678-7877
- Additional Activity: Explore the hiking trails on the property.
Bussa Orchards in Suffield is a smaller, family-run farm offering a variety of apple types. The orchard focuses on creating a personal and intimate apple-picking experience, with staff eager to share their knowledge about apple varieties and the best picking techniques.
Also Read: Pick Your Own Sweet Corn in Vermont: A Guide to the Best Farms
South Connecticut
4. Silverman’s Farm
- Amenities: Animal farm, market.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, during apple season.
- Additional Info: The animal farm adds a fun and educational element to your visit, perfect for kids.
- Address: 451 Sport Hill Rd, Easton, CT 06612
- Phone: (203) 261-3306
- Additional Activity: Visit their petting zoo and enjoy hayrides.
Established in 1920, Silverman’s Farm in Easton offers an extensive apple-picking experience alongside an animal farm, making it a hit with families. The farm market sells a wide range of local products, from fresh produce to unique gifts.
5. Holmberg Orchards
- Amenities: Farm market, winery.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM; check for picking dates.
- Additional Info: Wine tastings are available on weekends, offering a delightful way to conclude your apple-picking day.
- Address: 12 Orchard Ln, Gales Ferry, CT 06335
- Phone: (860) 464-7305
- Additional Activity: Enjoy wine tasting at their farm winery.
Gales Ferry’s Holmberg Orchards not only provides a picturesque setting for apple picking but also offers wine tastings from their vineyard. The farm market features gourmet foods and homemade goods, enhancing the apple-picking experience with local flavors.
Also Read: Best Pick Your Own Tomato Farms in Vermont
6. Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
- Amenities: Cider mill, bakery.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM, September to November.
- Additional Info: The cider mill is a highlight, offering fresh, homemade apple cider and a peek into the cider-making process.
- Address: 278 Leavenworth Rd, Shelton, CT 06484
- Phone: (203) 926-1098
- Additional Activity: Sample their freshly pressed cider and baked goods.
Situated in Shelton, Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard is known for its scenic orchards and homemade apple cider. Visitors can pick their own apples or enjoy a variety of apple products, including pies and cider, made on-site.
East Connecticut
7. Drazen Orchards
- Amenities: Quality produce, serene environment.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM, during apple season.
- Additional Info: This is a great option for a quiet, family-oriented outing with a focus on quality and experience.
- Address: 251 Wallingford Rd, Cheshire, CT 06410
- Phone: (203) 272-7985
- Additional Activity: Participate in their seasonal events and festivals.
Nestled in Cheshire, Drazen Orchards provides a tranquil setting for picking a variety of apples. The farm’s peaceful atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a relaxing day out. Staff are on hand to provide tips for selecting the best fruits.
Also Read: 15 Best Pick Your Own Raspberry Farms in Vermont
West Connecticut
8. Rogers Orchards
- Amenities: Retail stores, bakery.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, during apple season.
- Additional Info: A historic farm offering insight into Connecticut’s agricultural heritage, with delicious bakery items to boot.
- Address: 336 Long Bottom Rd, Southington, CT 06489
- Phone: (860) 229-4240
- Additional Activity: Explore their farm market and bakery.
With a history spanning over two centuries, Rogers Orchards in Southington offers a wide variety of apples. The farm features two retail stores where visitors can find pies, pastries, and local dairy products.
9. Irish Bend Orchard
- Amenities: Organic, sustainable practices.
- Opening Hours: Call for availability and hours.
- Additional Info: Their organic approach to farming ensures the highest quality apples, perfect for those looking for a green-picking experience.
- Address: 120 Wallens Hill Rd, Winsted, CT 06098
- Phone: (860) 379-6731
- Additional Activity: Enjoy hiking trails and scenic views.
Monroe’s Irish Bend Orchard, known for its sustainable and organic farming practices, offers a variety of apple types in a picturesque setting. The orchard focuses on providing a healthy environment for both the apples and visitors.
Also Read: 11 Best Pick Your Own Peppers in Connecticut
Central Connecticut
10. Lyman Orchards
- Amenities: Market, bakery, golf course, corn maze.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, August to late October.
- Additional Info: The apple barrel market is a highlight, offering pies, doughnuts, and fresh cider made from their apples.
- Address: 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455
- Phone: (860) 349-6000
- Additional Activity: Play a round of golf at their championship golf courses.
Set against the backdrop of Middlefield’s rolling hills, Lyman Orchards is a must-visit destination for apple enthusiasts. With over 275 years of farming history, the orchard offers more than just apple picking; visitors can also enjoy a corn maze, a golf course, and a market with homemade goods. The farm hosts several varieties of apples, ensuring a prolonged picking season.
11. Belltown Hill Orchards
- Amenities: Farm market, bakery.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM, apple season typically runs from late August to October.
- Additional Info: Their homemade goods, particularly the pies and doughnuts, are not to be missed.
- Address: 483 Matson Hill Rd, South Glastonbury, CT 06073
- Phone: (860) 633-2789
- Additional Activity: Enjoy their farm store and bakery with fresh products.
South Glastonbury’s Belltown Hill Orchards is celebrated for its vast selection of apples and breathtaking views. After picking, visitors can explore the farm’s market, which features homemade pies, fresh produce, and their signature apple cider doughnuts.
Also Read: 10 Best Pick Your Own Plums in Connecticut
12. Easy Pickin’s Orchard
- Amenities: Farm stand, various pick-your-own options.
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM; check their website for apple picking dates.
- Additional Info: The farm also offers flower picking and a variety of seasonal events, providing a full farm-to-table experience.
- Address: 46 Bailey Rd, Enfield, CT 06082
- Phone: (860) 763-3276
- Additional Activity: Participate in their seasonal berry picking and vegetable harvesting.
Easy Pickin’s Orchard in Enfield offers a fun and accessible environment for apple picking, with a variety of other fruits, vegetables, and flowers available for picking. The farm is designed for easy access, making it suitable for all ages.
Also Read: 12 Best Pick Your Own Cherries in Connecticut
13. High Hill Orchard
- Amenities: Organic, eco-friendly practices.
- Opening Hours: Call for hours and Apple availability.
- Additional Info: Their commitment to organic farming practices ensures high-quality, delicious apples for eco-conscious visitors.
- Address: 170 Fleming Rd, Meriden, CT 06450
- Phone: (203) 237-0274
- Additional Activity: Take part in their fall festivals and enjoy fresh cider donuts.
High Hill Orchard in Meriden is celebrated for its eco-friendly practices and delicious, organically grown apples. The orchard provides a serene environment for apple picking, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Also Read: 14 Best Pick-Your-Own Apple Farms in New Jersey
FAQs on the Best Pick Your Own Apples Farm in Connecticut
The apple-picking season typically runs from late August to October, but it’s best to check with individual farms for the most accurate timing.
Many farms encourage or require you to bring your own containers. It’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm.
Policies vary by farm, so please check with the farm beforehand regarding their pet policy.
Apples are best kept when stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration can help extend their freshness.
Also Read: 9 Best Pick-Your-Own Tomato Farms in Connecticut
Wrapping up: The Best Pick Your Own Apples Farm in Connecticut
Apple picking in Connecticut is an autumn tradition that offers fun, flavor, and the chance to connect with the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Each farm on this list provides a unique experience, from tranquil orchards to family-friendly destinations with additional attractions.
Before you set off on your apple-picking adventure, be sure to contact the farm to confirm availability and enjoy the bounty of Connecticut’s orchards.
