Vermont’s scenic landscapes and fertile soil provide the perfect environment for apple orchards. Picking your own apple is a beloved fall activity that offers fun for all ages. This guide will help you find the best apple-picking farms across Vermont, ensuring a memorable and fruitful outing.
If you are planning for this fun activity with your family and kids, do not forget to gear up; here are some of the best gear options.
- 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]
North Vermont
1. Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market
- Opening Hours: September to October, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Additional Activities: Farm market, bakery, cider press, hayrides
- Address: 1308 Airport Parkway, South Burlington, VT 05403
- Phone: 802-862-9203
About the Farm: Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market in South Burlington offers a delightful apple-picking experience. Open daily from September to October, visitors can enjoy picking a variety of apples. The farm market features fresh produce, baked goods, and local products, while the bakery offers delicious apple pies and cider donuts.
Hayrides and a cider press add to the fun, making it a perfect family outing. The scenic views and friendly atmosphere make Adams Apple Orchard a must-visit during the apple-picking season.
2. Chapin Orchard
- Opening Hours: Mid-September to October, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Additional Activities: Cider pressing, farm store, orchard tours
- Address: 150 Chapin Road, Essex Junction, VT 05452
- Phone: 802-878-3871
About the Farm: Located in Essex Junction, Chapin Orchard offers a serene setting for apple picking. The orchard is open daily from mid-September to October, featuring a wide variety of apples. Visitors can also enjoy fresh apple cider from the cider press and shop for local produce and crafts at the farm store.
Guided orchard tours are available, providing insights into apple cultivation and the orchard’s history. Chapin Orchard is ideal for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day in the countryside.
Also Read: 10 Best Pick Your Own (PYO) Spinach Farms in Vermont
South Vermont
3. Southern Vermont Orchards
- Opening Hours: September to October, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Additional Activities: Bakery, cider mill, petting zoo, hayrides
- Address: 124 Orchard Street, Bennington, VT 05201
- Phone: 802-447-7780
About the Farm: Southern Vermont Orchards in Bennington is a family-friendly destination offering a range of activities. Open from September to October, visitors can pick their own apples and enjoy fresh baked goods from the bakery.
The cider mill produces delicious apple cider, and children can visit the petting zoo and enjoy hayrides. The orchard’s beautiful setting and variety of activities make it a perfect spot for a full day of fun and apple picking.
4. Whitman Brook Orchard
- Opening Hours: September to October, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Additional Activities: Historic orchard tours, apple tasting, farm store
- Address: 1750 Pine Hill Road, Quechee, VT 05059
- Phone: 802-295-9005
About the Farm: Whitman Brook Orchard in Quechee is known for its historic apple varieties and scenic beauty. The orchard is open daily from September to October, offering a unique apple-picking experience.
Visitors can explore the orchard’s history, participate in apple tastings, and shop for fresh apples and local products at the farm store. Whitman Brook Orchard provides a charming and educational outing, perfect for apple enthusiasts and history buffs.
Also Read: Pick Your Own Sweet Corn in Vermont: A Guide to the Best Farms
West Vermont
5. Champlain Orchards
- Opening Hours: August to October, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Additional Activities: Farm market, cider tasting, orchard tours, events
- Address: 3597 VT-74, Shoreham, VT 05770
- Phone: 802-897-2777
About the Farm: Champlain Orchards in Shoreham is one of Vermont’s oldest continuously operating orchards. Open from August to October, the orchard offers a variety of apple-picking options. The farm market features fresh produce, cider, and baked goods, while cider tastings allow visitors to sample the orchard’s award-winning ciders.
Champlain Orchards hosts events throughout the season, including apple festivals and farm-to-table dinners. The beautiful setting and diverse activities make Champlain Orchards a top destination for apple picking.
6. Douglas Orchards
- Opening Hours: September to October, 10 AM – 5 PM
- Additional Activities: Farm tours, fresh cider, apple tasting
- Address: 1190 West Street, Shoreham, VT 05770
- Phone: 802-897-5043
About the Farm: Douglas Orchards in Shoreham offers a quaint and traditional apple-picking experience. Open from September to October, visitors can pick from a variety of apple trees and enjoy fresh cider.
The farm also offers tours, allowing visitors to learn about the orchard’s history and apple cultivation. Douglas Orchards’ peaceful setting and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to spend a relaxing day with family and friends.
Also Read: Best Pick Your Own Tomato Farms in Vermont
East Vermont
7. Moore’s Orchards
- Opening Hours: September to October, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Additional Activities: Cider pressing, farm store, picnic areas
- Address: 145 Cold Hill Road, Pomfret, VT 05053
- Phone: 802-457-1465
About the Farm: Moore’s Orchards in Pomfret offers a charming and family-friendly apple-picking experience. Open from September to October, visitors can pick their own apples and enjoy fresh cider from the on-site cider press.
The farm store features a variety of local products, including honey, jams, and baked goods. Picnic areas provide a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the scenic views. Moore’s Orchards is a delightful destination for a day of apple picking and outdoor fun.
8. Higgins Hill Orchard
- Opening Hours: September to October, 10 AM – 4 PM
- Additional Activities: Farm tours, apple tasting, fresh produce
- Address: 37 Higgins Hill Road, Waterford, VT 05819
- Phone: 802-748-5153
About the Farm: Higgins Hill Orchard in Waterford offers a peaceful setting for apple picking. Open from September to October, visitors can pick a variety of apples and enjoy fresh produce from the farm.
The orchard also offers tours, providing insights into apple cultivation and the farm’s history. Higgins Hill Orchard’s quiet and picturesque setting makes it a perfect destination for a relaxing day in the countryside.
Also Read: 15 Best Pick Your Own Raspberry Farms in Vermont
Central Vermont
9. Green Mountain Orchards Inc
- Opening Hours: September to October, 8 AM – 6 PM
- Additional Activities: Cider pressing, bakery, wagon rides
- Address: 130 West Hill Road, Putney, VT 05346
- Phone: 802-387-5851
About the Farm: Green Mountain Orchards in Putney is a family-run orchard offering a wide range of activities. Open from September to October, visitors can pick their own apples and enjoy fresh cider from the cider press.
The bakery offers delicious apple pies and cider donuts, while wagon rides provide a fun way to explore the orchard. Green Mountain Orchards’ beautiful setting and variety of activities make it a perfect spot for a family outing.
10. Vermont Apple Orchard
- Opening Hours: September to October, 9 AM – 5 PM
- Additional Activities: Farm store, cider tasting, orchard tours
- Address: 2408 Main Road, West Haven, VT 05743
- Phone: 802-265-8686
About the Farm: Located in West Haven, Vermont, Apple Orchard offers a delightful apple-picking experience. Open from September to October, visitors can pick a variety of apples and enjoy fresh cider.
The farm store features local products and fresh produce, while orchard tours provide insights into apple cultivation. Vermont Apple Orchard’s friendly atmosphere and scenic views make it a great destination for apple picking.
Also Read: 15 Best Pick Your Own Blueberries in Vermont
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Apple picking in Vermont typically starts in late August and continues through October, with peak season in September and early October. Check with local orchards for specific dates and availability.
Vermont grows a variety of apples, including McIntosh, Empire, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, Macoun, and Northern Spy. Each variety has its unique flavor and use, ranging from fresh eating to baking.
The largest apple hill farm in Vermont is Champlain Orchards in Shoreham. Spanning over 220 acres, it grows a wide variety of apples and other fruits. Champlain Orchards offers pick-your-own apples and farm tours and has a farm store with fresh produce, baked goods, and cider.
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a container for your harvest. Check with the farm if containers are provided.
Hours vary by farm. It’s best to contact the farm directly to confirm their current opening hours.
Some farms require appointments, especially for large groups. Always check with the farm ahead of your visit.
Policies on pets differ from farm to farm. Contact the farm beforehand to inquire about their pet policy.
Wrapping up: The Best Farms for Pick Your Own Apple in Vermont
Picking your own apples in Vermont is a wonderful way to enjoy the fall season and connect with the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Each farm offers a unique experience, from exploring historic orchards to enjoying fresh cider and baked goods.
Remember to contact the farms before visiting to ensure availability and plan your visit around their hours and amenities.
Look at more of our “Pick Your Own” best farms in Vermont to pick your favorite fruit or vegetable this weekend. If you own a farm and want to be listed, get in touch using the contact us form, and we will make it happen.
Enjoy your apple picking.
