Apple picking is a time-honored fall tradition. As hot summer days begin to cool off, apple picking becomes one of the most wholesome and family-friendly ways to celebrate the turning of the season.
Apple picking farms often offer more than just Granny Smith and Honeycrisp – many have additional activities like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, live music, wine tasting for the grown-ups, or entire fall festivals. Many of these farms also have amazing shops or farmers market booths that sell jams, candies, cider donuts, and all kinds of signature fall treats.
So, if you like them apples (had to do it!), read on for Yelp’s list of top apple picking spots in the U.S. If you’re planning to visit one of these spots this autumn, don’t delay! Most orchards only offer apple picking until the first frost, so peak picking season is usually between late August and mid-November, depending on your location.
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 25 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
1. Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard – Oak Glen, CA
What they’re known for: established in 2010 and situated in the foothills of east Oak Glen, this family-owned microfarm offers an heirloom apple orchard, flower fields, and cultivated gardens. The farm is dog-friendly and hosts seasonal ticketed dinners.
What Yelpers say: “Never have I ever thought we had apple picking in Southern California! Admission is $5 and apples are priced by the pound…There is also food on site in case you didn’t eat before the long drive to Oak Glen. Staff was super friendly and helpful in instructing us. There were tons of children and dogs around so if you got those be sure to bring them along as well!” – Yelp Elite Scott S
2. Battleview Orchards – Freehold, NJ
What they’re known for: established in 1908, the farm and Country Store have been owned and operated by the Applegate Family for four generations. Yelpers highly recommend their apple cider donuts.
What Yelpers say: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away! …These orchards were beautiful and well worth the drive from New York City. I was in awe and never knew there were so many varieties of apple. It was overwhelming yet exhilarating to be a kid again. We were just two City moms enjoying a beautiful autumn day, sharing a childhood tradition with our children. It was a memorable and photogenic experience. We laughed and snapped away while trying to be strategic with the apples picked.” – Yelp Elite Kristia B
3. Wilklow Orchards – Highland, NY
What they’re known for: a sustainable and ecologically minded sixth-generation family-owned farm with you-pick, CSA subscriptions, a bakery, farmers market booths, and events. Bring your apple picking tote bag back next year for a discount.
What Yelpers say: “One of the best pick your own apple farms I’ve been to. Everything was so organized and it wasn’t too crowded. …. They gave us a map and was told there were tractor stops throughout. If our bags got too heavy we can leave it there and they will transport it back for us. This was the first time I saw something like this done for apple picking. We started all the way in the back and they had a ton of apples. The hike up was very steep though but the views were amazing.” -Yelp Elite Kimberly H
4. Jaswell’s Farm – Smithfield, RI
What they’re known for: a fourth-generation family-owned farm offering fresh-picked seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as an assortment of fresh baked goods in their bakery. Make a reservation in advance to reserve your apple picking time slot and avoid a line.
What Yelpers say: “Apple picking and pumpkin picking is just the scratch of the surface for this local farm. The little store is filled with more of their fresh produce and home made goodies. The apple cider doughnuts are the best I have ever had. The apple fritters are to die for. Then they have these extravagant caramel/chocolate/Oreo covered apples. Apple cider, sauces, pies, apple butter, preserves, syrup, salsa and more. ALL homemade.” – Yelp Elite Ashley R
5. Larriland Farm – Woodbine, MD
What they’re known for: a pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farm that also offer a farmers market in their big red barn. Don’t leave without an apple fritter.
What Yelpers say: “My first time apple and tomato picking and it was quite a treat. I had no idea what to expect but knew I wanted to do some Fall inspired activities to kick off the season…. I highly recommend a trip to the farm, even if you opt not to pick anything everyone should experience how and where their food is grown for a better appreciation of what makes it to the plate. Also on-site is a huge barn which sells farm goodies (if you don’t want to do your own picking/cooking).” – Yelp Elite Michele C
6. Marker-Miller Orchards – Winchester, VA
7. Mercier Orchards – Blue Ridge, GA
8. Russell Orchards – Ipswich, MA
9. Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market – Middlefield, CT
10. Windy Brow Farms – Fredon Township, NJ
11. Patterson Fruit Farm – Chesterland, OH
12. Red Apple Farm – Phillipston, MA
13. Edwards Apple Orchard – Poplar Grove, IL
14. Libby & Son U-Pick – Limerick, ME
15. Rocky Brook Orchard – Middletown, RI
16. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery – Elkhorn, WI
17. Triple B Farms – Monongahela, PA
18. Ricker Hill Orchards – Turner, ME
19. Wasem Fruit Farm – Milan, MI
20. Butler’s Orchard – Germantown, MD
21. Spicer Orchards Farm Market and Cider Mill – Fenton, MI
22. Shelburne Orchards – Shelburne, VT
23. Grandad’s Apples – Hendersonville, NC
24. Whistling Well Farm – Hastings, MN
25. Rowley’s Red Barn – Santaquin, UT
Did your favorite place make it into the top 25? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the top 25 apple picking spots in the U.S. according to Yelp. We identified businesses with a large concentration of reviews mentioning “apple picking,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning “apple picking.” We excluded those businesses that were on last year’s list. This list looked at businesses in the United States. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of August 19th, 2022, or soon to be open for the fall season. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of August 19th, 2022.
