Apple Picking in Vermont 2024

One of the best fall activities in New England

Best time: September–October

There’s no better way to spend a sunny fall weekend than going apple picking in Vermont's beautiful countryside. Apple orchards open their doors after Labor Day for some early apple varieties. By mid-September, the majority of fruit begins to fully ripen, and orchards welcome thousands of people who flock to pick the delicious fruits and enjoy some simple entertainment such as hayrides and corn mazes. Apple season also means the arrival of the fall culinary must-try: apple cider donuts!

Where to go apple picking in Vermont

Apple orchards are open to the public across all of Vermont counties, so you can find one near you. Most of them have websites with rates and hours of operation. One of the most popular orchards is Adams Apple Orchard, located in Chittenden County (1168 Old Stage Rd., Williston, VT). It's open from September 1st till mid-October. The scenic location in Champlain Valley with a panorama of the Green Mountains enhances the experience. Besides the orchard, you can go shopping at the farmers market: maple syrup, herbs, and veggies are on offer from May to late December here. Yates Family Orchard is located in Monkton Ridge with beautiful vistas of the Adirondacks and Bristol Valley. The farm's address is 1074 Davis Rd., Hinesburg, VT, and it's open from September through the end of October. Nearby Boyer’s Orchard & Cider Mill (1823 Monkton Rd, Monkton, VT) is a great place to try natural unpasteurized cider, cider donuts, honey, homemade pies, and jams. The tasting room for hard cider and wines is open 11 am to 5 pm, weekends only. Burtt’s Apple Orchard is located in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom, at 283 Cabot Plains Rd, Cabot, VT. The farm and the orchard boast a truly beautiful location and over 40 varieties of apples. Vermont farmers harvest about 40,000,000 lbs (18,000,000 kg) of apples each year. Local orchards grow about 150 varieties of apples, however, the dominant kind is the McIntosh, which accounts for about half of Vermont’s apple crop.

Apple Cider Donuts

Apple cider donuts are one of the signature fall foods in New England. These delicious treats are made with apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. People look forward to indulging in this dessert for the whole summer since donuts only appear at markets and farmstands with the arrival of the apple harvest season in September. Donuts are available throughout October and November as well.

Practical info

What is the ideal duration for apple picking in Vermont?

The months of September through November are the busiest for apple picking in Vermont, with many orchards opening their doors after Labor Day for early apple varieties. Mid-September is when the majority of fruit begins to fully ripen, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the best apple-picking season. People can enjoy the season's signature culinary delights such as apple cider donuts, hayrides, and corn mazes for more than two months.

What are some of the popular Vermont orchards for apple picking?

Visitors to Vermont will find many apple orchards to choose from, ensuring that they can pick apples at a location of their choice. Some popular options include Adams Apple Orchard, Yates Family Orchard, and Burtt’s Apple Orchard, located in Chittenden County, Monkton Ridge, and the Northeast Kingdom, respectively. These orchards also offer guests other activities besides apple-picking such as tasting rooms, farmers' markets, and scenic views.

What are the apple varieties that grow in Vermont orchards?

In Vermont, there are about 150 varieties of apples grown, with the dominant being McIntosh, which represents about half of Vermont’s apple crop. Other apple varieties that grow in the state include Honeycrisp, Cortland, Empire, and Gala, among others. From September to November, visitors can attempt different types of apples available while partaking in the apple-picking season.

What are some other fall foods present in Vermont besides apple cider donuts?

Other foods that are popular during fall in Vermont are roasted chestnuts, maple syrup, squash, pumpkin pie, and hot apple cider. Maple syrup is a delicacy with different grades and flavors that visitors can taste. Several different Vermont orchards provide hard cider and wines available at their tasting rooms for anyone who wants to experience them.

What other family-friendly activities are available at Vermont apple orchards?

Most Vermont orchards, besides apple picking, provide various activities for visitors of different ages. The orchards offer unique attractions such as hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches where families can enjoy the events together. Tasting rooms, shopping at farmers' markets, and scenic views of Vermont’s countryside have been observed to be prominent features in several orchards. Boyer’s Orchard & Cider Mill, for example, offers natural unpasteurized cider, cider donuts, honey, homemade pies, and jams.