Every September, families across Connecticut head to orchards for a tradition that’s as sweet as apple cider: apple picking. Whether it’s your first time or a yearly family outing, knowing when to go, what to wear, and how to pick the best apples can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Tips for Apple Picking in Connecticut (and New England)

There is something to be said about a New Englander who has never been apple picking. It is a quintessential fall activity in Connecticut. But for some reason, my family bought bagged orchard apples for years. On my 33rd birthday I finally went apple picking with the crew – and made it an annual tradition.

Apple picking is a fun way to spend time with your family and the perfect excuse to learn how to make an apple pie. However, it can be stressful taking children to an orchard if you don’t know what to expect. Use these apple picking tips to plan your first trip to the orchard.

When to Go Apple Picking in Connecticut

Whether you’re looking to visit an orchard with extra activities (corn maze, hayride, etc.) or fresh produce for purchase, every orchard offers something different. My family likes to go apple picking at Blue Hills Orchard in Wallingford, CT and Drazen Orchards in Cheshire, CT. Blue Hills Orchard is the closest to our home and offers a tractor ride, produce, fresh cider and donuts. Research the best apple picking orchard for your needs before you go!

Apple picking season is from late August to October. If you are hoping for a little leaf peeping while you pick apples, take note that peak foliage is visible during late September/October. The best time to go apple picking is not when it gets cold, but rather when your desired apples are ready to pick. Early season is known for Honeycrisp and McIntosh, mid-season is Macoun and Cortland, and late season is Fuji Granny Smith. Apple orchards are most busy during the middle of the afternoon on the weekends – so plan to visit early or late in the day if you are bothered by crowds.

Check out the Best Ways to Enjoy Fall in New England here!

What to Wear Apple Picking in Connecticut

My husband always laughs at my apple picking outfit, but sometimes moms like to wear a cute fall outfit. New England weather can change within minutes – so dress in layers if there is a chill in the air. Wear boots or sturdy shoes as the orchard may be wet from dew, mud, or smashed apples.

Here’s what to wear apple pickingL

• Comfortable Layers: Start with a lightweight tee or long sleeve and add a cozy sweater or flannel. A packable vest or jacket is perfect if the temperature drops.
• Sturdy Shoes or Boots: Orchards can be muddy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots or sneakers you don’t mind getting dirty are your best bet.
• Jeans or Leggings: Durable bottoms make it easy to climb ladders or crouch under trees. Bonus: dark colors hide dirt and grass stains.
• Accessories: A crossbody bag or backpack keeps your hands free for picking. Sunglasses and a hat can be lifesavers on sunny days, while a scarf or beanie adds warmth on cooler afternoons.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: Dress little ones in washable layers and closed-toe shoes. Bring an extra outfit just in case—they always manage to find the mud!

Style note for moms: If you’re hoping for cute orchard photos, think autumnal colors like olive, burgundy, cream, and mustard. A cozy cardigan or flannel dress layered under a jacket looks festive and practical.

How to Pick Apples the Right Way

Some orchards have strict rules for apple picking, so it’s important you inform the children (especially) before you go. Our orchards allow one apple for tasting before purchasing what you pick, but some orchards might not allow any samples. Remember not to climb or shake trees and leave your pets at home.

• “The Twist, Not Pull” Method: Did you know there is a correct way to pick fruit off of a tree? The best way to pick apples is to twist, not pull. Pulling an apple from a tree can knock off other apples or damage the tree itself.
• Choose Apples on the Outside of the Tree: Fruits on the sunny outer branches usually ripen first. Look for apples with rich, even coloring and no soft spots.
• Leave the Smaller Ones for Later: If an apple feels underdeveloped or doesn’t come off with a twist, let it keep growing. Orchards often stagger ripening times across varieties.
• Avoid Shaking the Branches: This can bruise fruit and damage the tree. If you knock apples onto the ground, many orchards won’t let you put them in your bag.
• Handle with Care: Place apples gently into your bag or basket to prevent bruising. A single bruised apple can cause others to spoil faster.
• Mind the Stems: Keeping the stem intact helps your apples last longer once you get them home.
• The apples on the outside of the tree ripen first, so choose the most firm apples without brown spots.
• Sniff the apple to make sure it smells good (bad smells = rot).
• Don’t take home any apples with holes or abnormally small apples from the center of the tree (they’re not ripe yet!).
• Ask before taking professional photos. Some orchards prohibit photography while apple picking or require permission in advance from the orchard.

Best Family Friendly Orchards in Connecticut

Connecticut is known for its excellent apple orchards due to the state’s rich soil and microclimate which supports the growth of high-quality flavorful apples. I have only been to a few, but there are so many scattered throughout the state you can’t go wrong at any orchard.

1. Blue Hills Orchard in Wallingford, CT is one of our favorite orchards. We may be biased because we live down the street, but they have the best apple cider and apple cider donuts. Blue Hills Orchard has been owned and operated by the Henry family since 1904. Located on the northern slope of Sleeping Giant Mountain, the orchard covers over 300 acres with 250 acres in apple production and another 30 plus in peaches, plums and nectarines.
2. Lyman Orchards in Middlefield is one of Connecticut’s largest orchards with 30,000 apple trees set on 100 acres. I have fond memories of feeding the ducks at their pond, buying an apple crumb square at the bakery, and picking blueberries here. Check out their site for information on family-friendly events, pick-your-own fruit, the farm market, award-winning pies, sunflower and corn mazes, and a year-round golf course.
3. Bishops Orchard in Guilford is a well-known 150 year old orchard in Connecticut known for pick-your-own-fruit, two month long fall festival, and unique farm market with baked goods and fresh produce.
4. Drazen Orchards in Cheshire is a small but wonderful family owned orchard open mid-July to November.
5. Roger’s Orchard in Southington is an 8th generation family run farm since 1809. They have two convenient locations for picking apples Friday-Sunday. They have a new hard cider bottling facility and tasting room, Long View Ciderhouse I hope to try this fall. 
6. Averill Farm in Washington Depot is a tenth-generation family farm operating since 1746, offering a historic and legacy-rich apple picking experience. They sell their own cider, apple cider donuts, cut flowers, and homemade the old-fashioned way, jams and jellies.
7. Blue Jay Orchards in Bethel is a 122+ acre orchard with over 8,000 producing trees, and 20+ apple varieties. This long-established orchard, originated in 1935, offers pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, pies, and its ‘famous’ apple cider donuts and cider.

Check out a complete list of Apple Orchards for Apple Picking in Connecticut 2025

What to Do with Your Apples

When you’re apple picking, it’s easy to quickly fill a basket. It’s important to plan what you’ll do with your picked apples so you don’t take home too little/too many. We pick around 25 apples for our home – apple pie (8-10 apples needed), apple crisp (5-6 apples needed), and everyday snacking.

My Personal Favorite Apple Recipes

• Apple Crisp (Dairy Free)
• Pumpkin Applesauce Muffins
• Pork Chops with Apples
• Apple Pie – a dairy free recipe by my favorite “Banana Diaries”
• Apple Spice Cake (vegan)

Looking for more fun fall activities? Check out this post!