New England is one of the best places to explore in the autumn. When it comes to apple orchards and fresh fruit, Connecticut might just be the top choice. This compact state packs a punch with dozens of fruit orchards where visitors can pick their own apples and enjoy all kinds of fun activities.
If you’re looking for a classic yet fun-filled New England autumn experience this year, here are the best apple orchards in Connecticut to visit.
Keep reading to discover the 15 best apple orchards in Connecticut!
1. Lyman Orchards
Middlefield, Connecticut
Lyman Orchards isn’t just one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut, it is also one of the oldest! Founded in 1741, it has a long and fascinating history, including serving as a location on the Underground Railroad.
These days, Lyman Orchards is in its ninth generation as a family farm. In addition to delicious apples, you can pick your own raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, jostaberries, peaches, nectarines, pears, and pumpkins.
Apple picking runs from late August to mid-October. You will find varieties like Empress, Early Mac, Red Free, Paul Red, Macoun, Spencer, Crispin, Ida Red, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious.
2. Clark Farms
Granby, Connecticut
In 1975, Clark Farms was a dilapidated orchard that had fallen into disrepair. That year, it was bought by new owners, who planted the first apple trees. Since then, Clark Farms has become one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut.
There are now 15,000 apple trees on the property. All of these are dwarf trees, which lets them soak up more nutrients from the soil and sun. It also means that none of them are taller than six feet, making them perfect for kids to reach!
There are regular events at Clark Farms, including year-round fruit and vegetable picking, family activities, and even trivia nights.
3. Lapsley Orchard
Pomfret Center, Connecticut
Lapsley Orchard is a first-generation family farm. Since 1984, it has produced some of the most scrumptious fruit you can find at any of the best apple orchards in Connecticut.
But it’s not only apples on offer here. You can also pick your own blueberries, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, pears, pumpkins, and flowers. Fresh vegetables grow throughout the summer. Hayrides are available with an autumn festival occurring every weekend during the apple harvest.
Of course, there are plenty of educational opportunities and farm-fresh goodies at Lapsley Orchard as well. You can pick apple varieties like Gravenstein, Kendall, McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Liberty, Baldwin, Winesap, Black Twig, and Braeburn.
4. Beardsley’s Cider Mill
Shelton, Connecticut
Beardsley’s Cider Mill has been operating as a farm in Shelton, Connecticut, since the 1840s. Over the decades, it has taken many forms, from a dairy farm to a meat farm, fruit orchard, and more.
The apple trees were planted in the 1920s and many of them are still producing to this day. There are 10,000 dwarf apple trees available to visitors, as well as peach, plum, and nectarine trees. All these options make Beardsley’s one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut.
Pick-your-own apples start in mid-September. You’ll find varieties like Gala, McIntosh, Liberty, Empire, Mutsu, Northern Spy, Enterprise, and Crimson Topaz.
5. Rogers Orchards
Southington, Connecticut
Rogers Orchard is located in Southington, Connecticut. Founded in 1809, it is now in its eighth generation as a family farm!
This apple farm is a historic site in Connecticut and offers plenty of fruit for picking! In particular, there are 20 varieties of apples, including heirloom varieties. You can also find peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and pears.
Apples at Rogers Orchard include Macoun, Rome, Jersey Mac, Spencer, Baldwin, Russet, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, and many more. After picking some fresh fruit, make sure to stop into the farm bakery to buy a fruit pie, apple cider doughnut, or apple sour cream coffee cake.
6. Ellsworth Hill Farm
Sharon, Connecticut
Next on our list of best apple orchards in Connecticut is Ellsworth Hill Farm. This farm has fruit available for picking throughout the year. Located in Sharon, Connecticut, the Ellsworth Hill Farm offers tons of attractions and events as well as fresh, delicious produce.
There are tons of apple varieties here, including Macoun, Cortland, Northern Spy, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Empire, and Honeycrisp. But there are many other types of fruit, too, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, plums, pears, peaches, figs, and pumpkins.
There are plenty of activities going on at Ellsworth Hill Farm, including a crossword puzzle corn maze in the fall. Visitors can access this and other attractions from Labor Day through November.
7. Blue Jay Orchards
Bethel, Connecticut
Blue Jay Orchards is one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut for families. There are attractions all throughout the year, including pick-your-own apples and pumpkins as well as a variety of vegetables.
The bakery is always open, with the chance for visitors to buy fresh doughnuts and other delicious baked goods. The apple cider doughnuts draw visitors back again year after year. Meanwhile, they also sell fresh fruit pies using the recipes passed down through many generations.
You can also find other fresh farm goods at Blue Jay Orchards, including local honey, fruit pastries, cookies, apple cider, jams and jellies, and maple syrup.
8. Dondero Orchards
South Glastonbury, Connecticut
Dondero Orchards was established all the way back in 1911. It has served as a farm for dairy cows as well as apples, raspberries, and grapes. These days, the owners, now in their fourth generation, mainly focus on growing fresh, delicious fruit.
Fruit is available all summer long, starting with strawberries. Early apples are available starting in July with varieties like Lodi and Paula Red. Visitors can also pick their own blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and pears.
Apple season runs into October when you will see varieties like Cortland, Baldwin, Empire, McIntosh, Russet, and Opalescent. There are also events throughout the year like craft fairs and more.
9. Easy Pickin’s Orchard
Enfield, Connecticut
If the name doesn’t give it away, this Enfield, Connecticut fruit orchard is all about picking your own goods. Easy Pickin’s Orchard, which has been in operation since the 1950s, opened to the public in 1991. Since then, it has become known by locals as one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut.
In addition to apples, you’ll find blueberries, peaches, Asian pears, plums, and raspberries in the fields. There are always vegetables and flowers available as well as herbs. Many of the fruit trees are dwarf varieties, making them perfect for little hands.
Apple varieties at Easy Pickin’s include Fortune, Fuji, Creston, Kensei, Liberty, Macoun, Pink Beauty, Rubinette, and Zestar.
10. Drazen Orchards
Cheshire, Connecticut
Drazen Orchards began in its earliest form in the early 1800s. However, it was only in 1951 that it opened as a fruit orchard.
The orchard specializes in popular varieties of New England apples. These are grown through sustainable methods including integrated pest management, which reduces the amount of pesticides used.
You’ll find varieties here like Macoun, Gala, Zestar, Jonagold, Cortland, and Honeycrisp. There are plenty of other fruits available to pick, such as pears, blueberries, plums, peaches, and quince.
11. Belltown Hill Orchards
South Glastonbury, Connecticut
Belltown Hill Orchards in South Glastonbury has earned a reputation as an unmissable destination among Connecticut apple orchards. With a market, bakery, and plenty of annual events, this is an apple farm that is perfect for a fall visit.
Belltown Hill is open throughout the growing season, starting in the spring. At this time, visitors will find young strawberries, followed by a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the summer. The attractions finish up with apples and pumpkins in the fall and finally Christmas trees.
There are 24 apple varieties here, from mid-August until November, including Stayman, Braeburn, Rome, Cameo, and Pink Lady.
12. Silverman’s Farm
Easton, Connecticut
Silverman’s has been growing crops for 100 years which puts it on our list of best apple orchards in Connecticut. Apple picking is one of the main attractions, but there are always events going on, from fruit festivals to craft fairs, birthday parties, and more.
Visitors also have the chance to pet and feed farm animals, including unique ones like long-horn cattle, buffalo, llamas, alpacas, fallow deer, goats, sheep, and even emus. Make sure to stop into the bakery for homemade treats!
Throughout the year, you can pick your own blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples, and pumpkins. Apples start in August with Ginger Gold. Other varieties include Gala Red, Crimson Crisp, Red Delicious, Mutsu, Ida Red, Northern Spy, and Suncrisp.
13. Holmberg Orchards
Gales Ferry, Connecticut
Holmberg Orchards is a fourth-generation apple orchard in Connecticut. Here, you will find some of the most unique and delicious produce which makes it one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut.
Fruit picking starts in June with raspberries. Other types of berries are available throughout the summer, including golden raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. There is also fresh lavender available from the lavender fields.
There are many apple varieties available starting in late summer. You can also visit the farm bakery, where there are fresh fruit pastries and slushies for sale. Holmberg Orchards features an on-site winery where fruit wines and hard cider are available to sample.
14. Bishop’s Orchards
Guilford, Connecticut
Bishop’s Orchards has been an institution among Connecticut apple orchards for more than 150 years. This farm grows the freshest, most delicious local produce using sustainable farming methods, including solar incentives.
Visitors can pick their own fruit throughout the year, including peaches, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, pears, apples, and pumpkins.
Apple picking runs from late August to late October. Visitors can enjoy a tractor ride to the fields to pick fruit, then return to enjoy the on-site creamery, bakery, winery, and farm market. These sites offer some of the most delicious and unique farm-fresh goods you’ll find among any apple orchards in Connecticut.
15. Buell’s Orchards
Eastford, Connecticut
Buell’s Orchards has been a part of the Eastford, Connecticut community since 1889. Four generations later, the farm remains in the same family and is still committed to the same ideals of sharing fresh, sustainable produce.
One of the biggest attractions is the annual harvest festival. This features family-friendly activities and treats including apple and pumpkin picking, hayrides, barbecue, live music, and wagon rides.
Apple picking starts around Labor Day and continues through the end of October. During this time, you’ll find many varieties to pick. There are also fresh farm treats like local honey, syrup, jams, preserves, apple cider, pickles, and relish.
Visit the Best Apple Orchards in Connecticut!
If you are looking for some good old-fashioned autumn fun in Connecticut, you don’t have to look far. Choose one or more from our list of best apple orchards in Connecticut and your search is complete. Let the Fall fun begin!
Ready for more apple content? Keep reading all about apples to discover more orchards, varieties, recipes, growing techniques, and more!