Apple Picking at the 8 Best Apple Orchards in Connecticut (2024)

The region of New England is one of the best places to celebrate the autumn season. For all those people who want to revel in apple orchards and fresh fruit, Connecticut is the best place to enjoy yourself. From apple cider, apple pie to apple fritters, there is no end to the things you can make after picking apples in the state. And if you are looking for the picture-perfect apple picking spot, there is no end to those as well in the state of Connecticut.

Apple Picking at the 8 Best Apple Orchards in Connecticut

Here are some of the best Connecticut apple orchards to enjoy apple-picking in autumn.

1. Lyman Orchards

The Lyman Orchards is not only the best apple orchards in Connecticut for apple picking, but it is also one of the oldest orchards in the state. The orchard opened its doors in 1741, and since then, it has had a long and incredible history. The orchard even served as a location on the Underground Railroad – it is actually rich in history.

Nowadays, the Lyman Orchards is owned by the ninth generation as a family farm. Apart from delicious red apples, you can also indulge in picking raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pears, nectarines, jostaberries, and pumpkins.

At the Lyman Orchards, you can indulge in apple picking from late August to mid-October and find well-known varieties like Early Mac, Paul Red, Red Free, Empress, Spencer, Macoun, Ida Red, Granny Smith, Crispin, and Golden Delicious.

2. Clark Farms

In 1975, the Clark Farms had fallen into a dilapidated condition, falling into a state of disrepair and coming close to having to close its doors. However, in that year itself, it was purchased by new owners, who planted the first apple trees on the farm. Since then, it seemed like the fortune of the farm changed for good, and Clark Farms has never looked back. Clark Farms is one of the best apple orchards in Connecticut today, having over 15,000 apple trees on the property.

All of these are dwarf trees, which is a remarkable variety of apple trees that soaks up more nutrients from the soil and sun. It also means that none of these trees are taller than six feet, making them the perfect spot for kids to enjoy apple-picking as they can easily reach the apples.

Another unique factor about Clark Farms is that they regularly organize events throughout the year involving fruit and vegetable picking, trivia nights, and fun activities for the entire family to enjoy.

3. Lapsley Orchard

The Lapsley Orchard is a first-generation family farm that has been growing some of the most delicious fruit in Connecticut right from 1984. In fact, they are known to have some of the best apple orchards in Connecticut.

However, this place is not just known for its apples. You can enjoy picking your own peaches, blueberries, nectarines, blackberries, strawberries, pears, pumpkins, raspberries, and flowers. The orchard grows fresh vegetables throughout the summer months, and hayrides are offered during the autumn festival that takes place every weekend during the apple harvest.

Lapsley Orchard also offers many educational opportunities and farm-fresh goodies. You can find many apple varieties here for picking, including McIntosh, Black Twig, Gravenstein, Kendall, Macoun, Cortland, Baldwin, Liberty, Black Twig, Braeburn, and Winesap.

4. Beardsley’s Cider Mill

Beardsley’s Cider Mill is being run as a farm in Shelton in Connecticut. Dating back to the 1840s, the farm has undergone many forms, from being a dairy farm to a meat farm, to a fruit orchard, and much more.

The apple trees at the farm were planted in the 1920s, and many of them are still producing applies to this day. Beardsley’s Cider Mill also has over 10,000 dwarf apple trees that make it easy for children to enjoy apple-picking. You can also pick plums, peaches, and nectarines here.

Beardsley’s Cider Mill offers ‘pick-your-own’ apples activities from mid-September. You can find apple varieties like Mutsu, Northern Spy, Gala, McIntosh, Liberty, Empire, Enterprise, and Crimson Topaz.

5. Rogers Orchards

Located in Southington, Rogers Orchards is a well-known apple picking orchard in Connecticut. Founded in 1809, the orchard is now being run by the eighth generation of the family. This family-owned apple farm is a historical site in the state, and you get a wide variety of fruit for picking. In particular, the farm grows over 20 varieties of apples, even having heirloom varieties. You can also find apricots, nectarines, pears, plums, and peaches.

The apple varieties at Rogers Orchard include Jersey Mac, Rome, Macoun, Baldwin, Russet, Spencer, Honeycrisp, Ginger Gold, and many more. And the delightful feature of this orchard is that after picking some fresh fruit, you can step into the farm bakery on the grounds itself to buy fruit pie, sour apple cream, apple cider doughnut, or some apple sour cream coffee cake.

6. Ellsworth Hill Farm

The Ellsworth Hill Farm offers fruit picking activities throughout the year. Located in Sharon in Connecticut, the Ellsworth Hill Farm also offers many other attractions and events along with fresh and delicious produce for visitors to enjoy.

You get to indulge your taste buds with a wide variety of apples available here, including Cortland, Macoun, Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, Empire, Red Delicious, and Honeycrisp. At the same time, there are many other types of fruits, including raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, plums, pears, peaches, pumpkins, cherries, and figs.

There are many activities being held at Ellsworth Hill Farm, including a crossword puzzle corn maze in the autumn season. Visitors to the farm can access this and many other attractions that begin from Labor Day and last all the way through November.

7. Blue Jay Orchards

One of the best apple orchards in Connecticut for families is the Blue Jay Orchards. This popular orchard offers attractions all through the year, including picking your own pumpkins and apples, as well as a huge variety of vegetables.

There is also a bakery on site that is always open, and visitors can buy fresh doughnuts and other baked goods. One of the main attractions is the apple cider doughnuts that bring visitors back to the bakery year after year. Meanwhile, for those with a sweet tooth, you will find fresh fruit pies made using recipes that have been passed down through the many generations.

8. Dondero Orchards

Established in 1911, the Dondero Orchards has served as a farm for dairy cows, raspberries, grapes, and apples. Nowadays, the owners are in their fourth generation and focus on growing fresh, delicious fruits.

Fruit picking is available all summer long at the Dondero Orchards, starting with the strawberry crops. Early apples become available from July, with varieties like Paula Red and Lodi available for picking. Visitors to the orchard can also pick their own raspberries, pears, peaches, and blueberries.

The main apple picking season runs well into October, when you start to see varieties like McIntosh, Opalescent, Russet, Cortland, Baldwin, and Empire. The apple orchard also organizes many events throughout the year, including craft fairs and many others.