The Best Apple Picking Orchards to Visit in Maine
Apple picking season—one of the very best times of the year. The first set of apples are ripe for picking around early September. In Maine, you’ll find apple orchards decorated with bright red apples for as far as your eyes can see. With tons of options across the state, you’ll find the best spots for picking based on your apple preference. Here are our 9 favorite apple picking spots in Maine.
Libby & Sons U-Pick, Limerick, ME
Located on 40 acres in Limerick, Libby & Sons U-Pick is a family-owned and operated farm. Fruit is picked from July through October, depending on the variety. There are 18 acres of apple trees growing over 18 varieties of apples, including the ever-popular Honeycrisp. Don’t forget to try the fresh donuts and fruit smoothies made daily.
Randall Orchards, Standish, ME
Randall Orchards in Standish is located just 30 minutes from Portland. Open late August through the middle of November, you can pick a variety of apples, pumpkins, gourds, and more. The orchard is home to a working cider mill so you know you’ll only get the freshest apple cider in the state. With over 20 apple varieties, you’ll be able to pick your favorites from MacIntosh to Honeycrisp to Fuji.
Ricker Hill Orchards, Turner, ME
Rocker Hill Orchards is more than just an apple-picking orchard; it’s a destination for fall fun. Ricker Hill Orchards has fun for the whole family with a corn maze, hayrides, apple cider doughs, and a hard cider winery. Growing apples for eight generations, the Ricker family knows a thing or two about apple growing. You'll only find the best varieties at Ricker Hill, including organic varieties.
Hope Orchards, Hope, ME
Hope Orchards has more than 14 different apple varieties available for picking throughout September and October. If you don’t have time to pick your own apples, head to their farm stand to buy a bag and some delicious homemade apple cider made from their handpicked apples.
Apple Acres, Hiram, ME
Apple Acres is a six-acre pick-your-own fruit farm in western Maine. Only a 45-minute drive from Portland, It has been in the family since 1949. Open for PYO in September and October, the farm has a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, Cortland, and others. The farm stand sells apples, cider, baked goods, and ice cream.
Sandy River Apple Orchard, Mercer, ME
Sandy River Apple Orchard has been in the Fenton family since 1852 as one of the oldest apple orchards in the state. This large PYO apple orchard grows over 40 varieties and is run by the daughter of the late “the Apple Man.” You'll find unique varieties like the Wolf River, Dollie Delicious, and Wealthy.
Hansel’s Orchard, North Yarmouth, ME
Opening shortly after Labor Day, Hansel’s Orchard in North Yarmouth will be ready for some early-season apples. The farm is a family-run PYO orchard with McIntosh, Cortland, and Macoun apple varieties. Choose from five different bag sizes for all your Apple needs.
Berry Fruit Farm, Livermore, ME
Berry Fruit Farm in Livermore offers pick-your-own apples from September through October. As they like to say, “No other fruit says ‘Maine’ like our apples.” Apple varieties include the classic McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Zestar, and Honeycrisp. Also, look for raspberries and pumpkins, available around the same time.
McDougal Orchards, Springvale, ME
McDougal Orchards in Springvale is a seventh-generation family farm specializing in apples, pears, and peaches. With a wide variety of apples, you'll find your perfect flavor. Open daily from August through October, you'll find tons of apples and even the famous apple cider doughnuts. Weekend hayrides are free!
