Top 5 Apple-Picking Orchards in Maine
Each fall, Maine’s orchards invite you to wander among apple trees laden with fruit, sample fresh cider, and soak in the foliage. Here are five of the state’s best apple-picking destinations including their prime picking windows, family-friendly features, and extra delights you won’t want to miss.
Crisp, Sweet, & Scenic
As summer shades off into autumn, Maine’s apple orchards transform into vivid landscapes of red, gold, and emerald. Whether you’re a seasoned “apple hunter” or a first-time picker, the state offers enchanting orchards teeming with U-pick rows, farm stands, donuts, cider, hayrides, and more. Below are five standout orchards across Maine, each offering a unique flavor of orchard life. You’ll find the best weeks to go, what’s happening on site, and what extra treasures await beyond just apples.
Best Months / Weeks - Mid-September through October (often peak around late September to early October)
Activities & Features - Hayrides on weekends, picking from their scenic hilltop orchard, a farm stand, cider donuts, wood-fired pizza, apple slingshots / cannons, a gift shop (Country Collection) next door for home décor & antiques
What Else You’ll Find - In addition to apples and orchard views, you’ll find pumpkins, local vegetables, jams, maple syrup, a charming country gift/antique shop next door, and a festive atmosphere especially during Maine Apple Sunday.
1. Brackett’s Orchards (Limington, ME)
Best Months / Weeks: Early to mid September through October (peak through mid-October)
Activities & Features: U-pick apples (plus blueberries and pears in season), farm store with baked goods, donuts, cider, coffee & espresso drinks, hot food menu during fall; beer & wine service; scenic orchard and forest trails on the 38 acres
What Else You’ll Find: Beyond apple picking, their farm store offers locally produced goods, seasonal treats, grab-and-go meals, and beverages. It’s a relaxed destination for both picking and simply enjoying a farm outing.
2. Orchard Ridge Farm (Gorham, ME)
3. Libby & Son U-Picks (Limerick, ME)
Best Months / Weeks: Mid-August through October / even into November (depending on weather)
Activities & Features: Pick your own apples (12+ varieties), plus peaches, raspberries in season, shuttle rides, live music, donuts, smoothies, fun farm activities for families.
What Else You’ll Find: A robust farm stand with local products, picnic opportunities, scenic surroundings, and seasonal charm. They emphasize family fun and variety of crops.
4. Ricker Hill Orchards (Turner, ME)
Best Months / Weeks: Late September through October (peak in October)
Activities & Features: Apple picking U-pick or prepicked, orchard tours, cider donuts, a hard cider shop on site, disc golf course, breakfast offerings, event venue (weddings / corporate)
What Else You’ll Find: In addition to apples and cider, they offer cider tastings (hard ciders), a casual farm experience, and recreational elements like disc golf and event hosting.
5. Hansel’s Orchard (North Yarmouth, ME)
Best Months / Weeks: Early September (McIntosh), moving through mid to late September (Cortland), and into October (Macoun)
Activities & Features: Pick-your-own apples (McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun), baskets, picking poles, optional smaller containers so you don’t need a full bushel, picnic under large mature trees, laid-back orchard ambiance
What Else You’ll Find: Though smaller and quieter, Hansel’s offers fresh cider, and a relaxed visit ideal for families wanting a more mellow pick
Bonus / Honorable Mentions
Boothby’s Orchard (Livermore, ME) - 7-acre orchard, free wagon rides on weekends, handicap accessible tours.
Biscay Orchards (Damariscotta, ME) - Pick-your-own, cider pressings, pies, local crafts & cheeses, jams.
The Maine Heritage Orchard (Unity, ME) - A preservation orchard with over 360 traditional Maine apple and pear varieties; more educational than commercial pick
Map of Best Windows for Apple Picking in Maine
Maine’s apple season broadly runs from late August into late October, with variation by variety
Late Aug – early Sept: Early apples like Gingergold, Paula Red, Lodi begin ripening.
Mid Sept – early Oct: Peak variety availability (McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Empire)
Mid Oct – late Oct: Later season apples like Northern Spy, Jonagold, Macoun remain for late pickers.
Because apple varieties ripen on different schedules, orchards typically stagger what is available. Call ahead or check orchard websites for current picking status.