With the arrival of fall comes apple-picking, and the time is ripe to plan an excursion to pick your own. With more than 80 orchards across the state, there’s likely one within driving distance, wherever you are. Maineapples.org has a comprehensive list.
According to the Maine Pomological Society, there are upwards of 27 varieties of apples grown in Maine. Among the more interesting names are are Nodhead, Spencer, Wolf River and Chenango Strawberry.
While this summer’s drought is having an effect on gardens and some crops, experts say apples appear to be unaffected — at least this year.
“This year’s crop of apples looks to be in good shape for the upcoming harvest, and summer apples have already been picked without issues,” said Renae Moran. Moran works for University of Maine as the tree fruit specialist, and also serves on the Pomological Society’s executive board as an advisory member.
“The drought doesn’t seem to have impacted the apple crop because apple trees have a high degree of drought tolerance. It may, however, impact the crop next year because with fruit trees, there is carryover to next year, especially on the amount of bloom,” said Moran. “There may be fewer blossoms on the trees next spring, but this could be a good thing since I was expecting a very heavy ‘return’ bloom in 2026.”
This weekend is a particularly good time to partake in apple picking because about 20 orchards across the state are participating in the 25th annual Maine Apple Sunday.
(Photo courtesy of McDougal Orchards)
Kents Hill Orchard in Wayne will have pick your own Macs and Honeycrisp apples, along with apple cider donuts and other baked goods. McDougal Orchards in Springvale will have wagon rides, a fairy village and cider donuts. Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards in Cumberland will have apple crisp samples featuring their heirloom Red Gravenstein apples. For a complete list of participants, head to maineapples.org/events.
There are few fall activities more quintessential than visiting an apple orchard, whether you pick your own or purchase already-picked ones. Plus, several orchards sell cider, baked goods and have farm animals.
Here’s a sampling of seven orchards you can head to this season.
Location: 255 North Hunts Meadow Road, Whitefield. facebook.com/p/baileys-orchard.
Along with more than 50 apple varieties, Bailey’s Orchard has honey, fudge, cider, squash, gourds and pumpkins, among other items. Pick-your-own apples include Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Spencer, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Northern Spy, Mutsu and Baldwin.
Location: 99 Hilton Road, Skowhegan. cayfordorchards.com.
Cayford Orchards is a sixth-generation family farm on 18 acres. Pick-your-own apples include Paulred, Gingergold, Jonagold, Candycrisp, Fuji and Honeycrisp, among others.
Location: 571 Main St., Monmouth. facebook.com/chicksappleberry.
Located on Cochnewagan Lake in Monmouth, Chick’s Apple and Berry Farm features pick-your-own McIntosh, Macoun, Red Delicious and Cortland. The farm also has pick-your-own pumpkins.
Location: 174 Auburn Road, Turner. facebook.com/greenwoodorchards.
Pick-your-own apples include McIntosh, Cortland, Blondee, Gaia, Honeycrisp, Macoun (September) and Northern Spy, Evercrisp, Gingergold, Empire and Jonagold (October). You can also purchase several types of donuts, including apple cider, pumpkin and maple.
Location: 44 Sweetser Road, North Yarmouth. hanselsorchard.com.
Pick-your-own apples include McIntosh, Cortland and Macoun. Quantities range from a bushel (about 40 pounds) to a quarter-peck (about 3 pounds). Picking poles are available to reach higher fruits, and if you’d rather not pick from a tree, you can make selections from the orchard’s apple boxes.
Location: 295 Buckfield Road, Turner. rickerhill.com.
Pick-your-own apples include McIntosh, Cortland, Blondee, Gaia, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Northern Spy, Evercrisp, Gingergold, Empire and Jonagold. You can also purchase several types of donuts, including apple cider, pumpkin and maple.
Location: 85 Spiller Farm Lane, Wells. spillerfarm.com.
Pick-your-own apples include Mcintosh, Honeycrisp, Gala, Cortland, Macoun and Spencer. Spiller Farm also has a picnic and play area with sand pile for kids, a corn stalk teepee and a covered bridge, as well as goats and geese. The nearby Spiller Farm Store features beef, pork, chicken, eggs and a variety of seasonal produce along with sandwiches, pizza and more.