A Local’s Guide to Apple Picking in Maine: Where to go, What to Bring, and Which Orchards Have the Best Cider Donuts
Visiting Maine during the Fall? Apple picking should be at the top of your itinerary. Maine apple orchards offer a little something for the whole family—warm donuts, fresh fall produce, wagon rides, scenic views, and homemade cider.
In this blog post, we share everything you need to know about apple picking in Maine—when apple picking season starts, what to wear, what to bring, how to find an apple orchard near you, which orchards are the most family-friendly, and MOST IMPORTANTLY—where to get the best cider donuts.
Why are so many apples grown in Maine?
Maine’s harsh climate is ideal for growing apples. A lot of the “apple pests” cannot survive our cold winters and the dip in temperature also helps the trees reset their internal clocks so they flower at the ideal time to be pollinated by bees.
When is apple picking season in Maine?
In Maine, Apple orchards usually open their doors from late August until late October but the farmer’s are busy at work year-round.
Starting in January, growers prune the trees to make sure every branch will get enough sunlight. In the Spring, growers plant new trees (which can take 3 to 6 years to produce fruit) and watch for mature trees to flower and rely on bees for cross-pollination. When Summer arrives, the trees are watered well to ensure production of well-sized fruit and the cool late Summer nights trigger a natural enzyme that helps the apples develop their iconic red blush. Harvest begins in September, with apples being picked, sorted, and either moved into cold storage or made into cider. After harvest, farmer’s mow the ground beneath the apple trees to shred leaves and any remaining fruit, which can become homes for pests and diseases.
Click here to learn about the different varieties of Maine apples and when they are ready to pick.
What to wear apple picking in Maine
Wear light layers so you can adjust your clothes to be comfortable in the cool mornings and hot afternoons
Shoes with good traction will help you walk over grass and dirt
A hat or sunglasses will help keep the sun out of your eyes
Wear or pack a light jacket just in case
What to bring apple picking in Maine
Cash is great to have on hand, as not all apple orchards accept credit card
A carrier or wagon is great for when kids get tired of walking
Water bottles to stay hydrated while walking and picking apples
Snacks to keep everyone’s energy up
How to find a Maine apple orchard near you
Maine has over 80 commercial apple orchards. To find an apple orchard near you, click here.
The most family-friendly apple orchards in Maine
Brackett Orchards (Limington, Maine)
This family operated orchard offers train rides to and from the orchard, apple cannons (yes they’re as fun as they sound), apple cider donuts, brick oven pizza, and a pumpkin patch.
Randall Orchards (Standish, Maine)
Located only 15 minutes from Portland, Randall Orchards offers donuts, a farmstead, fresh cider, wood fired pizza, pumpkins, and more.
Ricker Hill Orchards (Turner, Maine)
One of the busiest orchards in Maine, Ricker Hill has plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy. Visitors can enjoy a corn maze, bounce house, disc golf, a farm store, cider donuts, and a hard cider tasting room.
McDougal Orchards (Springvale, Maine)
This seventh generation family farm is known for its farm store, wagon rides, free corn maze, and hot buckets of mini cider donuts.
Orchard Ridge Farm (Gorham, Maine)
Fresh cider, bagels, donuts, ice cream, and farm animals await apple pickers at this family-owned farm.
Wallingford’s Fruit House (Auburn, Maine)
Kids and kids at heart will love the farm animals, playgrounds, corn maze, cider donuts, cider slushies, and other baked goods offered at Wallingford’s Fruit House.
Treworgy Family Orchards (Levant, Maine)
Home to a national award-winning corn maze, this family-run orchard has a petting zoo, playground, wagon rides, and a cafe serving pizza, ice cream, and donuts,
Apple orchards in Maine with the best cider donuts
If you only go apple picking to be rewarded with hot, fresh cider donuts, here are a few Maine apple orchards that should be on your list to check out:
Ricker Hill Orchards (Turner, Maine)
Thompson’s Orchards (New Gloucester, Maine)
Lily & Son U Pick (Limerick, Maine)
Treworgy Family Orchards (Levant, Maine)
McDougal Orchards (Springvale, Maine)
Leave no trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild Maine we love.
Check out our favorite Fall hikes and itineraries.
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With love,
My Maine
