Best Apple Orchards in Maine

Autumn in Maine means apple picking! This guide takes you to the best apple orchards across the state, where you can pick your own fresh apples, enjoy warm cider donuts, and explore farm stores filled with local delights. Many orchards also offer corn mazes, hayrides, and other family-friendly activities, making them a perfect fall outing.

Southern Maine’s Premier Apple Orchards

Ricker Hill Orchards (Turner)

Ricker Hill has been growing apples since 1803, making it one of Maine’s oldest continuously operating orchards. The family operation spans over 200 acres on a hilltop with views across the Androscoggin Valley to the White Mountains. The orchard grows over 60 varieties of apples, from early-season Yellow Transparents to late-season Granny Smiths, meaning you can pick apples from August through October.

The farm store is legendary for its cider donuts—crispy outside, cakey inside, rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm. They make thousands daily during peak season, and you can watch the process through viewing windows. The store stocks apple pies, turnovers, apple crisp, cider, and an ever-expanding selection of Maine-made products. Recent additions include hard cider from their own apples and maple syrup from their sugarbush.

Pick-your-own operates on weekends and holidays in fall, with pre-picked apples available daily. The orchard provides bags and help with ladder use. Hayrides to the upper orchard run on busy weekends. The farm also hosts fall events including their popular Zombie Paintball Hayride for teens and adults.

Visiting tips: Weekend mornings are busiest—arrive by 9am or come after 2pm. Weekdays are much quieter. Cider donuts sell out by early afternoon on peak weekends. Wear layers—hilltop can be breezy. Cash and check only, no credit cards.

Sweetser’s Apple Barrel & Orchards (Cumberland)

Sweetser’s combines serious apple growing with family entertainment, creating one of Maine’s most popular fall destinations. The orchard grows 25 varieties across 200 acres, with pick-your-own available September through October. But apples are just the beginning—the farm includes a corn maze that changes design annually, a pumpkin patch, barnyard animals, a jumping pillow, hayrides, and more.

The Apple Barrel store sells fresh cider pressed on-site, a mind-boggling selection of pies (apple, apple-cranberry, apple-blueberry, and seasonal varieties), and those essential cider donuts. The bakery also produces apple crisp, apple bread, cookies, and specialty items. Local products fill the shelves—honey, jam, cheese, maple syrup, and crafts.

Sweetser’s understands family logistics. The property has plenty of parking, clean restrooms, picnic areas, and activities for kids who finish apple picking in ten minutes. School groups visit on weekdays, so weekends serve mostly families. The location just off Route 295 makes it easily accessible from Portland.

Visiting tips: Columbus Day weekend is absolute chaos—avoid if you dislike crowds. The corn maze is legitimately challenging; allow an hour. Most activities require separate tickets. Pick-your-own apples are priced by the bag. Arrive early for fresh donuts.

McDougal Orchards (Springvale)

McDougal’s is a working orchard first and tourist destination second, which gives it a more authentic farm feel than some larger operations. The family has grown apples here since the 1960s, expanding to include hard cider production that’s gained a devoted following. The orchard grows about 25 varieties, focusing on heritage and unusual apples alongside popular varieties.

The farm store keeps things simple—fresh apples by the bag or bushel, cider (both sweet and hard), cider donuts made fresh daily, apple crisp, and pies on weekends. The hard cider operation produces several varieties from their own apples, from dry traditional cider to hopped and barrel-aged versions. The tasting room allows sampling before buying.

Pick-your-own runs weekends in fall, though you need to check their availability as they sometimes close picking when apples run low. The orchard doesn’t have extensive activities beyond apple picking, which appeals to visitors wanting apples without navigating corn mazes and crowds.

Visiting tips: Call ahead to confirm pick-your-own availability. The orchard is smaller than some, so they can pick out of certain varieties. Excellent hard cider selection if you’re into that. Less crowded than bigger orchards. Dogs welcome on leash.

Midcoast Apple Orchards

Hope Orchards (Hope)

Located in the rolling hills of Hope, this orchard offers quintessential Maine countryside scenery alongside excellent apples. The family operation grows about 30 varieties on their hillside orchard, with stunning views across to the Camden Hills. Pick-your-own runs September through October, with the orchard providing guidance on which varieties are currently at peak.

The farm store keeps it real—no enormous gift shop or activities beyond the apples. What they do, they do well: fresh-pressed cider, cider donuts that compete with any in the state, apple pies made from their own fruit, and bags of fresh apples. The family’s knowledge of their varieties is impressive; they’ll help you choose apples based on your intended use.

The orchard setting is beautiful enough that the picking itself becomes the entertainment. Bring a picnic and make an afternoon of it. The lack of crowds and commercial feel appeals to visitors seeking a more peaceful orchard experience.

Visiting tips: Smaller operation means checking ahead before driving out. Open Saturdays and Sundays in fall, sometimes closed if weather or crop issues arise. The views are spectacular in foliage season. Combine with a trip to nearby villages like Appleton or Camden.

Sandy River Apples (Mercer)

This certified organic orchard in the Belgrade Lakes region specializes in heirloom and unusual apple varieties you won’t find at larger commercial orchards. The family grows over 100 varieties, from familiar names like McIntosh to obscure heritage apples like Westfield Seek-No-Further and Esopus Spitzenburg. For apple enthusiasts, this is paradise.

The pick-your-own experience emphasizes education. The family can tell you about each variety’s history, flavor profile, best uses, and growing characteristics. They encourage sampling—you can’t make good choices without tasting. The orchard also hosts tasting events and workshops on topics like cider making, apple storage, and grafting.

The farm stand sells their organic apples by variety, fresh cider, and value-added products made from their fruit. No cider donuts or entertainment—this is for serious apple lovers. The organic certification means they farm without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, appealing to health-conscious visitors.

Visiting tips: Open limited days, check website or call. Bring cash. The obscure varieties sell out quickly—go early for best selection. Perfect for foodies and locavores. Kids may get bored without additional activities. Consider attending one of their workshops.

Western Maine & Mountain Orchards

Twitchell’s Sugarhouse (Turner)

While primarily known for maple syrup production, Twitchell’s maintains an apple orchard that produces fruit for their cider and baking. The farm store is a destination in itself, stocking their maple products alongside apple cider donuts, pies, cider, jams, relishes, and an impressive selection of Maine-made foods and gifts.

The pick-your-own operation is smaller and less formal than major orchards, but the setting in the foothills with mountain views makes up for it. The real draw for many is combining apple picking with maple syrup shopping—this is one of Maine’s premier maple producers, with a huge selection of grades and maple products.

Visiting tips: Call ahead on pick-your-own availability. The farm store is worth visiting even if not picking apples. Try the maple cream—it’s addictive. Good place to stock up on Maine gifts. Located near Ricker Hill, you could hit both in one trip.

Treworgy Family Orchards (Levant)

Treworgy’s has evolved into a full agritainment destination while maintaining serious apple production. The orchard grows multiple varieties for pick-your-own, but most visitors come for the full experience: corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, playground, hayrides, and special events throughout fall.

The farm market sells the usual orchard offerings—cider donuts, apple cider, pies, fresh apples—plus an expanded selection of prepared foods, baked goods, and gifts. The orchard hosts evening events including flashlight corn maze nights and harvest festivals with music and food.

The location near Bangor makes this northern Maine’s most accessible full-service orchard. Families with young kids find plenty to occupy energetic children beyond twenty minutes of apple picking.

Visiting tips: Plan for several hours if doing multiple activities. Admission charged for some attractions. Weekends are very busy. Special events require advance tickets. The corn maze is large and can take over an hour.

Understanding Apple Varieties

Maine orchards grow both standard varieties and unusual heirlooms. Here’s a guide to what you’ll find and when:

Early Season (August-early September):

Yellow Transparent: Pale yellow, tart, excellent for sauce
Paula Red: Red with white flesh, sweet-tart, all-purpose

Mid Season (September):

McIntosh: The classic New England apple, tender, sweet-tart, great fresh or for sauce
Cortland: McIntosh offspring, doesn’t brown when cut, perfect for salads and pies
Honeycrisp: Crisp, sweet, juicy, exceptional fresh eating
Gala: Sweet, crisp, mild flavor, kids love them

Late Season (October):

Northern Spy: Tart, firm, the pie baker’s favorite
Granny Smith: Very tart, crisp, excellent for pies and baking
Mutsu/Crispin: Large, sweet, honey-like flavor, great fresh or baked
Fuji: Very sweet, crisp, stores well, excellent fresh

Heirloom Varieties: Many orchards grow heritage apples like Wolf River (enormous, good for baking), Cox’s Orange Pippin (complex flavor, English heritage), and Roxbury Russet (America’s oldest variety, odd-looking but flavorful).

For Eating Fresh: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Mutsu For Pies: Northern Spy, Cortland, Granny Smith For Sauce: McIntosh, Cortland, Yellow Transparent For Cider: Blends work best, including heirloom varieties for complexity

The Cider Donut Phenomenon

No Maine orchard visit is complete without cider donuts. These aren’t just regular donuts—they’re made with apple cider reduced to concentrate the flavor, creating a denser, more flavorful donut with a hint of apple. The best are made fresh throughout the day, served warm, and coated in cinnamon sugar.

Every orchard claims the best cider donuts, and honestly, most are excellent. The key is getting them fresh. Watch for orchards with viewing windows where you can see donuts being made. Arrive earlier in the day for the freshest batches. Some orchards sell out by early afternoon on busy weekends.

Cider donuts don’t keep well—they’re best day-of. Buy what you’ll eat that day, maybe a few for breakfast the next morning. Some people freeze them and reheat, but fresh is always better.

When to Go Apple Picking

Apple season in Maine runs from late August through late October, with different varieties ripening throughout that window. Early-season apples like Yellow Transparent appear in August, while late varieties like Northern Spy and Granny Smith ripen in October.

Peak season: Late September through mid-October. This overlaps with foliage season, creating beautiful but crowded conditions. Orchards are at their busiest Columbus Day weekend—go earlier in September or later in October if you want to avoid crowds.

Best time for variety: Mid-September offers the greatest selection of varieties. Early apples are still available while mid-season apples are ripening.

Best weather: September typically offers beautiful weather—warm days, cool nights, lower humidity. October can be chilly and sometimes rainy, though it offers spectacular foliage views.

Weekday vs. weekend: Weekends, especially Saturdays, are significantly busier. Weekday visits provide a more relaxed experience. Many orchards have limited weekday hours though, so check ahead.

What to Bring

For Apple Picking:

Comfortable shoes with good traction—orchard terrain can be uneven
Layers—weather changes quickly, and hilltop orchards can be windy
Sunscreen and hats for sunny days
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Reusable bags if the orchard allows (many provide picking bags)
Cash—some orchards don’t accept cards

For Kids:

Snacks and drinks (orchard stores can be pricey)
Wet wipes for sticky hands
Change of clothes if doing corn mazes or animal areas
Stroller for very young children (though orchard terrain may not be stroller-friendly)

For Food Lovers:

Cooler for storing apples and perishables
Space in your car—it’s easy to overbuy
List of what you want to make so you buy appropriate varieties

Making the Most of Your Apples

How many to pick: Apples are heavy and abundant. A peck (1/4 bushel) is about 10-12 pounds. A half-bushel is 20-24 pounds. A full bushel is 40-48 pounds. Most families overbuy. Start with a peck unless you’re serious about canning or freezing.

Storage: Apples keep best in the refrigerator crisper drawer, where they’ll stay fresh for weeks or even months depending on variety. Some apples (like McIntosh) soften quickly; others (like Fuji) stay crisp for months.

Using your apples: Make applesauce, apple butter, apple pie, apple crisp, apple cake, or apple bread. Dehydrate apple slices for snacking. Freeze sliced apples with a bit of lemon juice for later baking. Make your own cider if you have a press. Or just eat them fresh—crisp apples are one of autumn’s great pleasures.

Beyond Apples: Fall Activities

Many orchards have expanded beyond pick-your-own to create fall destinations:

Corn mazes: Some are simple, others are elaborate multi-acre puzzles. Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the maze and your navigational skills.

Pumpkin patches: Pick your Halloween pumpkins while getting apples. Some orchards grow their own; others truck them in.

Hayrides: Usually a wagon ride through the orchard or around the property. Kids love them; adults find them quaint or boring depending on perspective.

Farm animals: Petting zoos, barnyard animals, maybe goats on a climbing structure. Appeals to young kids.

Farm stores: These have evolved into country stores stocked with local products, Maine-made gifts, baked goods, jams, honey, maple syrup, and seasonal items.

Hard cider: Several orchards now produce hard cider from their own apples, offering tastings and sales.

Supporting Maine’s Orchard Farmers

Apple farming is hard work with uncertain returns. Weather, pests, market prices, and labor costs all affect profitability. When you visit orchards and buy directly from farmers, you’re supporting Maine agriculture and helping preserve working farmland.

Buy what you can use. Ask questions about varieties and farming practices. Try new varieties beyond what grocery stores stock. Consider buying value-added products—cider, baked goods, jams—which often provide better margins for farmers than raw apples.

Respect the property, follow orchard rules, don’t damage trees, and clean up after yourself. These orchards are working farms, not theme parks, though some have evolved to include entertainment.

Hidden Gem Orchards

Beyond the big names, Maine has many smaller orchards worth discovering:

Poverty Hill Orchards (Wells): Certified organic, heirloom varieties
Gile’s Family Farm (Alfred): Small, uncrowded, friendly
Oakside Orchard (Gorham): Pick-your-own with farm animals
Apple Acres (Hiram): Mountain views, less commercial feel

These smaller operations often offer more personal attention and less crowded picking. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability, as small orchards may have irregular schedules.

Making Apple Picking an Annual Tradition

Many Maine families have traditions around apple picking—the same orchard every year, the same weekend, the same activities. There’s something satisfying about seasonal rituals, marking time through harvest activities.

Start your own tradition. Find an orchard you love and return annually. Take the same photo each year as kids grow. Make apple pie together from your picked apples. Visit on the same weekend and notice how weather, foliage, and apple varieties vary year to year.

These traditions connect us to the seasons, to the land, and to Maine’s agricultural heritage. And they make for delicious memories, preferably accompanied by warm cider donuts.

Maine’s apple orchards offer more than fruit—they provide connection to the season, to farming, and to a slower pace of life where the simple pleasure of picking an apple and biting into its crisp sweetness reminds us why autumn in Maine is so special.