9 Best Apple Picking Destinations In The USA For September -

The moment September rolls in, apple season begins across the USA.

Start of one of America’s favorite fall traditions—apple picking.

Whether you’re after a classic orchard experience with hayrides and cider donuts, or you want to combine your trip with scenic drives and small-town charm, September is the perfect month to plan your outing.

Apple picking has been part of American culture for generations, especially in New England where early settlers planted orchards that still thrive today.

Over the years, it’s grown into a seasonal ritual that blends farm life, community gatherings, and the joy of welcoming autumn.

Here are nine of the best apple picking destinations in the USA for September, where the orchards are buzzing with early harvest and fall festivals are in full swing.

Hudson Valley, New York

If there’s one place that defines apple picking in America, it’s the Hudson Valley.

Just a short drive from New York City, this region is packed with orchards that open their gates in early September.

Varieties like McIntosh and Honeycrisp are ready to pick, and the views of rolling hills make it more than just about apples.

Many farms here also serve fresh cider, homemade donuts, and pies that taste like pure autumn.

Popular spots such as Fishkill Farms and Wilklow Orchards turn the simple act of picking into a family day out.

Nearby, towns like Beacon and New Paltz offer art galleries, hiking trails, and farm-to-table dining, making the trip even more rewarding.

The annual Warwick Applefest in early fall is also a major draw, with live music and endless apple treats.

Pro Tip: Go early in the season for the best fruit and fewer crowds—weekends in late September get extremely busy.

Vermont (Stowe & Woodstock Orchards)

Vermont may be best known for its maple syrup, but its apple orchards are just as special.

In September, farms around Stowe and Woodstock come alive with visitors eager to fill their bags with crisp apples while enjoying mountain views.

What makes Vermont unique is how apple picking blends seamlessly with its fall traditions.

Covered bridges, farmers’ markets, and craft fairs add extra charm to the orchards.

Plus, you’ll often find local maple syrup and cheeses sold alongside your apple haul.

The state also produces distinct varieties like Empire and Macoun, which you’ll rarely find outside New England.

Early fall harvests often coincide with small-town festivals, giving you the perfect blend of food, music, and community.

Massachusetts (Western Mass Orchards)

Western Massachusetts is another September hotspot for apple lovers.

Orchards in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley open in early September, offering varieties like McIntosh and Cortland.

Many farms also add family-friendly touches like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.

Amherst and Northampton make a great base for exploring, combining college-town energy with classic New England charm.

If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, head into the Berkshires for stunning mountain views paired with apple picking.

The Franklin County CiderDays festival in late September is another highlight, where orchards and cider makers celebrate harvest season with tastings, workshops, and tours.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying a cider donut—Massachusetts orchards are famous for them.

Michigan (Grand Rapids & Traverse City Orchards)

Michigan is one of America’s largest apple producers, and September is when the season kicks off.

The Grand Rapids and Traverse City regions are dotted with sprawling orchards where you can pick early-season varieties and sip fresh cider at rustic mills.

Beyond the orchards, the Lake Michigan shoreline adds another layer of beauty to your trip.

Many families make apple picking part of a fall weekend that includes wine tasting, farm markets, and scenic lake views.

For couples, Michigan’s wine trails around Traverse City offer a perfect pairing with orchard visits, creating a balanced fall getaway.

Insider Tip: Pair your visit with a stop at a cider mill—Michigan’s fall ciders are legendary.

Washington (Yakima Valley & Wenatchee)

Known as the apple capital of the U.S., Washington is where many of the apples in your grocery store actually come from.

But visiting Yakima Valley or Wenatchee in September offers a completely different experience—picking your own fruit in the shadow of the Cascades.

The sheer scale of orchards here is impressive, and early fall is when Honeycrisp and Gala apples are ripe.

Many farms also sell fresh-pressed cider and baked goods that make the trip even sweeter.

Nearby attractions like Lake Chelan and Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village, add more reasons to stay longer.

Wenatchee’s Apple Blossom Festival, though held in spring, celebrates the state’s deep-rooted apple culture year-round.

Pro Tip: Combine apple picking with a winery stop—Yakima Valley is also Washington’s wine country.

Oregon (Hood River Valley)

For a picture-perfect fall road trip, head to Oregon’s Hood River Valley.

The famous “Fruit Loop” drive takes you through a mix of orchards, vineyards, and farm stands, all with Mount Hood looming in the background.

September is peak apple season here, and many farms also offer pears, pumpkins, and cider tastings.

The combination of mountain views and farm-fresh fruit makes this one of the most scenic apple picking destinations in the U.S.

The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest in late September celebrates not only apples but also the area’s pears, pumpkins, and local wines—making it a perfect trip for both families and couples.

Insider Tip: Visit multiple orchards along the Fruit Loop—it’s designed to let you taste your way through the valley.

California (Julian & Oak Glen)

Apple season might surprise you in California, but small mountain towns like Julian (near San Diego) and Oak Glen (near Los Angeles) turn into apple-picking paradises each September.

Julian is famous for its homemade apple pies, while Oak Glen has orchards that go back generations.

Both towns celebrate apple season with festivals, parades, and harvest-themed events.

The mild California weather also makes for a comfortable orchard outing compared to the cooler climates of the Northeast.

Julian Apple Days Festival is a highlight, with pie contests, music, and family activities that attract visitors from across Southern California.

Virginia (Shenandoah Valley)

The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is not just about the famous Skyline Drive—it’s also apple country.

In September, orchards open with early harvest varieties, and the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

Many farms in the valley are family-run, offering pick-your-own apples alongside seasonal treats like cider, pies, and pumpkin patches.

Shenandoah’s Apple Harvest Festival in Winchester adds an extra reason to visit, blending live music, craft vendors, and of course, all things apple.

Insider Tip: Combine apple picking with a drive along Skyline Drive for the ultimate fall day trip.

North Carolina (Hendersonville & Blue Ridge)

Hendersonville, North Carolina, calls itself the “Apple Capital of the South,” and September is the month when orchards swing into action.

The town even hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival every Labor Day weekend, drawing thousands of visitors.

With farm markets, cider tastings, and friendly small-town vibes, Hendersonville delivers autumn charm at its finest.

For families, the orchards come with hayrides and children’s activities, while couples can enjoy cider tastings and quiet mountain drives.

Conclusion

Whether you’re sipping cider in Vermont, pie tasting in California, or filling baskets in Michigan, apple picking is more than a seasonal activity.

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