Apple Picking 2026: U-Pick Apple Orchards by State

Apple picking season runs roughly mid-August through early November across the U.S. apple belt. Peak picking is the last 2 weeks of September and the first 2 weeks of October — when mid-season Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, and McIntosh are all ripe at the same time. The Pacific Northwest, Michigan, Minnesota, and Southeast mountains open earliest (mid-August); the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian highlands close latest (early November). See our full state-by-state apple picking calendar for opening dates by region.

The biggest U-Pick apple states by orchard count and visitor volume are New York (Hudson Valley, Lake Ontario fruit ridge), Pennsylvania (Adams County), Michigan (West Michigan fruit belt), Washington (Wenatchee/Yakima), Virginia (Shenandoah Valley), North Carolina (Hendersonville), Georgia (North Georgia mountains, Mercier Orchards), and California (Apple Hill). Use the state grid below to drill into verified orchards in your state.

If you're in the U.S. apple belt — anywhere east of the Rockies above the Carolina latitude or in the Pacific Northwest, North Georgia mountains, or California's Sierra foothills — there's almost certainly a U-Pick orchard within a 60-minute drive of you. Use the state grid below to find one. Most U-Pick orchards open weekends only outside peak season (September–October), so call ahead before driving.

It depends what you're using them for. For eating fresh: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Empire. For pies and baking: Granny Smith, Cortland, Mutsu, or Northern Spy. For applesauce: McIntosh or Cortland. For cider: a blend of Jonathan, McIntosh, and a sweet variety. Most orchards plant 8–20 varieties and stagger ripening across the September-October window so multiple varieties are pickable on any visit.

U-Pick apple pricing in 2026 is typically $20–$40 per peck (roughly 10–13 lbs of apples) or $30–$60 per half-bushel (roughly 20–25 lbs). Premium varieties like Honeycrisp run 20–30% above the orchard's standard rate. Many orchards charge an admission or hayride fee on weekends ($5–$15) on top of the apple cost. Bring cash — some orchards still don't take cards in the field.