7 Farms Where You Can Join Apple Picking and Hayrides

Few things capture the feeling of fall better than a trip to a farm where apple trees stretch across rolling hills and hay wagons wait by the barn. These farms invite visitors to enjoy timeless traditions that make the season so memorable. From apple picking to hayrides through golden fields, each stop offers a mix of fun and nostalgia. Many even host markets filled with local pies, jams, and cider to take home. 

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Applecrest Farm Orchards – New Hampshire

Applecrest Farm Orchards has been welcoming visitors for more than a century, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the region. Guests can enjoy apple picking across rolling hills, followed by a scenic hayride through the orchard. The farm also features a market selling fresh pies, cider, and jams made from its own produce. Autumn weekends often include live music and outdoor food stands that add to the festive setting.

Families appreciate the friendly staff and the variety of apple types available for picking throughout the season. The farm provides maps to help guests locate specific apple varieties. Children often enjoy feeding the animals or exploring the small playground near the entrance. Many visitors end their day sipping warm cider while watching the sunset over the orchard.

Masker Orchards – New York

Masker Orchards in Warwick provides an old-fashioned apple-picking experience that families love. The farm allows guests to drive directly into the orchard, making it convenient to load baskets of apples into the car. Hayrides operate on weekends, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the scenic Hudson Valley. The orchard also features picnic areas where guests can relax between activities.

There are more than a dozen apple varieties ready for picking throughout the fall. The farm sells local cider and homemade caramel apples at the country store near the exit. Many families visit yearly, drawn by the friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere. With its peaceful landscape and fun hayrides, Masker Orchards offers the perfect countryside escape.

Linvilla Orchards – Pennsylvania

Linvilla Orchards is a family-run farm that draws large crowds every fall for its apple picking and hayrides. The property covers over 300 acres filled with orchards, pumpkin patches, and farm animals. Guests can choose from a wide selection of apples while enjoying live music and fall festivals. The farm store is well known for its pies and preserves.

Hayrides here include both daytime and evening rides through the orchard. Some rides even feature campfires where guests can roast marshmallows afterward. The atmosphere feels lively yet peaceful, perfect for a weekend family trip. Linvilla has become a favorite fall tradition for visitors from nearby towns.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards – Massachusetts

Honey Pot Hill Orchards has been a staple of autumn activities for generations. The farm offers apple picking, hayrides, and hedge mazes that delight visitors of all ages. Rolling hills filled with apple trees make the landscape especially photogenic. Guests can stop at the farm stand for cider and homemade doughnuts before heading home.

The hayrides take visitors through the orchard and past scenic ponds. Friendly farm staff are always nearby to answer questions or offer tips about which apples to pick. Many families bring their children for the simple joy of gathering fruit together. Honey Pot Hill captures the charm of New England in the fall.

Sky Top Orchard – North Carolina

Sky Top Orchard sits high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views alongside its apple-picking season. The cool mountain air and peaceful setting make it a memorable stop for fall travelers. Guests can pick from a variety of apples and enjoy a hayride around the orchard’s scenic trails. The farm stand serves warm apple cider and freshly fried doughnuts.

Families often bring cameras to capture the sweeping views from the orchard hilltop. There is also a playground for children and plenty of picnic tables for visitors to relax. Goats and peacocks roam the farm, adding to its rustic charm. Sky Top Orchard combines natural beauty with fun activities that define the fall season.

Riley’s Farm – California

Riley’s Farm offers a glimpse into the past with its colonial-themed apple-picking experience. Guests are encouraged to explore the orchard, join hayrides, and even participate in seasonal reenactments. The property features a bakery known for its hand pies and fresh-pressed cider. Historic-style buildings add character to the grounds.

Hayrides at Riley’s take visitors through the rolling hills of Oak Glen, surrounded by apple trees and scenic views. The farm also hosts harvest dinners and storytelling nights in the fall. Each visit feels like stepping back into a simpler time. Riley’s Farm combines history and nature in a way few places do.

Love Apple Farm – New York

Love Apple Farm in Ghent offers apple picking, hayrides, and a peaceful setting for fall weekends. The orchard features dozens of apple varieties and a café serving fresh pastries. Families can take part in hayrides across the property, enjoying the crisp weather and open scenery. The art gallery on-site adds a creative touch to the visit.

Hayrides operate on weekends and provide a relaxing ride through the orchard. Guests often linger afterward to sample local produce or sip cider on the patio. The farm’s combination of art, nature, and food makes it a unique destination. Love Apple Farm turns a simple outing into a memorable fall experience.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.