There’s something magical about fall in Maine. The air turns crisp, the hillsides glow with red and gold, and orchards across the state open their gates for apple season. Apple picking here is more than just gathering fruit - it’s a chance to spend time outdoors with family and friends, taste regional varieties, and bring home flavors that simply don’t compare to the grocery store.

And the best part? If you’re staying at our cozy Midcoast Maine farmhouse, you’ll be close to some of the region’s most charming orchards.

The coastal climate produces apples that are crisp, bright, and flavorful. Orchards here aren’t just production farms. They are gathering places, often with small farm stands, cider presses, and hillside views that capture the best of the season. Whether you’re sampling Honeycrisp apples, picking pumpkins with the kids, or bringing home cider donuts, a visit to a Maine orchard is about slowing down and enjoying the harvest season.

Here are a few local favorites where you can pick the freshest apples this harvest season:

**Hope Orchards** - Hope, Maine

For more than 200 years, Hope Orchards has been a community gathering place in the heart of Midcoast Maine. A fixture for generations, Hope Orchards is known for its pick-your-own apples and a well-curated farm stand offering honey, cider, and baked goods. The views of Camden Hills in full foliage are worth the visit on their own, making this a favorite stop year after year.
*Photo courtesy of Hope Orchards

**Hardy Farms** - Hope, Maine

Known for its small-town charm, Hardy Farms feels like a step back in time. It’s a smaller, quieter orchard, where you can pick apples at your own pace and browse pumpkins or seasonal vegetables along the way. Hardy Farms is known for its cozy atmosphere - think old barns, handmade signs, and the friendly farm family who often greets visitors themselves. The setting is simple and welcoming, the kind of place where kids run ahead with excitement and parents linger a little longer than planned.
*Photo courtesy of Hardy Farms

**Sewall Orchard** - Linconville, Maine

Perched high on the slopes of Levenseller Mountain, Sewall Orchard is Maine’s oldest certified organic orchard - and a true labor of love. Unlike most pick-your-own spots, Sewall focuses on producing biodynamic, organic apples, cider, and cider vinegar. The orchard is best known for its unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, aged to perfection, which has gained a loyal following. If you’re passionate about sustainable farming and organic practices, a visit to Sewall feels more like a pilgrimage than a simple apple run. Add in sweeping mountain views during peak foliage, and it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.
*Photo courtesy of Midcoast Villager

**Out on a Limb Apples** - Palermo, Maine

If you’ve ever wondered what an apple treasure hunt feels like, Out on a Limb Apples is your spot. Known for its rare and unusual heirloom apples, this quirky orchard specializes in varieties you won’t find anywhere else - some funky in shape, others dazzling in color, all with unique flavor profiles. The orchard is owned by apple enthusiasts who love to share their knowledge, so it’s as much an educational experience as a picking adventure. For serious apple lovers and adventurous tasters, this is the orchard you’ll be talking about long after your trip.
*Photo courtesy of Out on a Limb Apples

Tips for Your Maine Apple-Picking Adventure

Bring bags or baskets: Some orchards provide them, but having your own makes it easier.
Dress in layers: Maine’s autumn weather can shift quickly — warm sun one minute, crisp breeze the next.
Come hungry: Between cider, donuts, and fresh-baked pies, you’ll want to sample everything!
Plan extra time: Apple orchards are as much about the atmosphere as the fruit. Leave time for photos, hayrides, or simply sitting under a tree.