There are many reasons to travel to New England. From the quaint towns and historic landmarks to the beautiful vistas, this region is full of things to do and see. If you happen to be heading this way in the fall, America’s northeast will be at its most beautiful when you arrive. The trees that dot this region take on vibrant and breathtaking autumn colors. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of the most delicious and freshest apples during New England’s apple picking season.
New England Apple Picking Season
During apple picking season in New England, you’ll get to enjoy a whole lot more than just picking apples off the trees and putting them in a sack to enjoy later. Apple picking evokes everything we love about fall. That means cool sweater weather as you wander scenic fields, lovely vistas dotted with color as the leaves take on their autumnal shades, fall festivals filled with pumpkins, artisanal homemade products and old-fashioned harvest traditions.
Apple picking season usually begins at the end of summer and runs through early November. That said, September is considered the peak. While most states — even those down south — have apple trees, New England is well-known for its lush apple orchards, perfect for a day of fun with the family.
There are hundreds of orchards around every corner in this region. You’ll find apple picking opportunities in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and even Rhode Island. The best part is that most places offer more than fresh fruit. They include hayrides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos and, of course, delicious apple confections to go with hot apple cider.
What You Should Know About New England Apples
Here are a few useful tidbits to keep in mind if you’re planning an apple picking pilgrimage to New England this fall:
- Peak months: The best time to go apple picking in New England is usually the last few weeks of September and throughout October.
- States best known for apple picking: New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.
- Common apple varieties found in New England: Of the more than 40 varieties commonly available in New England, the top five are McIntosh, Baldwin, Ri Greening, Cortland and Roxbury Russet.
- How to tell if an apple is ripe: You’ll know an apple is ripe and ready when you can remove the apple’s stem easily from the spur of the branch. Usually, this action is accomplished with a gentle twist and pull motion.
- Which apples to choose: You want to pick apples with no bruises that are on the tart side so that they store for longer.
- Best apples for baking: Baking apples need to be able to keep their structure without turning to mush in the oven. The best apples for this job include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn and Pink Lady.
- Best apples for sauce: While any apple can be used to make applesauce, soft apples cook down faster, so you can get the job done sooner. Softer varieties include options like Cortland and McIntosh.
Plan Your Apple Picking Adventure in New England
Fall is one of the best times of year to get outdoors. Between the cool weather and the incredible harvest festivities, you and your family will never forget your New England getaway. Once you choose the apple orchard you’d like to visit, find a nearby KOA Campground and book your site today.
