A Seasonal Tradition from Coast to Coast
Apple harvest season is a beloved American tradition that unfolds differently across the country. From the crisp autumn air of New England to the sunny slopes of California, each region celebrates the season in its own way. This guide explores when apple season peaks in various parts of the U.S., highlights notable apple-growing areas, and shares unique cultural events tied to the harvest.
Northeast: New England & New York
The northeastern U.S. has deep roots in apple cultivation, dating back to the 1600s. Chilly September nights and warm days create the perfect conditions for apples to develop vibrant colors and sweetness.
- Peak Season: Mid-September to mid-October
- Early Varieties: McIntosh, Paula Red
- Late Varieties: Spencer, Pink Lady
- Notable Areas: Hudson Valley (NY), Champlain Valley (VT), central Massachusetts orchard row
- Festivals: Southington Apple Harvest Festival (CT), Ithaca Apple Harvest Festival (NY)
By late October, most orchards close their U-pick activities due to frost, but farm stands continue selling fresh cider and stored apples.
Mid-Atlantic: NJ, PA, MD, VA, WV
This region enjoys a slightly extended season, with apple picking often stretching into early November for certain late varieties.
- Peak Season: Early September to late October (sometimes early November)
- Famous Locations: Adams County (PA), Shenandoah Valley (VA)
- Festivals: National Apple Harvest Festival (PA), Apple Butter Festival (WV)
- Unique Varieties: Stayman Winesap (tart-sweet, popular in VA & MD)
Mountain orchards often have longer harvest windows, especially for Fuji and Granny Smith.
Midwest: OH, MI, WI, MN & More
Around the Great Lakes, apple growing is a big part of local culture. Michigan ranks third in U.S. production.
- Peak Season: September to early October
- Notable Regions: Sparta & St. Joseph (MI), Bayfield (WI)
- Festivals: Bayfield Apple Festival (WI), National Apple Festival (MI)
- Specialties: Honeycrisp (MN), Jonathan, Northern Spy
Many Midwest orchards pair apple picking with cider mills, bakeries, and fall activities like corn mazes.
Southeast: NC, GA, TN
High elevations in the southern Appalachians provide the cooler nights apples need.
- Peak Season: Late August to October
- Hotspots: Henderson County (NC), Ellijay (GA), east Tennessee orchards
- Festivals: NC Apple Festival (Hendersonville), Georgia Apple Festival (Ellijay), Brushy Mountain Apple Festival (NC)
- Varieties: Pink Lady, Rome, Arkansas Black, Yates
Warm climates here mean early harvests, but mountain orchards can extend into November.
Great Plains & Rockies
Apple growing is more scattered, but certain regions stand out.
- Notable Areas: Arbor Day Farm (NE), Colorado’s western slope (Palisade, Cedaredge), Cache Valley (UT)
- Festivals: AppleJack Festival (NE)
- Season: Mostly September to early October
Mountain valleys with warm days and cool nights produce exceptional fruit.
Pacific Northwest: WA & OR
Washington leads the nation in apple production, with a harvest season spanning August to October.
- Key Growing Areas: Wenatchee, Yakima (WA), Hood River Valley (OR)
- Popular Varieties: Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Cosmic Crisp
- Events: Apple Days (OR), Green Bluff Growers festivals (WA)
While much of the production is for commercial markets, many farms offer U-pick and seasonal events.
California
Though better known for citrus, California has notable apple regions.
- Key Areas: Apple Hill (Placerville), Julian (San Diego County), Sebastopol (Northern CA)
- Season: August to October
- Special Varieties: Gravenstein (Sebastopol)
Events like the Gravenstein Apple Fair and Julian Apple Days bring visitors from across the state.
Understanding the Differences
- Timing: Harvest starts earliest in southern states and low elevations, moving northward and uphill as fall progresses.
- Variety Preference: Northeastern states favor McIntosh and Cortland; the South prefers Stayman and Arkansas Black; the West features newer club varieties like Cosmic Crisp.
- Experience: From cider donuts in Vermont to fried pies in Georgia, local traditions shape the apple-picking experience.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re exploring a Vermont hillside orchard in peak foliage or strolling through a California apple farm under golden hills, apple harvest season offers a taste of America’s agricultural heritage. Plan your visit around local festivals, enjoy the flavors unique to each region, and immerse yourself in the seasonal beauty that stretches from coast to coast.
