I have heard it said that summer in Maine is for tourists, but fall is for the locals. Although saying goodbye to summer in Maine can be bittersweet, the close of summer brings the beginning of many Mainers’ favorite season, autumn.

The autumnal equinox ushers in many fun, family, and activities including apple picking. From August until late October, Maine’s apple trees are decorated like Christmas trees with red, green, and golden balls just waiting to be plucked off the tree. People travel to orchards across the state on a hunt for the satisfying snap of a Mac or the perfect apple for an apple pie. Many orchards offer other seasonal activities like hayrides, corn mazes, fresh-from-the-farm meals, and a beautiful landscape of Maine’s stunning fall foliage. If you are looking to find your own special orchard or try a few new trees, we hope this list of Maine apple orchards will help U-Pick.

Randall Orchards | 1 Randall Rd., Standish
(207) 642-3500 | Website
Open daily 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Randall Orchard has a wide variety of apples as well as pumpkins, gourds, squash, and a working cider mill. They also have a tractor display and offer trailer rides when weather permits.

Doles Orchard | 187 Doles Ridge Rd., Limington
(207) 793-4409 | Website
Open daily 10a.m. to 6p.m.
Doles has apple trees, but they also grow strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pears, and plums. Head to Doles Orchard on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy their harvest concert series.

Libby & Son U-Picks | 86 Sawyer Mountain Rd., Limerick
(207) 793-4749 | Website
Open Tuesday-Sunday 9a.m. to 5p.m.
Libby & Son offers acres and acres of apples, highbush blueberries, raspberries, and peaches. Fuel up before picking with their fresh donuts, kettle corn, or caramel apples.

Orchard Ridge Farm | 236 Sebago Lake Rd., Gorham
(207) 239-0442 | Website
Open Monday-Friday 7a.m. to 7p.m., Saturday 9a.m. to 7p.m., and Sunday 10a.m. to 7p.m.
Orchard Ridge Farm grows a wide variety of low-spray apples that are planted with U-pick in mind, all within easy reach of children and parents. They also offer hearthstone pizza, fresh cider donuts, ice cream, and more.

Snell Family Farm | 1000 River Rd., Buxton
(207) 926-6166 | Website
Open daily 9a.m. to 5 p.m.
When visiting Snell’s Family Farm for apple picking, you can also shop in their farm store for veggies, cider, jams, and treats made with farm ingredients. You can also peruse the greenhouse, which is full of seasonal favorites like mums and pumpkins.

Boothby’s Orchard | 366 Boothby Rd., Livermore
(207) 754-3500 | Website
Open mid-August through October, Monday-Friday 12p.m. to 6p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10p.m. to 5p.m.
Take an idyllic wagon ride through Boothby’s sprawling apple orchard and vineyard. Make a weekend out of it by booking a stay in one of their vintage farmhouses.

Rocky Ridge Orchard | 38 Rocky Ridge Lane, Bowdoin
(207) 666-5786 | Website
Open daily 8a.m. to 6p.m.
At Rocky Ridge Orchard you can pick a wide variety of apples and purchase pre-picked apples in their store. After you’ve picked your bushel or peck, you can browse their Maine antiques and gifts while sipping cider and tasting homemade treats.

Hope Orchards | 434 Camden Rd., Hope
(207) 763-2824 | Website
September & October: Wednesday-Sunday 9a.m. to 5p.m., November: Saturday & Sunday 9a.m. to 4p.m.
Hope Orchards offers a pick-your-own experience. Make sure to visit their website to find out what is available for picking during your visit. Explore their farm stand for fresh and locally-sourced produce.

Thompson’s Orchard | 276 Gloucester Hill Rd., New Gloucester
(207) 926-4738 | Website
Open daily 9a.m. to 6p.m.
Family owned, Thompson’s Orchard offers several varieties of U-pick apples as well as pre-picked apples for your convenience. Their shop features their popular donuts, fresh cider, and crafts from local artisans.

Lakeside Orchards and Farm Market | 318 Readfield Rd., Manchester
(207) 622-2479 | Website
Market open daily 8a.m. to 6p.m., pick-your-own Saturday & Sunday 10a.m. to 6p.m.
Though they specialize in pick-your-own apples, Lakeside Orchards and Farm Market also offers opportunities for pick-your-own peas, blueberries, and pumpkins. Their farm market and bakery offer a plethora of baked goods and produce.