WELCOME TO CHAMPLAIN ORCHARDS
Pick Your Own Apples in Vermont's Most Scenic Orchard
Experience Vermont apple picking at its finest with 146+ varieties, breathtaking Lake Champlain views, and the freedom to pick on your schedule; no reservations needed.
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Vermont's Premier Apple Picking Experience
Unmatched Variety
Zero Hassle Picking
Pure Vermont Experience
Champlain Orchards
146 Varieties, One Simple Mission: Vermont's Best Apples
Since 1998, we've been growing fruit with intention and care on 350 acres overlooking Lake Champlain. What started as a young farmer's dream has become Vermont's most diverse apple orchard (146 varieties and counting) each one hand-picked at peak ripeness, EcoCertified, and waiting for you.
From classic Honeycrisp to rare heirloom treasures, we grow apples the Vermont way: with respect for the land, passion for flavor, and zero reservations required. Just show up, grab a bag, and discover your new favorite.
Shop Champlain Orchards
From fresh apples to hard cider, provisions to gift boxesbrowse our complete collection of orchard-made goods and Vermont favorites.
Your Guide to Vermont's Best Apples
First time picking with us? These six varieties are beloved by locals and visitors alike; perfect for fresh eating, baking, or just discovering what real Vermont apples taste like.
HONEY CRISP
The Crowd Favorite
Explosively crisp, perfectly sweet-tart. Vermont's cool nights create the ideal crunch.
- Best for: Fresh eating, lunch boxes
- Picking: September
McINTOSH
The Vermont Classic
Juicy, tender, aromatic. This is the apple Vermont is famous for.
- Best for: Fresh eating, sauce
- Picking: September
CORTLAND
The Perfect Baker
Resists browning when sliced. Sweet-tart flavor perfect for pies.
- Best for: Baking, salads
- Picking: September-October
NORTHERN SPY
The Pie Champion
Firm, tart, holds shape when baked. Ask any Vermont baker; this is THE pie apple.
- Best for: Pies, cider
- Picking: October
MACOUN
The Hidden Gem
Rich, complex flavor. Locals line up for this one.
- Best for: Fresh eating
- Picking: Late September
EVERCRISP
The Hidden Gem
Rich, complex flavor. Locals line up for this one.
Best for: Fresh eating
Picking: Late September
Pricing & Harvest Schedule
Fresh, seasonal fruits picked at peak ripeness
Fresh Fruits
$20/peck
$35/half-bushel
$60/bushel
Fall: $3.99/lb
Premium Selection
$20/peck
$35/half-bushel
$60/bushel
$20/peck
$35/half-bushel
$60/bushel
Early Season
Late Season
Beyond the Trees
A Full Day of Farm Fresh Fun
Apple picking is just the beginning. From award-winning cider tastings to fresh-baked donuts still warm from the oven, our 350-acre farm offers a full day of authentic Vermont experiences. Here's everything waiting for you at Champlain Orchards.
What to Expect: The Full Apple Picking Experience
Plan 2-3 hours to explore our 350 acres, taste award-winning cider, and soak in views that'll make you forget your phone exists. Here's what makes a visit worth the drive.
Forget tour groups and strict schedules. Grab a free map at check-in, drive right to the orchard sections (yes, you can drive!), and pick at your own rhythm. No long walks, no confusing rules—just you, the trees, and panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.
What makes it special:
- Self-guided maps show where each variety grows
- Park near the trees (accessibility matters)
- Pick with mountain and lake views as your backdrop
- Prime fall foliage setting
- Staff available if you need help—but never hovering
Pro tip: Early mornings offer cooler temps and better photo lighting. Late afternoons bring golden hour magic.
After picking, swing by our year-round Farm Market for fresh-baked apple cider donuts; voted Vermont's best and still warm three times a week. Stock up on apple pies, pressed cider, local Vermont products, and our house-made provisions (apple butter, cider syrup, maple cider syrup).
For the adults: Our Cider Garden opens Friday and Saturday evenings for award-winning hard cider tastings. Try our USA Today 2024 Best Cider winner, play lawn games by the fire pits, and watch the sunset over the valley. It's worth planning your picking around.
Hours:
- Farm Market: Daily 9am-5pm (year-round)
- Cider Garden: Fri/Sat evenings (seasonal)
Keeping kids entertained matters. That's why we've got a playground, multiple picnic areas (blankets welcome!), and scenic walking paths where little legs can roam. Pack a lunch, let them run, then reward everyone with cider donuts.
Family-friendly features:
- Playground equipment for all ages
- Picnic tables + grassy areas for blankets
- Scenic walking paths (toddler-approved)
- Wheelchair accessible throughout
- Dogs welcome on roads and in meadows (leashed, not in picking rows)
- Free parking (no hunting for spots)
Restrooms on-site. Stroller-friendly. Meltdown-tested.
Our apples aren't just delicious; they're grown right. We're third-party EcoCertified through the Red Tomato EcoApple program, which means minimal spraying, zero synthetic fertilizers, and pollinator-friendly practices across all 350 acres.
What this means for you:
- Apples grown with soil health in mind (healthier trees = better fruit)
- Minimal chemical intervention (IPM practices)
- Supporting Vermont's sustainable agriculture movement
- Fruit you can feel good about feeding your family
We've been farming this land since 1998 with one goal: grow incredible apples without compromising the ecosystem. It's the Vermont way.
Want to learn more? Ask our crew about our conservation easement and solar-powered cold storage during your visit.
We Ship Vermont Apples Across America
Get Champlain Orchards Apples Delivered
- Hand-selected premium fruit
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Gift boxes from $55-$125
- Ships Monday-Wednesday for freshness
Product 1
Orchard Essentials Box
The Grand Vermonter Box
Shop our Collections
Everything we grow, press, and craft; delivered fresh. Shop seasonal fruits, small-batch ciders, and thoughtfully curated gift boxes perfect for any occasion.
Apple Picking FAQs
Do I need a reservation to pick apples?
Nope! We operate on a walk-in basis. Just show up anytime during our daily 9am-5pm hours during apple season (mid-August through October). No booking, no tickets, no hassle.
How much does apple picking cost?
Pay only for what you pick: $10 for half-peck (5 lbs), $20 for peck (10 lbs), $35 for half-bushel (20 lbs), or $60 for bushel (40 lbs). We provide all containers. Seniors 65+ get 10% off every Wednesday.
What apple varieties can I pick?
We grow 146+ varieties! Popular picks include Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Empire, Northern Spy, Fuji, and EverCrisp. Different varieties ripen each week from August through November. Check our live picking calendar to see what's ready today.
When is the best time for apple picking in Vermont?
Prime Vermont apple picking season runs September through mid-October. Early apples (Zestar, Ginger Gold) start mid-August. Late varieties (Northern Spy, EverCrisp) extend into November. For Honeycrisp specifically, aim for mid-September.
Can I bring my kids? Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely! Apple picking is perfect for kids. We have a playground, multiple picnic areas, and plenty of space to run. Many apple trees are dwarf varieties easier for little ones to reach. A peck bag ($20) is perfect for families with young children.
Are dogs allowed at the orchard?
Yes! Dogs are welcome in parking areas, roads, and meadows. For food safety regulations, pets cannot enter active picking rows during harvest season. Please keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
Is the orchard wheelchair accessible?
Yes. We have wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, and many picking areas with level terrain. Staff can direct you to the most accessible orchard sections when you arrive.
What should I wear for apple picking?
Comfortable walking shoes (grass and uneven terrain), layers (Vermont weather changes!), and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring sunscreen and water. Avoid open-toed shoes.
Do you provide bags and equipment?
Yes! We provide all necessary bags, pecks, bushels, and pint containers. You're welcome to bring reusable bags too. We encourage bag reuse for sustainability.
How long does apple picking take?
Most families spend 1-2 hours picking, plus time at the Farm Market, playground, and Cider Garden. Plan for 2-3 hours total to enjoy the full experience.
What else is there to do at Champlain Orchards?
Tons! Visit our year-round Farm Market for fresh-baked goods and provisions. Try award-winning hard ciders in our Cider Garden (Friday/Saturday evenings). Enjoy the playground, picnic areas, and scenic walking paths with Lake Champlain views.
Can I buy apples online if I can't visit?
Yes! We ship hand-selected apples, gift boxes, cider donuts, and provisions nationwide via FedEx 2-Day. [Shop our online store →]
Are your apples organic?
Our orchards are EcoCertified through the IPM Institute of North America's Red Tomato EcoApple program. This third-party certification ensures sustainable practices, minimal spraying, and pollinator protection. We also have 8 acres of fully organic-certified fruit.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, and debit cards both in the orchards and Farm Market.
What if it rains on the day I want to pick?
Apple picking happens rain or shine! Call our weather hotline at (802) 897-2777 for same-day conditions. We only close for severe weather.
How do I know which apples are ripe?
All apples in open picking areas are ready! Our staff updates maps daily showing available varieties. Look for apples with full color. Ripe apples twist off easily when gently rolled upward; don't yank!
Can I taste apples before picking?
Yes! Feel free to sample apples while picking to find your favorites. That's part of the fun of picking 146 varieties!
Where exactly is Champlain Orchards located?
We're in Shoreham, Vermont(45 minutes south of Burlington, 20 minutes from Middlebury, and 90 minutes from Albany, NY). Our address is 3597 VT Route 74 West, Shoreham, VT 05770.
Do you offer group visits or field trips?
Yes! We welcome school groups, corporate outings, and large parties. Email sales@champlainorchards.com or call (802) 897-2777 to arrange group visits.
How long do fresh-picked apples last?
With proper storage, apples last 1-2 months in the refrigerator. Some late-season varieties (Northern Spy, EverCrisp) can store for 3-4 months. Room temperature storage: about 1 week.
From the Orchard: Tips, Recipes & Seasonal Updates
Apple storage secrets, pie-baking guides, harvest updates, and behind-the-scenes stories from our farm crew. Fresh insights delivered straight from the orchards.
Recipes Using Apple Butter for Local Kitchens and Seasonal Menus
Explore recipes using apple butter for breakfasts, desserts, and savory plates with simple methods and rich flavor ideas for every kitchen.
How to Can Apple Butter at Home: A Practical Vermont Guide for Safe, Long-Term Storage
Learn how to can apple butter with tested steps, safe water bath processing, storage tips, and the best apples from Champlain Orchards.
Best Apples for Apple Butter: A Practical Vermont Guide for Perfect Flavor and Texture
Discover the best apples for apple butter with Champlain Orchards’ Vermont-grown varieties, easy recipes, and storage guidance.
