The Best Farms to Visit in Apple Hill This Fall (Apple Cider Donuts, U-Pick Apples + More!)
With over 50 farms to visit, I’m sharing the best farms to visit in Apple Hill this fall! I picked my 10 favorites.
For the past 4 years I have made it a point to visit Apple Hill in September or October because it’s the best way to get into the fall spirit! Though it’s open year round for visitors, fall is the most popular time of year to visit. Even though it’s still 90 degrees in California in September, I grab my cutest fall outfit and spend a day with my husband at Apple Hill.
Apple Hill is a community of ranches located in Northern California’s El Dorado County famous for being California’s largest concentration of apple growers. The community of ranches started their marketing program in 1964 to help the apple farms succeed after a set back in growing pear crops. Starting with 16 ranches it has grown to now over 50 ranches. People travel from all over to visit the area to experience the country ambience and indulge in all the apple products (pies, cider, donuts, and much more!)
Scroll down for the best farms to visit in Apple Hill!
Where is Apple Hill?
Apple Hill is a community of farms located in Camino, California right in between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe off Hwy 50.
Approximately 2-2 1/2 hours from San Francisco and an hour from Sacramento you can make a day trip visiting from these locations. Or book a hotel accommodation in Camino or Placerville area to enjoy a longer stay.
When is the best time to Visit Apple Hill?
Apple Hill is open year round (individual farms vary outside of peak season), but is most popularly visited in the Fall due to apple season being at peak. It is the best time to indulge in all the apple treats like fresh apple pies, cider, donuts and more! Visit the u-pick farms for some apple picking fun, and enjoy the simpler farm life setting.
*If you like to cut your own Christmas tree, check out their Christmas tree farms open during the holidays.
Tips For Visiting Apple Hill
- Wear your cutest fall outfit! You are going to want to take all the pictures when you visit. And don’t forget your hat like I did!
- Visit on a weekday– it gets very busy on the weekends so if you can visit on a weekday I highly recommend it! (Just check the hours of the farms you want to visit as the hours may be different on the weekday)
- Prepare for warmer temps. Late September/Early October can be pretty warm in California still- 80-90 degrees even!
- Print a map of the farms– There are 50+ farms so I find it easiest to print the map and pick the farms you want to visit ahead of time to be efficient.
O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch
2261 Cable Road
Open Sept 4-Dec 12, Mon-Thur 10-5, Fri-Sun 9-5
Must visit for: cut your own pumpkins
This farm has the cutest pumpkin patch sign for all the cute pumpkin patch photos, along with cut your own pumpkins! Grab some cutters and find your perfect pumpkin in the patch and cut it off the vine yourself! (They also have cut your own Christmas trees in December). Also enjoy their nature trail and apple goodies.
Grandpa's Cellar
2360 Cable Rd
Open Aug 28-Dec 18, Thurs-Mon, 9:30-4
Must visit for: coffee flight
This farm got my attention for offering a new menu item of coffee flights this year! Being a coffee lover, how could I resist? With 3 options- Classic, Holiday, and Breakfast it was good way to start out the morning before heading off to other farms for the day. They also have beautiful seating areas amongst the apple trees which to enjoy your coffee flight and apple pie. Check out the bakery with homemade pies and pastries and even gluten free items! Definitely of the best farms to visit in Apple Hill!
Apple Ridge Farms
1800 Larsen Drive
Open Daily Aug 28 – Dec 5 Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun 9-6
Must visit for: Flower trail (when in bloom)
This farm offers a lot from an apple barn, BBQ house and bakery, a country store with homemade fudge and candies. There’s also gem mining, a pumpkin patch and my favorite was the nature trail and flower trail fully bloomed with gorgeous zinnias (blooms during end of September/early October).
Denver Dan's Apple Patch
4354 Bumble Bee Ln
Open Sept 3-Dec 13, Thur-Mon 9-5
Must visit for: You pick apples (call for best apple picking dates)
This friendly farm features a large orchard with multiple different varieties of apples. Ask about their you-pick apples, or better yet call ahead for best picking dates!
Rainbow Orchards
2569 Larsen Drive
Open Sept 10-Nov 28, 9-4
Must visit for: hot apple cider donuts
This farm is famous for it’s hot apple cider donuts, and I will say they are perfectly crispy and delicious! Along with their pies, cobblers, crisps, tarts, jams… etc! They also have a fresh cider mill and homemade corndogs. On weekends they have Tri-Tip BBQ and wine and cider tasting. Enjoy the grassy orchard with picnic tables for a nice place to hang out and enjoy your goodies. Definitely one of the best farms to visit in Apple Hill!
Hidden Star Camino
2740 Cable Road
Open daily Aug 1-Nov 30, 9-5. (Dec 1-July 31, Fri-Sun 10-5)
Must visit for: cider flight- choose from 16 on tap ciders
Enjoy some of the tastiest ciders in Apple Hill at their 16 tap craft cider bar! Sip your cider while enjoying the panoramic views. Try local favorite Shorty’s Doughnuts in the bakery and a huge play area for kids and even a dog friendly off leash area.
High Hill Ranch/Fudge Factory Farm
2901 High Hill Road
Open Aug 14-Dec 24, Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat-Sun 8-6
Must visit for: family fun activities
This ranch is known for being the biggest and most visited in all of Apple Hill. There is so much going on here it’s like a mini fair with craft vendors, pony and hay rides and a pond for fishing. And of course a bake shop with apple pies, fritters and donuts!
Also check out Fudge Factory Farm (which is basically merged right in with High Hill Ranch) for their home made delicious fudge and candies!
Delfino Farms
3205 North Canyon Road
Edio Vineyards open Thur-Mon 10-5 year round
Joan’s Apple Bakery Aug 27-Nov 22, Fri-Mon 10-5 (check farm for spring/summer hours)
Must visit for: Famous Walkin’ Pie and gorgeous vineyard views
Enjoy this gorgeous vineyard setting with a glass of wine or hard cider. Check out the bakery for their famous Walkin’ Pies with a scoop of ice cream, and relax on the lucious grass over looking the vineyards.
24 Carrot Farm
2731 Jacquier Road
Open Daily Sept-Nov, 10am – 5pm (check farm for hours during other months of the year)
Must visit for: you-pick cut your own flowers
This certified organic farm is committed to sustainable and restorative farming techniques. They offer a farmstand to buy their organic fruits and veggies as well a you-pick flowers, tomatoes, strawberries and pumpkins.
Boa Vista Orchards
2952 Carson Road
Open year round, daily 7:30-6
Open year round 363 days a year this farm is probably the most well known. Visit their market of fresh fruits, bakery of delicious baked goods, and try their pretty cider flight! Also featuring a pumpkin patch and picturesque views this is a great stop in Apple Hill!
More places to Visit this Fall
Here’s a list of more fun things to do in Northern California this fall. Including the best spots for leaf peeping!
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