Apple Picking Season is Here in Rhode Island

Nearby RI Trips: Apple Picking Season Is Here

A bag of freshly picked apples, a stop for cider doughnuts, and a little time outdoors—sometimes that’s all a fall outing needs.

Across Rhode Island, orchards are welcoming apple pickers as different varieties ripen throughout September and October. Whether you’re planning a family excursion or simply want fresh apples for a pie, there are options close to home.

The best time to go? It depends on your favorite apple. Varieties ripen at different times, and weather and customer demand can affect what remains on the trees. Check the orchard’s latest update before heading out, especially if you have your heart set on Honeycrisp or Macoun.

Here are seven Rhode Island destinations to consider.

Jaswell’s Farm — Smithfield
50 Swan Road

Jaswell’s confirms its 2026 apple-picking season is underway, with picking expected to continue through most of October, depending on weather and supply. The farm market and bakery offer plenty of reasons to linger, including pies, cider doughnuts, caramel apples and hot or iced cider.

Picking hours: Wednesday through Monday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. The market and bakery open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.
Visit Jaswell’s Farm

Dame Farm & Orchards — Johnston
91-B Brown Avenue

Dame Farm has announced the start of its 2026 apple season. The family farm asks visitors to check in at the farmstand or information booth before entering the orchard.

For weekend visitors, plan this stop for Saturday—the farm is closed Sundays.

Picking hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Thursdays and Sundays.
Visit Dame Farm & Orchards

Barden Family Orchard — North Scituate
56 Elmdale Road

Barden offers pick-your-own apples alongside a farm market and cider made on the premises. Many of its trees are grown on dwarf rootstocks and trellises, putting fruit within easier reach of younger pickers.

The farm reports accessible parking, restrooms and some accessible orchard areas, but advises that strollers can be difficult to maneuver through much of the orchard. Families with mobility questions should ask which picking areas are available that day.

Posted picking hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, noon–4 p.m.
Visit Barden Family Orchard · Visitor information

Sunset Orchard Farm — North Scituate
244 Gleaner Chapel Road

For visitors who want to control how much they bring home, Sunset currently advertises pick-your-own apples at $2.99 per pound, with no entry fee, bag fee or minimum purchase. Customers pay for everything they pick.

Established in 1910, the orchard also has a store selling fruit and seasonal treats.

Hours: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The pick-your-own gate closes at 5 p.m.
Visit Sunset Orchard Farm

Steere Orchard — Greenville/Smithfield
150 Austin Avenue

Steere is another option for a traditional orchard visit, with pick-your-own apples and a farmstand. Its apple varieties include familiar favorites such as McIntosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp and Macoun, although availability changes as the season progresses.

Before visiting: Call 401-949-1456 to confirm current picking hours and varieties. Steere is included in Rhode Island Monthly’s updated orchard guide.

Narrow Lane Orchard — North Kingstown
213 Narrow Lane

Apple picking can be paired with a walk along Narrow Lane’s mile-long nature trail and a photo with its carved wooden Sasquatch.

The orchard’s approximate ripening calendar puts Macoun in mid-September, followed by Empire, Cameo and Braeburn later in the month. Actual picking conditions vary each year.

Posted hours: Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Call 401-294-3584 to confirm apple availability before visiting.
Visit Narrow Lane Orchard · Picking calendar

Sweet Berry Farm — Middletown
915 Mitchell’s Lane

Sweet Berry lists apple picking as open for the season, with varieties ripening in succession into October. Its farm market and café make it an option for combining an orchard visit with something to eat.

Visitors must check in before entering the fields and use the farm’s prepaid picking containers.

Before visiting: Call 401-847-3912 and press 1 for current picking availability and conditions.
Visit Sweet Berry Farm

Before you head out

Check picking hours separately from farmstand hours, and ask about bag prices, minimum purchases and admission policies. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven ground, and check pet rules before bringing the dog.

And if a walk through the orchard isn’t for everyone in your group, a farmstand visit can still bring home the best part of the season—fresh local apples, with no picking required.

Information checked September 16, 2026. Hours, prices and picking availability are subject to change.

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Make Your Own Candy Apples!

A sweet finish to a day of apple picking.

These have that shiny, crunchy red candy shell. Makes 6 medium candy apples.

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples—firm, tart apples work especially well
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup water
• ½ teaspoon red food coloring, optional
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon extract, optional
• 6 sturdy wooden candy-apple sticks

Directions

1. Prepare the apples. Wash and dry them completely—any moisture can prevent the candy from sticking. Remove stems and insert a stick firmly into the top of each apple. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Make the coating. Combine sugar, corn syrup and water in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to temperature. Add food coloring, if using. Bring to a boil, then cook without stirring until a candy thermometer reaches 300°F—the hard-crack stage. Keep the thermometer tip from touching the bottom of the pan.
4. Dip the apples. Remove from heat. Carefully stir in cinnamon extract, if using; it may bubble. Let the large bubbles settle briefly, then tilt the pan and dip each apple, turning to coat. Allow excess candy to drip back into the pan.
5. Let them set. Place on the prepared baking sheet and cool until the coating is hard, about 20–30 minutes.

Helpful tips: Smaller apples are easier to dip and eat. Make them on a dry day if possible—humidity makes the coating sticky. They’re best enjoyed the day they’re made.

For little helpers: Children can wash and dry the apples, but an adult should handle cooking and dipping—the hot sugar can cause serious burns.

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Here’s a few Apple recipe for you:

We Cook! Caramel Apple, Gruyeré Dutch Baby – Anthony Salemme

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Cabot Cheddar Cheez-It Apple Pie