Fall time in Apple Hill is one of the most magical times of year. Beautiful fall colors, hard cider, apple picking, and so much more await you in this picturesque mountain town. Apple Hill has over 50 farms and vendors to visit, so there is plenty of Fall fun to be had. In this Apple Hill travel guide, you'll find some must-visit attractions.
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Where is Apple Hill?
Apple Hill is an agricultural community in the Sierra foothills near Placerville, California, off of Highway 50. Over 50 family-owned orchards, farms, and wineries dot the landscape, and many people flock to the area during the fall harvest season to partake in festivities.
When is the Best Time to Visit Apple Hill?
Although Apple Hill is open all year, the best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves are changing colors and the majority of the vendors are open. Apple Hill comes to life during apple harvest season, which runs from Labor Day weekend through the end of December. The busiest time to visit is usually the first weekend in October and the weekend before Halloween. I recommend going after Halloween if you want to enjoy the fall colors in all their beauty and if you want to avoid the crowds!
Must Visit Stop: Boa Vista Orchards
2952 Carson Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
Boa Vista Orchards is open 363 days a year and hosts a variety of fall harvest necessities. This is a nice pit-stop on Apple Hill, with everything from a U-Pick Pumpkin farm to cider sampling. They offer one of the largest open food markets in the town, so if you're a foodie, you should stop by to see what local goods they have on their shelves. They also offer wine and cider tasting and bottles to go! After you've loaded up on food and drinks, head outdoors to have a picnic at one of their outdoor picnic tables with stunning panoramic views of the mountains. Since the market is open year round, we like to stop here for snacks on our way to Lake Tahoe.
Open Daily 7:30am - 6pm
Must Visit Stop: Hidden Star Camino / Shorty's Doughnuts
2740 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709
Hidden Star Camino is a quaint rural bakery and tap bar with charming farmhouse character. In their tap room, they have 15+ varieties of hard cider to try, which is ideal for grabbing a flight and taking in the panoramic mountain views from their picnic tables. If it's too early for a buzz, you must try Shorty's Doughnuts. On weekends, we were told, they provide a gluten-free donut alternative! Enjoy their pumpkin patch, which has plenty of kid-friendly play areas, while searching for the ultimate pumpkin.
Open Daily 9am-6pm
Lodging near Apple Hill:
Must Visit Stop: Apple Ridge Farms
1800 Larsen Dr, Camino, CA 95709
Apple Ridge Farms has one of the most beautiful flower walks in the area. Thousands of Zinnia flowers bloom in September, which you can see from their 0.75-mile walking trail, which is adorned with beautiful butterfly sculptures and makes for a great photo opportunity! In addition they have Gem mining, a country store, apple barn, craft fair and more. They seem to have it all, and is a must-visit spot in Apple Hill!
Mon- Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm
Must Visit Stop: Grandpa's Cellar
2360 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709
Grandpa's Cellar is one of Apple Hill's rare farms that sells gluten-free baked goods, but that's not the only reason to visit this charming spot! Visitors queue in line for coffee flights and, on special occasions, try their Apple Cider or Slushie flights. Check their Instagram for the most up-to-date specialty drink menus.
Open Thurs-Mon 9:30am-4:30am
Must Visit Stop: 24 Carrot Farms
2731 Jacquier Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
If you are looking for the full farm to fork experience this Fall, 24 Carrot Farms is your go-to location, this U-Pick farm has all the best fall produce and pumpkins. Handpick fresh flowers, tomatoes, and berries, as well as Jack-O-Lantern and edible heirloom pumpkins.
Tip: Don't forget to bring a farmer's market basket to carry all your produce!
Open Thurs-Sun 10am-5pm | Open Daily During Fall Season
Must Visit Stop: Delfino Farms
3205 N Canyon Rd Bldg 2, Camino, CA 95709
This is one of my absolute favorite spots on Apple Hill! The Delfino Farms property is family owned and operated since 1964 and is a great spot to enjoy Fall colors. Take a stroll through the fruit orchards and discover the beautiful walking trail on their property, which is blazing with fall colors. Reward yourself with some of their infamous "Walkin Pie" from Joans Apple Bakery or a glass of wine from their recently opened full service winery Edio Vineyards, which is also located on property. Don't miss out on this Apple Hill spot!
Joans Apple Bakery Open Seasonally + Edio Vineyards Open Year Round Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm
If you are a Fall fanatic like myself see my Travel Guide to Leavenworth, WA - which is an Autumn wonderland in October!
Must Visit Stop: Rainbow Orchards
2569 Larsen Dr, Camino, CA 95709
Rainbow Orchards is rumored to have some of the best Hot Apple Cider Donuts in Apple Hill, and that "rumor" is indeed a fact. Rather than served cold, these piping hot fall donuts are made fresh to order. Inside their barn you can shop fresh mountain grown fruits, pumpkins, jams, jellies and more. Grab some goodies and enjoy a seat on their large picnic grounds.
Open Daily 9am-4pm during Peak Season
Must Visit Stop: Drew Bean Farms
2315 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709
Nestled in the heart of Apple Hill, Drew Bean Farms is not only celebrated for its picturesque orchards but is also a culinary haven with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Renowned for its award-winning pies, including the tantalizing Blackberry Apple Sour Cream, Raspberry Apple Cream Cheese, and the delightful Harvest Delight, this charming farm goes beyond the orchard experience.
Immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance, enhanced by outdoor fire pits that add a touch of warmth and charm. The farm is not only a gastronomic delight but also a welcoming spot for furry friends, as it's dog-friendly. What sets Drew Bean Farms apart is its extended hours, staying open until 7 pm—an uncommon feature among farms in the area. This allows visitors to savor the autumnal magic well into the evening, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a unique and enjoyable experience in the Apple Hill region.
Must Visit Stop: O'Halloran's Apple Trail Ranch
2261 Cable Rd, Camino, CA 95709
O'Hallorans Apple Trail Ranch beckons visitors with its array of Fall season offerings. This charming farm stands out for its exceptional pumpkin patch, where visitors can immerse themselves in the quintessential fall experience of handpicking quality-sized pumpkins. The vibrant colors of the pumpkins create a picturesque scene, making it the perfect backdrop for memorable family moments.
Beyond the pumpkin patch, O'Hallorans Apple Trail Ranch invites nature enthusiasts to explore their apple orchards through a scenic nature trail. As you meander through the orchards, be sure to grab a pamphlet to delve into the rich history of the farm, adding a fascinating layer to your visit. For those with a penchant for hands-on experiences, the farm offers U-Pick apple opportunities, allowing you to pluck crisp apples fresh from the trees. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the local harvest spirit by perusing their market, stocked with a bounty of fall-inspired foods that capture the essence of the season.
Must Visit Stop: Pine-O-Mine Ranch
2620 Carson Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
Pine-O-Mine Ranch, a cherished gem in the heart of Apple Hill, offers a comprehensive fall experience that captivates the senses. Beyond the breathtaking U-Pick Apple orchards, where visitors can handpick the finest apples, Pine-O-Mine Ranch introduces a delightful local indulgence – their Apple Cider Milkshakes. These refreshing treats blend the crisp sweetness of apples with the creamy richness of milkshakes, creating a must-try local delight. Additionally, Pine-O-Mine Ranch boasts a tap room featuring a carefully curated selection of local brews for enthusiasts to savor. On weekends, the festivities reach new heights with food trucks rolling in, providing a diverse culinary experience to complement the fall charm of the ranch. And for those in search of the perfect 'pumpkin patch near me,' Pine-O-Mine Ranch's Pumpkin Patch, now open, promises a festive autumnal atmosphere that beckons visitors to revel in the season's spirit.
Must Visit Stop: Boeger Winery
1709 Carson Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
Wind down after a long day on Apple Hill with a glass of wine (the Barbara is highly recommended!) and enjoy the fall foliage on the Boeger Winery property. The towering redwoods, pond, and fire pits create a cozy atmosphere for sipping wine and enjoying a crisp autumn afternoon. In October, the vineyards on Apple Hill are bursting with fall colors before they are harvested! Reservations are recommended especially this time of year!
Open Daily 10am-5pm
Expires 9/30/2021
Must Visit Stop: Lava Cap Winery
2221 Fruitridge Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
On Apple Hill, Lava Cap Winery is a local and visitors favorite. The property features beautiful fall-colored trees and lush mountain vineyards as a backdrop for wine tasting. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful fall picnic in the gardens while admiring the high Sierra mountain vistas.
Open Daily 10am-5pm
Must Visit Stop: High Hill Ranch
2901 High Hill Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
One of Apple Hill's most popular and well - known places to visit is High Hill Ranch. This is a one-stop shop for all your festive needs, with a large craft market, fishing pond, pumpkin patch, pony rides, hay rides, wine tasting and more. Parking on weekends fills up fast, but once inside the property it feels like a mini fairground! It's a terrific place for families with children and shopping around for some unique local souvenirs. Come hungry since they serve up delicious BBQ, kettle corn and fall baked treats!
Open M-F 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am - 6pm | Open Seasonally
Must Visit Stop: Larsen Apple Barn
2461 Larsen Dr, Camino, CA 95709
Larsen Apple Barn, which has been established since 1860, is the oldest family-owned farm on Apple Hill. If you have a sweet tooth craving, they provide a variety of hand-picked apples from their orchards, as well as candied caramel apples! A visit to Apple Hill would be incomplete without a stop at this charming family farm.
Open Daily (EXCEPT SATURDAYS) 9am-5pm
Must Visit Stop: North Canyon Cider Company
3541 N Canyon Rd, Camino, CA 95709
You may have spotted Barsotti Family Juice Company in your local grocery; however, they also own North Canyon Cider Company. This hard cider company has been creating juice for nearly 40 years, so expanding into the alcoholic beverage industry was a no-brainer. This is the place to go if you're looking for a hard cider. With a cool delicious cider in hand, gaze out at the rolling hills, vineyards, and mountain ranges. This road is one of my favorite's to drive in Apple Hill during the fall because of the beautiful fall colors - plus the Red Maple tree on property is super picturesque!
Open Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
Must Visit Stop: Apple Pantry Farm
2310 Hidden Valley Ln, Camino, CA 95709
Swing by the quick stop corner, and brace your taste buds for a flavor explosion as you dive into Apple Pantry Farm's bakeshop treasures – think carefully handcrafted pies, crisps, and turnovers that redefine the art of fall indulgence. What's even cooler? They've got your dietary preferences covered with vegan options, and if allergies are a concern, fret not – the bakeshop proudly boasts a "nut-free" haven. Oh, and the best part? Take a slice of the magic home with a frozen pie, tucked away for those upcoming holiday festivities.
Open Thur-Sun 10am-4pm in October & Friday-Sun in Sept/Nov
Additional Tips for Visiting Apple Hill in the Fall:
First Weekend in October and the Weekend Before Halloween tend to be the busiest weekends from personal experience.
Check individual vendor websites and social media channels for updated and special hours during the Fall.
Bring a picnic basket for Apple Picking + U-Pick Farms - plus it looks cute in photos!
Map your plan out before you go - the streets get crazy busy and service can be spotty in some areas!
Bring a cooler for any perishable produce or to keep your ciders cold!
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