Orchards Near Me
Cherry Picking in Maine: What You Need to Know
Maine is home to a range of spots for cherry picking, spread across the state's different growing regions. This page rounds up every cherry picking location listed in Maine so you can compare distance, ratings, and reviews before deciding where to go.
New England and Northeast Cherry Picking
The northeastern states grow both sweet and sour cherry varieties in their orchards, with the best operations concentrated in New York's Hudson Valley, Massachusetts's Connecticut River valley, and the highlands of Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The cherry season in the Northeast runs from mid-June through early July—briefer than apple season but equally rewarding for those who plan for it. The same farms that run large apple picking programs in the fall often run quieter, more intimate cherry picking programs in early summer, offering a chance to experience orchard country when it's less crowded and the landscape is at its early-summer best. Heritage sweet varieties and old-fashioned sour pie cherries coexist at many of these farms, and the fresh-pressed cherry juice available at farm stands is worth seeking out specifically.
Best Time for Cherry Picking in Maine
Late July through August for Maine's cherry varieties, significantly later than in warmer states due to Maine's cool climate and shorter growing season.
Tips for Cherry Picking in Maine
Call ahead or check a location's website before visiting, since hours and availability for cherry picking can change with the weather and time of year. Weekday visits are usually less crowded than weekends.