Orchards Near Me
Cherry Picking in Connecticut: What You Need to Know
Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut
Mid-June through early July for the Litchfield County and Connecticut River valley cherry orchards, a brief but excellent season.
Tips for Cherry Picking in Connecticut
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.