Apple Hill in the Fall – what a great outing!

Apple Hill in the Fall!

If there’s one thing that can get Northern Californians excited in the fall, it’s Apple Hill. This cluster of charming stops in the Sierra Nevada foothills is a mecca for apple lovers, with dozens of farms and orchards offering fresh fruit, baked goods, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day out picking apples and enjoying cider doughnuts or want to go all-out with a harvest festival, Apple Hill has something for everyone. So make sure to put it on your autumn to-do list!

The Apple Hill area is outside of Placerville, and there are a couple of exits off Highway 50 you can use to find it.  Not only are there apple orchards, but there are also plenty of wineries, pumpkin patches, bake shops – and even Christmas tree farms. 

The area is comprised of over 50 farms, ranches, wineries, and tree farms.  Most are open Labor Day weekend through December (Christmas tree farms usually open Thanksgiving weekend or the week before).

Where to Go and What to Do

Our first stop is always High Hill Ranch in Placerville.  This ranch tends to get quite busy as the day goes on, so we try to hit it early.  Not only is there a great selection of apples and apple products, but there is also a fresh bakery with plenty of delish apple donuts, fresh pies, and more.

Fall Craft Fair

Also on the property is a large selection of vendors offering their crafts for sale daily during the fall season.  You will find handmade collectibles, jewelry, leather works, handcrafted sculptures and paintings and so much more.  There are over 75 artists in this one location.

High Hill Ranch Has Many Activities

The property also has a restaurant, a pond for fishing, pony rides, hay rides, wine tasting of their Apple Hill wine, and a fudge factory.  Although apples are for sale in the store, you can also pick your own if it is early enough in the season.

And the Apple Hill Tour Continues

When you make your first stop, you can pick up a map of the area.  Or you can download one here, or they even offer apps here.

We usually just keep driving around the area and stop at any place that looks good, trying to stop at a couple of new ones for us each year.  Some of our favorites are:

• -Grandpa’s Cellars – they have a bakery and gift shop, along with a picnic area.
• -Boa Vista Orchards – This farm has a large market with a variety of produce for sale.  Also a bake shop, apple cider, Boa Vista wines, arts and crafts fair, and even a BBQ grill and deli.
• -Larsen Apple Barn – They have a great variety of apples, a bake shop with a variety of specialty pies, turnovers, dumplings, and more.  They have a deli for lunch and a museum.  Also a grass-covered park.
• -Abel’s Apple Acres – They have a craft fair, pond, picnic area, bake shop, candy counter, and gifts.

Apple Hill Travel tips

• -Try to go to the larger farms first to avoid the crowds
• -When the weather is less than ideal, it will probably not be as crowded
• -Don’t go on a holiday weekend
• -The weekend before Halloween tends to be very busy
• -Although it varies each year, the fall colors are beautiful in October/November

Apple Hill Map 

Apple Hill App 

Apple Hill has something for everyone!

Apple Hill is a great place to visit if you want to take a break from the city. The area is filled with apple orchards, farms, and charming stores that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There are also plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or some hot apple cider.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Apple Hill has plenty of outdoor activities to offer as well. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, and even horseback riding. Whatever your interests may be, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed by a visit to Apple Hill.

We hope this post has inspired you to visit this charming part of California soon!