As the weather turns chilly and the leaves put on their best fall colors, families head outside for a bevy of favorite fall traditions, not least of which is apple picking. Whether you have plans for pies or just enjoy the hunt for the perfect apple, it’s hard to say no to this much-awaited activity. On the road this month? Still get your apple picking in for the season when you stop at one of these premier destinations. © Valentin Armianu | Dreamstime.com

Stribling Orchard in Markham, Virginia, rests at the top of many lists for best orchards across the country. In operation for two centuries, it grows a handful of varieties. Don’t forget to check out the historic buildings on the property as well, dating to the 1700s. While in the area, visit the Blue Ridge Mountains and, if you’re not into apples, pick some pumpkins or visit the farm animals. © Cvandyke | Dreamstime.com

As you might expect, Massachusetts is home to quite a few notable apple-picking spots. Bear Swamp Orchard is a favorite for craft hard ciders. Honey Pot Hill offers not only apples on its century-old property, but also other pickable fruits and children’s activities. Boston Hill Farm provides weekends-only fall festivals through Oct. 28, with apple picking, live music, pumpkin picking and all your favorite fall foods. © Brianroche | Dreamstime.com

Nearby, New Hampshire provides its own abundance of apple picking. Applecrest Farm Orchards is a good choice if you want to enjoy farm-to-table dining during your apple-picking excursion. If your interests lie more in historic farming practices, Poverty Lane Orchards operates like an early 20th-century orchard. Alyson’s Orchard boasts more than 50 acres of trees and apple picking is available every day of the week. © Bsoroko | Dreamstime.com

In North Carolina, Sky Top Orchard is a family favorite. Beyond the 60 acres of apples, enjoy hayrides, farm animals and hiking. The Orchard at Altapass is located on the Eastern Continental Divide and, as such, comes with plenty of history, which the owners strive to preserve for future generations. © John Wollwerth | Dreamstime.com

Washington produces more than half of America’s apples. Pick your own at Johnson Orchards and, if you’re not much of a baker, grab a fresh pie on your way out. For your choice from approximately 25,000 trees, head to Bellewood Acres, which also offers a train ride, restaurant, bakery and distillery tasting bar. © Chris Boswell | Dreamstime.com

Also known for its apple production, Minnesota provides plenty of options for your family. Aamodt’s Apple Farm serves not only apples, but hard cider and wine, too. Adults can enjoy tastings and vineyard tours. Apple Jack Orchards is all about the kids, with a zip line, corn maze and more. Deardorff Orchards offers the best of both worlds, with tractor rides and farm animals, plus wine tastings. © Stevengaertner | Dreamstime.com

If your fall travels take you to New York City, consider a side trip to the beautiful natural scenery outside of NYC’s hustle and bustle. Fishkill Farms puts on Harvest Festival Weekends through mid-October with live entertainment, hay rides and all the cider donuts you can eat. Apple Dave’s is highly praised and one of the most popular apple-picking spots in the States. In the Hudson River Valley, Applewood Orchards boasts a huge array of activities, from pumpkin picking to puppet shows. © Brandt Bolding | dreamstime.com