Pick Apples at this Off-the-Grid Orchard

In search for the best fall activities in southern Vermont, we found ourselves in East Dorset at Mad Tom Orchard. On our way to pick our own apples, excitement buzzed throughout the car in anticipation to embrace the cool, crisp fall air and gather fresh produce from the Vermont trees. Little did we know that we would be greeted by a friendly couple and immerse ourselves into the breathtaking surrounding mountains.

mad tom orchard stratton
Be sure to get a wagon to fit all your apples!

Located on Mad Tom Road just 20 minutes from Manchester Center and about 35 minutes from Stratton, Mad Tom Orchard dates back to 1962, first run by Tom as a commercial orchard and eventually developed into a pick-your-own. The Orchard was forced to close in 1997 due to loss of an airplane spray service, but was re-opened and restored by Tom’s son (also named Tom) and his wife, Sylvia in 1999. The couple pruned over 100 of the original trees and planted 1,2000 new apple trees resulting in 8 acres of prime apple picking. The first tree planted on the orchard dates back to 1940, making this season the orchard’s 75th birthday.

Ursa went for a wagon ride.
Ursa went for a wagon ride.

Choose from 14 different apple (depending on the time of season):

Early Season

Zestar, Sansa, Ginger Gold

Mid Season

McIntosh,  Gala, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Fuji, Spartan

Late Season

Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Northern Spy

stratton venture vermont
The surrounding mountains are breathtaking.

Be sure to pick up a gallon of fresh apple cider, just $5.00. There’s also a variety of Vermont’s best items to take home like local maple syrup and cookie cutters made up the road in Rutland.

What to Wear & What to Pack

Be sure to wear warm clothing and boots or sneakers. This orchard is nestled in the mountains and there is often a cool breeze. Bring a camera – you’ll definitely want to take pictures of the surrounding mountains. The orchard accepts debit and credit cards, as well as cash.

stratton venture vermont
Be sure to wear a warm jacket, it gets chilly!

Hours of Operation

During apple harvest season, the Orchard is open Tuesday through Sunday 9AM-5:30PM. The orchard is closed on Mondays.  The apple picking season varies, so give the orchard a call to see when they are open until. Phone: (802) 366-8107.


Important Links

Mad Tom Orchard Website

Mad Tom Facebook

More Info About Vermont Apples

About the Author

12790880_10154042121438689_4862440859600777479_nCassie Russo |  Growing up in central Massachusetts, Cassie ventured to the snowy mountains of Vermont almost every weekend until her late teens to enjoy her passion – snowboarding.  After working at a ski shop while studying for a degree in journalism, Cassie knew Vermont was her next destination.  You can now find her living her dream of residing in Vermont, pursuing a writing career and strapping a snowboard to her feet every day. When the snow melts, you can find her on her paddle board, on the tennis courts and searching for the next adventure.
Cassie’s Instagram and Twitter:@cassachusetts

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