family of four running through an autumn forrest

Fall Day Trips Near Folsom: Apple Hill™, Orchards & More

Discover the best fall day trips near Folsom with Apple Hill™, local orchards, and family-friendly seasonal fun. From pumpkin patches and hayrides to apple picking, cider tastings, and harvest festivals, explore the crisp air, golden leaves, and farm-fresh experiences that make the Sierra Foothills the perfect autumn escape.
group of kids on a hayride

Kick off your fall adventure at Zittel Farms, one of Folsom’s most beloved pumpkin patches and a family tradition for generations. With hayrides and pumpkins in every size and color, it’s the perfect place to embrace the season and enjoy the charm of this local favorite.

Sisters holding red apples to their eyes
little girl picking green apple

Fall just isn’t fall without apple picking, and Pine O’ Mine Ranch makes it easy to soak up the season. Pick crisp apples right off the tree, indulge in an apple cider shake, and stick around for face painting, picnics, and family fun.

Flight of coffee beverages

If your idea of fall comes in a cup, head to Grandpa’s Cellar for their popular seasonal coffee flight. Their fall lineup includes an Apple Maple Latte, Dirty Chai, Blueberry Muffin, and Pumpkin Spice.

Bottle of Apple juice with small pumpkins and half eaten apple donut
a hand holding up an apple donut

At Rainbow Orchards, the sweet scent of fresh apple cider donuts will lead you straight to one of fall’s best treats. Warm, sugary, and simply irresistible, they’re a tradition you can’t skip. And if apple picking isn’t on your list, you can still take home a basket of fresh-picked varieties straight from the orchard.

For the grown-ups, head to Hidden Star Orchards, where you can choose from more than 20 craft hard ciders on tap made from locally grown apples. It’s a refreshing taste of fall with a little extra kick. The children’s play area under the pine trees is a great place for little ones to explore, expend energy, and have fun.

The harvest season also brings celebrations to the foothill wine country. The Fair Play Harvest Festival, happening November 1–2, 2025 is a highlight, offering tastings, live music, and vineyard views. Many wineries invite visitors to join in the excitement of the crush season, where grapes are harvested and transformed into award-winning wines.

Fall isn’t just about apples and pumpkins—mandarins take the spotlight in November 21-23rd, 2025! The Mandarin Festival kicks off the season with a citrus-filled celebration, bringing together farmers, foodies, and festival-goers for a one-of-a-kind autumn tradition.

Plan Your Fall Getaway

From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to wine tastings and local festivals, fall in the Sierra Foothills offers something for everyone. Make Folsom your basecamp for a weekend of harvest adventures—where golden leaves, crisp air, and seasonal flavors create the perfect autumn escape.

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