Fall in New Mexico is a special time of year. When apple season is here, the best place to find fresh apples is at your nearest orchard. A few places on this list let you pick your own, while others offer a delectable range of fresh apples and apple cider available in their farm stores. So if you're in the mood to bake an apple cobbler or apple chile pie, head to one of the 5 best apple orchards in New Mexico. (Before you visit, we recommend following the included links to confirm that your farm of choice hasn't run out of apples.)

1. Alary Farms, Corrales

When it comes to apple picking in New Mexico, nothing beats Alary Farms. The drive out to this farm is a pretty one. Although this orchard doesn’t offer pick-your-own fruit, they do sell their apples from a small store on-site. Alary Farms has been around since 1879! Visit the Alary Farms website to see which apples are available.

2. Cadwallader Mountain Farms, between Alamogordo and Cloudcroft

This family-run farm has been in business since 1943. When they're in season, you can pick your own apples every day (check the website for the farm's hours). The farm is also known for its cherries and peaches. This is definitely one of the best farms to visit for apple picking near me in New Mexico. To learn more, visit the Cadwallader Mountain Farms website.

Take a look at this video of cherry-picking at Cadwallader Mountain Farms by @DesertJewelsMedia:

3. Costanza Apple Orchard, Belen

More than 1000 apple trees grow in this orchard, which produces 10 different kinds of apples, along with peaches and pears. You can pick your own or just purchase fruit. Costanza is also known for its honey. It's one of the best places for apple picking in New Mexico. Check the Costanza Apple Orchard Facebook page for more information.

Take a look at this video by @NewMexicoTrue:

4. Hays Honey & Apple Farm, Bosque Farms

Blushing golden, roam beauty, stark crimson. These are just some of the varieties of apples that you can buy from Hays Honey & Apple Farm. In addition to apples, the farm produces raw honey and crafts beeswax candles. If you’re interested in a little backyard beekeeping, they also carry beekeeping supplies. This is one of the most exciting places to go apple picking in New Mexico. Visit the Hays Honey & Apple Farm website for more information.

5. Manzano Mountain Retreat and Apple Ranch, Estancia

The store at this retreat center and orchard is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day. Purchase apples or apple cider. Each year, the orchard grows more than 4000 bushels of apples and makes 3000 gallons of cider. To see which apple varieties are still available, visit the Manzano Mountain Retreat website.

Have you been to any of these farms? What's your favorite apple recipe?

If you're still wondering what to do in the fall in New Mexico, consider visiting an awesome pumpkin patch, experiencing a terrifying haunted house, or taking a fall foliage road trip.

Taking a road trip in New Mexico this fall? Check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all your essentials.