Producing about 3.5 million bushels of apples a year, New England is known for its fresh fruit and crisp autumns. Massachusetts grows several classic varieties of apples, from Braeburn to Golden Delicious and beyond. As the weather cools down in early fall, Massachusetts’ farms and orchards open their doors to the public, hosting fruit picking, fall traditions for the kids, and markets selling the season’s produce.
Massachusetts has orchards spread out across the state, from the idyllic Berkshires to the state’s Atlantic coastline. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Boston or looking for a rural getaway, picking apples at an orchard is a family-friendly favorite. Many orchards offer events to celebrate the cooler weather, meaning you can turn your apple-picking day into much more.
Eastern Massachusetts
1. Tougas Family Farm
Address: 234 Ball St, Northborough, MA 01532
Tougas Family Farm sits just under an hour outside of Boston, making it an easy day trip from the city. The farm features over 30 varieties of apples, which are listed here. Apple picking is generally available between August and October, but it’s best to check the farm website or call in advance. If visiting the website, consult the “Today’s Picking” section for the most up-to-date information. Prices are slightly lower on weekdays.
Your farm admission also includes access to other activities, including the playground, picnic area, barnyard animals, and wagon rides. Don’t miss the farm store or apple tent to pick up local goods. If you’re spending all day in the area, stop by the kitchen for light bites. Only available during weekends and holidays in the fall, the farm’s Grill Shack and Donut Hut are two more options- the grill shack serves hot, freshly cooked lunches, while the Donut Hut sells coffee and baked goods.
2. Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Address: 16 Boon Rd, Stow, MA 01775
Also located under an hour from Boston, Honey Pot Hill Orchards has been around for nearly a century. Take a day trip to the orchard during apple picking season to celebrate its longevity- and fill up a bag (or two) to enjoy at home.
Visitors can choose from Ginger Gold, Sansa, Red Gravenstein, and Akane apples. The orchard’s website offers convenient “Today’s Update” and “Today’s Produce” sections, where you’ll find updated information on what’s available. Farm activities include hayrides, mazes, meeting the farm animals, and more. Please stop by the farm store before you wrap up and pick up jams, baked goods, and hot drinks to top it all off.
3. Carver Hill Orchards
Address: 101 Brookside Ave, Stow, MA 01775
Located between Worcester and Boston, Carver Hill Orchard is a working orchard growing local apples since the 1970s. Apple picking opens at the beginning of September and lasts until October. The orchard’s daily updates can be found online and are the best way to get the latest picking information.
Open from July to November, the on-site country store sells fresh produce, local eggs and dairy products, jams, baked goods, and much, much more. The store is also home to a small snack bar where you can pick up something sweet after a busy day of picking apples.
4. Carlson Orchards
Address: 115 Oak Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451
Only half an hour from Worcester and 45 minutes from Boston, Carlson Orchards was founded in 1936 and has served this part of Massachusetts ever since. The orchard stayed in the family, and today it produces about 30,000 bushels of apples a year. Locally known for its apple cider, the orchard offers seasonal apple picking. It’s best to call ahead or look for updates on the business’s Facebook page, especially if there’s bad weather on the horizon.
The orchard’s 16 apple varieties include everything from Cortland to Red Beauty, and you can learn more about each online. Homemade hard and sweet ciders are available for purchase, and the on-site cider barn offers a drink and food menu, desserts, and seating. This makes it easy to plan a whole day out at Carlson Orchards for both kids and autumn-loving adults.
5. Autumn Hills Orchard
Address: 495 Chicopee Row, Groton, MA 01450
Located just northwest of Boston, Autumn Hills Orchard offers a variety of pick-your-own crops, with apples ripening in September. The orchard is in the community of Groton, and the idyllic property offers beautiful views of surrounding alleys and hilltops. These are especially stunning in the fall when the landscape is awash in shades of red, orange, and ochre. Apple picking season at the orchard coincides with raspberry, pear, and grape crops, meaning you can go home with a colorful bundle of delicious fruits to bake with, preserve, or enjoy fresh.
As always, it’s best to call before visiting to ensure you’re up to date on weather conditions and what’s available for picking. You can also sign up for a handy orchard email update list here.
Central Massachusetts
6. Breezeland Orchards
Address: 1791 Southbridge Rd, Warren, MA 01083
Located about halfway between Worcester and Springfield, Breezeland Orchards are easy to get to from Massachusetts’ major hubs. Family-owned, the orchard offers apple picking, tractor rides, an expansive farm stand, and plenty of places to sit down and enjoy fall goodies. The property itself is idyllic, and you can enjoy fall colors and crisp air while searching for the perfect apples. Don’t miss the freshly baked apple cider donuts at the farm stand.
Apples are available from Labor Day until Columbus Day, and available varieties include Braeburn, Cortland, and Fuji Crispin. Calling ahead to get the latest updates on availability and picking conditions is always a good idea.
7. Red Apple Farm
Address: 455 Highland Ave, Phillipston, MA 01331
Located in the small central Massachusetts community of Philipston, Red Apple Farm spans four generations. Founded over a century ago, this historic farm has a wide selection of pick-your-own crops including apples in the fall. Check out the farm’s websites for updated crop details like harvest dates. The farm is dedicated to transparent growing practices, which you can learn more about here.
While picking apples at the farm, plan to stop by the Brew Barn, an on-site venue serving homemade Red Apple cider, beer, barbecue, and plenty more. On weekends, the Brew Barn hosts live music performances. The barn is great for kids and adults alike and makes it easy to turn a visit to Red Apple into an all-day getaway. If you’re looking for products to take home, the farm also has a country store.
For those living in or visiting Boston, be sure to visit Red Apple’s stall, which is located in the city’s Public Market.
Coastal Massachusetts
8. Keith’s Farm
Address: 1149 Main St, Acushnet, MA 02743
Located on Massachusetts’ southeastern tip, Keith’s Farm is a day’s drive from Boston, and even closer to Providence. Apple picking generally lasts until October and joins various other crops available to take home. Homemade apple cider is a farm favorite, and you can buy gallons and half gallons to enjoy at home. The on-site farmstand offers plenty of other seasonal goods to choose from.
9. Wojcik’s Farm
Address: 65 Milk St, Blackstone, MA 01504
Southern Massachusetts’ Wojcik’s Farm is yet another fall fun destination that is close to both Providence and Boston. It is also easy to reach from Worcester. Autumn activities happen on Friday evenings and weekends and include a corn maze, food trucks, wagon rides, live music, and of course, apple picking. There is also a snack bar on site. Check out the farm’s Events section for the most up-to-date information on picking schedules and availability.
Western Massachusetts
10. Pine Hill Orchard
Address: 248 Greenfield Rd, Colrain, MA 01340
Sitting just south of Massachusetts’ border with Vermont, Pine Hill Orchard is your go-to for apple picking, fresh cider, and all things fall. Apple picking runs from Labor Day to Columbus Day and is available on weekends and holiday Mondays.
The orchard’s farm store sells fresh pressed cider, homemade frozen soups, pies, cheeses, meats, produce, and more. The orchard is also home to a family barnyard, where kids and parents alike can meet some of the property’s furrier residents.
11. Mountain Orchard
Address: 676 Main Rd, Granville, MA 01034
In operation for just over a century, Mountain Orchard is located just west of the city of Springfield, in southwestern Massachusetts. Apple picking is available on weekends, starting in September and lasting until October.
If you have a specific variety of apples you want to get your hands on, check out the orchard website for a list of available produce. Mountain Orchard also has a convenient newsletter to sign up for (found at the bottom of the orchard’s website), which will keep you up to date on available fruit.
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