Apple picking is a popular hobby in the US, specifically in Massachusetts. The state is home to many apple-picking farms. “Apple picking” is a phrase that automatically conjures visions of people with big baskets wandering around an orchard, picking apples for some larger-than-life edible manufacturer. While that is partially true, apple picking is a great hobby if taken seriously. Massachusetts is home to big and small apple farms and orchards. Besides their farm produce, these places offer amenities different from the usual.
Table of Contents
What are the best apple picking farms in Massachusetts?
Some of the best apple picking farms in Massachusetts include Carlson Orchards, Tougas Family Farm, Lookout Farm, Bartlett’s Orchard, Red Apple Farm, Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Smolak Farms, Parlee Farms, Stowe Farms, Nashoba Valley Winery, Connors Farm, and Autumn Hill Orchard.
There are several benefits of going apple picking with your family and friends. Sure, you can capture some amazing photos to post on Instagram, but this activity allows you to break free from the monotonous and robotic urban life. It allows you to connect with mother nature, which is much needed, considering the hectic life we lead.
As proud residents of Massachusetts, we have listed the best apple picking farms in Massachusetts to help you make the most of your next trip to the state.
Top Apple Picking Farms in Massachusetts
Carlson Orchards
Carlson Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm in Harvard, Massachusetts. For over 80 years, they have been growing apples, and today they grow over 20 varieties, including Macoun, Honeycrisp, Gala, Ginger Gold, Cameo, and Fuji.
Besides apples, Carlson Orchards also grows cherries, raspberries, and peaches. Their fruit is available for purchase at their farm stand or online, and they also offer pick-your-own apples in the fall.
Carlson Orchards is a great place to get fresh, local fruit, and their variety of apples makes them a perfect destination for apple lovers of all kinds.
Tougas Family Farm
Tougas Family Farm is a farm located in Northborough, Massachusetts. The farm grows a variety of apples, including Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Sun Crisp, and Golden Delicious.
Tougas Family Farm grows more rare varieties of apples, such as Golden Supreme, Sansa, Pinova, and Liberty. In addition to apples, Tougas Family Farm also grows pears, grapes, peaches, pumpkins, and Christmas trees.
The farm is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hayrides, pick-your-own fruit, and a corn maze. Tougas Family Farm is a great place to visit for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway.
Lookout Farm
Lookout Farm in South Natick, Massachusetts, is best known for its outdoor farm dining, which offers New England delicacies alongside crafted ciders and beers. It also boasts apple picking options, where visitors can pick their own apples to take home with them.
While Lookout Farm is best known for its food and drink offerings, the farm itself is a beautiful sight to behold. The sprawling orchards and picturesque farmland make it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors or simply want to take in the scenery, Lookout Farm is sure to please.
Bartlett’s Orchard
Bartlett’s Orchard is a family-owned business that has been in operation for over 70 years. Located in Richmond, Massachusetts, the Orchard grows more than 11,000 apple bushels each year, including 13 varieties like Macoun, Ida Red, Paula Red, and Delicious.
In addition to fresh apples, Bartlett’s also sells cider donuts, apple muffins, pies, and turnovers. Visitors to the Orchard can also enjoy a variety of maple syrup products made from Bartlett’s own sugar maples.
Whether you’re looking for fresh apples, homemade apple pie, or cider donuts, Bartlett’s Orchard has something for everyone.
Red Apple Farm
Red Apple Farm is an orchard located in Phillipston, Massachusetts. They grow 50 different types of apples, as well as pumpkins, blueberries, raspberries, and more.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Red Apple Farm also offers baked cider donuts, fudge, and other tasty treats. Visitors can pick their own fruits and vegetables, go on a hayride, or simply enjoy the scenic views.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or fresh produce, Red Apple Farm is worth visiting.
Clarkdale Fruit Farms
Clarkdale Fruit Farms is a fruit farm located in Deerfield, Massachusetts. The farm grows a variety of apples, including the Hyslop Crab, Roxbury Russet, Gravenstein, and Zestar.
But that’s not all. You’ll also find pears, peaches, plums, and cherries here. In addition to selling fresh fruit, Clarkdale Fruit Farms sells a variety of apple cider and apple pies. The farm is open to the public from September to October.
During this time, visitors can pick their own apples or go on a hayride. Clarkdale Fruit Farms is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 50 years, so they know the value of fresh produce and that good ol’ family feel.
Smolak Farms
Smolak Farms is a working farm located in North Andover, Massachusetts. The farm is home to goats, sheep, pigs, deer, and llamas and grows apples, peaches, and plums.
Visitors can enjoy their picnic lunch on the grounds, and the farm also offers apple picking in season. Smolak Farms is a popular destination for families and school field trips and provides a unique opportunity to learn about farming and agriculture.
The farm also hosts special events throughout the year, including an annual pumpkin festival. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out or a chance to learn about where your food comes from, Smolak Farms is sure to educate and delight.
Parlee Farms
Parlee Farms is a farm located in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. The farm grows 20 types of apples, including Royal Empire, McIntosh, Decoster, Gala, Cortland, and Cameo Jonagold.
Parlee Farms also makes classic apple cider donuts and has farm animals on site. The Parlee family has been farming in Tyngsboro since the early 1800s and is committed to providing high-quality fruits and vegetables to the local community.
Visitors to Parlee Farms can pick their own apples, take a hayride around the farm, and visit with the friendly farm animals. The Parlee family welcomes visitors to their farm and invites everyone to come and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
Stowe Farm
Stowe Farm is a historic farm situated in West Millbury, Massachusetts. The farm was established in 1673 by Eleazer Stowe and remains in operation today.
The Stowe family has been growing apples on the farm for over 300 years, and they currently grow a variety of apple varieties, including Gala, Cortland, McIntosh, and Fuji. The Stowe Farm Apple Orchard is open to the public for apple picking from September through October.
The Stowe Farm Cider Mill is open year-round and offers a variety of freshly-pressed apple cider products.
Nashoba Valley Winery
Nashoba Valley Winery is located on an apple farm in Bolton, Massachusetts. The farm grows 100 varieties of antique apples used for cider and wine making.
Nashoba Valley Winery focuses on wine production and offers a variety of wines made from the apples grown on the farm. Visitors can tour the winery and learn about the wine-making process, taste samples of the wines produced, and purchase bottles to take home.
Nashoba Valley Winery is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into the world of cider and wine-making.
Connors Farm
Connors Farm in Danvers, Massachusetts, is one of the best apple orchards in the state. The farm features a wide variety of apples, as well as apple cider donuts, apple cider slush, and baked goods.
In addition to apples, Connors Farm also offers caramel apples, a BBQ pit, ice cream, cotton candy, and fudge. The farm is more than just an apple orchard – it’s a destination for family fun and delicious food.
Visitors can enjoy a day of picking apples and then refuel with the best apple cider donuts in Massachusetts. Connors Farm is the perfect place to enjoy a fall day with family and friends.
Autumn Hills Orchard
Autumn Hills Orchard is located in Groton, Massachusetts. The farm features 25 varieties of apples, along with peaches, grapes, pears, and plums.
The types of apples grown at Autumn Hills include Honeycrisp, Cox Orange, Paula Red, Pippin, Macoun, and Gala. Autumn Hills is open to the public from August through November, and visitors are welcome to pick their own fruit or purchase pre-picked produce.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, Autumn Hills also sells homemade apple cider and baked goods. The farm is a popular destination for families and school groups, and it offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of New England in autumn.
Crow Farm
Crow Farm in Sandwich, Massachusetts, is a great place to go, apple picking in the fall. The farm has a variety of apples to choose from, and the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect one.
Crow Farm also offers strawberry and pumpkin picking in the spring and summer. The strawberries are ripe and juicy, and the pumpkins are perfect for carving jack-o-lanterns.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway, Crow Farm is the perfect place to enjoy some time in nature.
Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Honey Pot Hill Orchards is a must-visit destination for anyone in the New England area during the fall months. Located in Stow, MA, this family-owned farm has produced fresh apples and cider for over 80 years.
In addition to their delicious apple cider donuts and freshly pressed apple cider, Honey Pot Hill Orchards also offers a variety of other fall favorites, including caramel apples, pumpkin pie, and apple cider slushies.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a place to stock up on fall supplies, Honey Pot Hill Orchards is the perfect spot.
Flat Hill Orchards
Flat Hill Orchards is a historic apple Orchard located in Lunenburg, MA. The Orchard was established in 1740 and is one of the oldest continually operated Orchards in the United States.
Flat Hill covers 80 acres and contains 13 different types of apples. The Orchard is open to the public for pick-your-own apples in September and October. Flat Hill also offers hayrides, a corn maze, and pumpkin picking in October.
In November and December, the Orchard is open for cut-your-own Christmas trees. Flat Hill Orchards is a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone.
Apex Orchards
Apex Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm in Shelburne, MA. Apex Orchards grows apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables. Apex Orchards offers a variety of pick-your-own options and pre-picked produce.
Apex Orchards also has a farm store selling local honey, maple syrup, jams, and more. Apex Orchards is open from September through November. Apex Orchards is a great place to visit in the fall for apple picking, pumpkin picking, and enjoying the Fall Festival.
The Fall Festival features hayrides, a corn maze, face painting, and more. Apex Orchards is the perfect place to spend a day with family and friends in the fall.
Carver Hill Orchard
Carver Hill Orchard is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves apple cider donuts. Located in Stow, MA, the Carver Hill Orchard is home to a wide variety of apples, including Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Macintosh.
In addition to apples, the Carver Hill Orchard also sells freshly-pressed apple cider and delicious apple cider donuts. The Carver Hill Orchard is open from September through November, and visitors can pick their own apples or purchase them already picked.
Whether you’re looking for a fun fall activity or simply want to enjoy some fresh apple cider and donuts, Carver Hill Orchard is the perfect place to visit.