The 7 Best Orchards for Apple Picking in Massachusetts
When is the best time for apples in New England?
The best time to go apple picking in New England is September through mid-October. But do you know the best places to go apple picking in Massachusetts? I looked into the list of local orchards so you don’t have to!
You can find hundreds of varieties of apples in New England, but the most common apple varieties are Baldwin, RI Greening, McIntosh, Cortland, and Roxbury Russet.
Before heading to a farm, be sure to review visitor guidelines and field conditions on the farms’ websites or social media. This is simply to avoid any surprises during your autumn adventure.
Never been apple picking before? When picking apples, you can tell an apple is ripe if you can easily twist and pull the stem from the branch. Be certain to carefully examine the apples for any holes or bruises as well.
Now that we have covered the basics, head down to the carefully cultivated list of the best places to go apple picking in Massachusetts.
The 7 Best Orchards for Apple Picking in Massachusetts
1. Boston Hill Farms:
Address: 1370 Turnpike St, North Andover, MA 01845.
Boston Hill Farm is a 12 generation family-owned farm in North Andover, Massachusetts. The picking field is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. This farm’s orchard is ideal for both apple picking and pumpkin picking. Check out my previous post discussing this farm via 3 Ways to Enjoy Autumn in New England: Pandemic Edition. We really enjoyed our visit. They have a cute store, animals, a playground, and beautiful fields to explore.
2. Brookfield Orchards
Address: 12 Lincoln Rd, North Brookfield, MA 01535
Family-owned and operating since 1918. Open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Both the parking and admission are completely free. You can pick your own apples throughout the season. They have so many apple varieties. You can review a full list via their website. You also definitely need to try out their apple dumplings with ice cream at their snack stand.
3. Cider Hill Farm
Address: 45 Fern Ave, Amesbury, MA 01913
Cider Hill Farm is a 145-acre farm that has been run by 3 generations of the Cook family. The best practice is to RSVP for apple picking on their website. However, they still welcome walk-ins. Choose either 1/2 peck ($10) for up to 2 people, 1 peck ($20) for up to 4 people (~15 apples), or 1/2 bushel (~30 apples) for up to 6 people (varies by date). The farm is open for apple picking 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
4. Berlin Orchards
Address: 310 Sawyer Hill Rd, Berlin, MA 01503
You can visit Berlin Orchards Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Weekends 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Prices: 1/2 bushel (about 20lbs) for $35.00 and 1 peck (about 10lbs) for $25.00. The hay wagon ride that takes you and your family into and out of the orchard and is included in the cost of the bag. The farm is exceptionally scenic in the fall. You can also check out the cute animals around the farm during your visit.
5. Hollis Hills Farm
Address: 340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Hollis Hills Farm offers apple picking and even more fall fun. During September and October, they offer additional fall activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, live music, apple cider, caramel apples, and cider donuts. There is also a bar and restaurant for visitors to enjoy.
Ice Cream/Store/PYO:
- Monday- Closed
- Tue-Thur- 9am-5pm
- Fri & Sat 9am-9pm
- Sun- 9am-5pm
6. Honey Pot Hill Orchards
Address: 16 Boon Rd, Stow, MA 01775
Honey Pot Hills Orchard offers apple picking 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Picking bags can be purchased in the Pick Your Own (PYO) booths. Peck – $22.00 (this allows 3 people into the orchard) 1/2 Bushel – $33.00 (this allows 5 people into the orchard. Current varieties include Akane, Sansa, Ginger Gold, McIntosh, limited Cortland, Honeycrisp, Spartan, Smitten, Gala, Golden Supreme, and Gravenstein apples.
7. Mann Orchard
Address: 445 Merrimack Street, Methuen, MA 01844
Mann Orchard got its start in 1877. Today it has grown and has even expanded to a second Riverside location at 445 Merrimack Street in Methuen, Massachusetts for apple picking. This 40-acre Apple Orchard also has activities for families including hayrides, a mini corn maze for kids, and more! Prices are 1 Peck – $25 Approx (10lbs of apples, admits 3 people into our apple orchard), 1/2 Bushel – $35 Approx (20lbs of apples, admits 5 people). Admission into the orchard also includes access to the wagon ride, mini corn maze, and the picnic area. The orchard is open weekends from September-October 11:00 am to the last admission at 4:00 pm.
Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
