The Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near Boston
No matter where you are in Boston, perfect apples are within reach.
Fall is one of the most cherished seasons for New Englanders and visitors alike. There’s foliage to drool over, epic hikes to lace up for, and Halloween’s spooky festivities lurk right around the corner. However, at the absolute top of the list remains the obvious: good old fashioned apple picking. Across Massachusetts—and within two hours of Boston—you’ll find ample orchards to choose from, some with hayrides, farm stands, and other quaint features bound to melt your heart. Here are our picks for the best apple pickin’ spots within driving distance of Boston.
South Natick
Distance from Boston: 30 minutes
Even though it’s widely acknowledged as one of the oldest farms in the country, Lookout is still kickin’ with a plentiful selection of the crispiest and sweetest apples around. It keeps things modern with The Lookout, an outdoor dining escape offering up a menu of craft ciders and beers for a post-pick cooldown along with its farm market, which is stocked with honey, fruit preserves, fresh picked fruit, pumpkins, and the farm’s signature hard cider.
Topsfield
Distance from Boston: 30 minutes
Part wedding venue, part apple orchard, Connemara House’s lush grounds are simply breathtaking. With more than 10 varieties of apples to choose from, the estate is more than just a pretty sight. But hey—if you’re hoping and planning to pop the question in a memorable fall meadow, this may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Sherborn
Distance from Boston: 30 minutes
With more than 50 acres of land and dozens of apple varieties to choose from, Dowse Orchards is a go-to for filling up on fruit this fall. Stocked with all the seasonal favorites including sweet homemade cider, this roadside farmstand has been operating for more than 60 years. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for apple availability updates.
Peabody
Distance from Boston: 35 minutes
From squash to pumpkins and, of course, apples, this homey hideaway has all of your seasonal cravings and decorative touches on lock. Their famous onsite bakery whips up some of the tastiest treats around, including apple cider donuts, whoopie pies, loaf cakes, muffins, monkey bread, and more.
North Andover
Distance from Boston: 35 minutes
This 12th generation, family-owned and -operated farm has all the fruit and fall harvest goodies you need, with both apples and pumpkins up for grabs. Aside from picking your own goods, the farm stand offers a lengthy list of deli offerings, produce, fresh baked goods (from hand pies to croissants), ice cream, honey, jam, and plenty more to add to your seasonal grocery list.
Danvers
Distance from Boston: 40 minutes
Connors Farm takes fall activities to the next level, with a Putnamville Railroad ride, apple and pumpkin picking, farm market, plenty of food options, and of course, the iconic corn maze. For the less kid-friendly crowd, Connors Farm is also home to HYSTERIA, a walking trail that takes you on a terrifying trek throughout the woods as you encounter some of the farm’s spooky characters. But if you’re looking for something a bit friendlier, there’s also an after-dark flashlight maze that guarantees no unexpected scares.
Harvard
Distance from Boston: 45 minutes
Carlson Orchards takes pride in its premium acreage and is committed to filling everyone in on what the talented farmers are harvesting and when. To better educate yourself on apples, the farm takes you through its varieties with descriptions on their website. What’s best for a pie? No need to guess because this place has you covered. There are also six-packs of the farm’s famous hard ciders, Oak Hill Blend and Shandy Stand, calling your name.
North Andover
Distance from Boston: 45 minutes
For 50 years, this family farm has been one of the most popular fall destinations for New Englanders. With pick-your-own apples and pumpkins drawing in local crowds, they’re also equipped with an ice cream stand, bakery, and an animal area and playground sure to keep the kids in your life entertained.
Stow
Distance from Boston: 50 minutes
Founded in 1926, beloved Honey Pot Hill Orchards has been welcoming visitors to their picturesque farm for pick-your-own apples, peaches, blueberries, and other small crops for years. The farm also has hayrides to and from the orchard, a Big Green Monster maze, a hard cider tent, plus a petting zoo for the little ones featuring goats, rabbits, pigs, and miniature horses.
Tyngsboro
Distance from Boston: 50 minutes
This pick-your-own farm not only has a wide variety of apples to choose from, but an option to cut your own flowers through late September. Another plus to making the trip out? Mary’s Country Kitchen and Bakery serves up homemade baked goods—and there’s no better way to win somebody over than with a bag of donuts and bouquet of fresh-cut flowers.
Ipswich
Distance from Boston: 50 minutes
This 120-acre, family-owned and -operated farm is a goldmine for all things fall. Between the more than 20 apple varieties available for picking and the adjoining barnyard, bakery, and produce store, Russell Orchards provides something for everyone in your group, including a tasting room located in the main barn for those that arrive thirsty for the farm’s wine flights.
Northborough
Distance from Boston: 50 minutes
With just about every kind of fruit on the menu, Tougas Family Farm doesn’t disappoint in the picking department. There’s also a popular barnyard, playground, and farm kitchen to peruse after you finish perusing the fields. Stop by the store for an order of fresh-made apple cider donuts topped with endlessly creamy Tougas Farm Kitchen’s ice cream and call it a day well spent.
Stow
Distance from Boston: 1 hour
Looking to zip through the country while en route to a hidden orchard oasis? Consider Stow’s Carver Hill Orchard the perfect backdrop for picking up a cornucopia of fresh produce. We’re talking everything from squash and zucchini to late-season blueberries and peaches, plus pick-your-own apples. Plus there’s a snack window with fall-themed treats like apple crisp, sundaes, and apple cider slushies.
Phillipston
Distance from Boston: 1 hour
You’ve probably caught a whiff of Red Apple Farm’s apple cider donuts at the Boston Public Market, but now’s the time to take a trip to the source. Not only will you find rows of trees heavy with a variety of different in-season apples, but you can pick your own sunflowers while you’re at it. The farm also has a taproom and restaurant called Brew Barn on site in case you’re craving some craft beer and brick-oven pizza.