Where to Go Apple Picking Near Boston
Find your perfect fall at these 11 awesome apple orchards—each less than an hour from the city.
Photo by Margaret Burdge
Fresh hot cider, crisp juicy apples, and sugary cider doughnuts are all some of the best parts of fall in New England. In the fairytale world of the pick-your-own apple orchard, time moves slower, and everything is a little brighter and happier. Apple-picking season is truly the prime of R&R.
However, sometimes planning a trip seems to cost more time and effort than it’s worth.
No matter—find your perfect fall with our list of 11 apple orchards near Boston. Measured from downtown, all of these apple-picking spots are less than an hour’s drive away from the city, so break out those fuzzy sweaters and cobbler recipes: It’s time for a trip to apple-picking bliss.
Note: We recommend checking the farms’ individual websites or calling ahead for details on apple varieties and other specifics. Pricing, availability, hours, etc. change regularly.
See also: The Best Places to Go Pumpkin Picking near Boston
This guide was first published in September 2016; it was most recently updated in October 2024. Stay tuned for periodic updates.
Belkin Family Lookout Farm. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
Belkin Family Lookout Farm
One of the oldest working farms in the country, Belkin Family Lookout Farm is a staple in Greater Boston, and the closest to the city at about 17 miles away. With Asian pears, apples, and pumpkins, you will find plenty to pick here. Families can enjoy a corn maze, farm-themed play area, bounce pad, and more. Over 21? Stop in the taproom, which features Belkin’s own beer and cider, plus frequent live music and trivia.
89 Pleasant St., South Natick, 508-651-1539, lookoutfarm.com.
Boston Hill Farm
If you are the eat-as-you-go type of apple picker, Boston Hill Farm is the place for you. September and October are prime time at Boston Hill for the Macintosh, Cortland, and Macoun apples, perfect for munching while picking. Along with the standard apple cider doughnuts, Boston Hill’s farm store has less traditional offerings like cinnamon doughnuts and sugar pumpkins (you can pick the real thing in the fields, too). Plus: lots of gluten-free options, including a variety of pies. After you’ve picked your fill of apples, grab a scoop of Richardson’s ice cream and go hang out with the bunnies and sheep. And on the weekends, enjoy fall festivals that include live music, a barbecue, and a petting zoo.
1370 Turnpike St., North Andover, 978-681-8556, bostonhillfarm.com.
Brooksby Farm
In Brooksby’s farm-fresh store, the smell of cider fills the air, and doughnuts and fresh fudge abound. The store also takes on a heartwarming holiday theme throughout the seasons, with fresh pies and baked goods to fill gift baskets. Brooksby is perfect for a relaxing weekend, with barnyard animals, hayrides, and various events (watch for campfire and s’mores nights) complementing the fruit picking.
54 Felton St., Peabody, 978-531-7456, brooksbyfarm.org.
Carver Hill Orchard
With various vegetables, juicy peaches, and cherries, Carver Hill Orchard offers picking from June to mid-November but reaches the height of its pick-your-own season with the fall apple and pumpkin selection. Macintosh, Macoun, Honey Crisp, and more apples line the rows at this farm. End your trip with a visit to the country store for jams, cider, cheese, eggs, and more.
101 Brookside Ave., Stow, 978-897-6117, carverhillorchard.com.
A full one-peck bag weighs approximately 10 pounds. How do you like them crisp fresh apples? / Photo by Margaret Burdge
Dowse Orchards
With 200 years of farm production and 60 years with a roadside farm stand, Dowse is a reliable bet for good fall fun. Autumn at Dowse brings pumpkins (not pick-your-own this year, but plenty available at the farmstand), mums, and pick-your-own apples. In the beginning of October, many apple varieties reach their prime here, specifically Golden and Red Delicious. If your apples are going toward a sweet tooth, grab some Goldens for the perfect pie (or grab a caramel-covered apple from the stand), or pick some Reds to slice for a salad.
98 North Main St., Sherborn, 508-653-2639, dowseorchards.com.
Honeypot Hill
Known for hayrides, delicious fresh cider and cider doughnuts, caramel apples, and apple pies, Honeypot Hill is a fourth-generation family farm that also grows peaches, blueberries, and more. The whole family can enjoy three mazes and visiting with mini ponies, pigs, and other barnyard animals. On the weekends, Bosc pears are available for pick-your-own as well. Note: Honeypot’s pick-your-own and attractions are cash-only; there’s an ATM onsite.
138 Sudbury Road, Stow, 978-562-5666, honeypothill.com.
Nashoba Valley Winery
As the name suggests, this is first and foremost a winery. But Nashoba is also a brewery, distillery, restaurant, and pick-your-own orchard—whew! While families are welcome (and leashed dogs), Nashoba does not offer hayrides, play areas, and such, and the business emphasizes that climbing trees, smashing apples, and other horseplay are not tolerated. The apple orchards include over 100 varieties, with a half dozen or so typically available for picking on any given day.
100 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton, nashobawinery.com.
Fruit wines and ciders at Russell Orchards. / Photo by Marley Penagos
Russell Orchards
Along a scenic country road and only two miles from Crane Beach, Russell Orchards offers nine different apple varieties that you can pick yourself. In the farm store, there are even more varieties (31!), along with pumpkins and pears. Sip on cider and relax on the hillside picnic area or take a stroll around the property; don’t forget to visit the barnyard animals. For those 21 and older, take a break from fruit picking to enjoy a fruit wine tasting in the farm’s spacious tasting room.
147 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, 978-356-5366, russellorchards.com.
Shelburne Farm
Best of Boston winner, 2024
It’s not just about apples at Shelburne: Ready to start decorating for Halloween? Pick the perfect pumpkin in the fields, or grab one from the stand on your way out. On the weekends, families can enjoy the tractor play areas and hayride tours of the orchard for after-picking fun. Don’t miss the fresh cider doughnuts.
106 W. Acton Rd., Stow, 978-897-9287, shelburnefarm.com.
Smolak Farms
Smolak Farms is the best choice for varied picking, featuring a huge number of varieties—including some that are no longer grown commercially, including Pink Pearl and Sheepnose. The farm has several other orchards, too, with plenty of unique options for visitors. With hayrides, activities, animals, and more, Smolak Farms is an all-around winner.
315 South Bradford St., North Andover, 978-682-6332, smolakfarms.com.
Apple picking is about more than juicy fruits. A lot of farms also offer fun activities for the whole family. / Photo by Margaret Burdge
Tougas Family Farm
Head west to pick over a dozen varieties of apples, plus pumpkins, at this second-generation family farm that also features a variety of berries at other times of year. One perk of Tougas compared to most other spots on this list? You can pet and feed the barnyard animals. Cider doughnuts, ice cream, and a farm-themed playground round out the offerings at this can’t-miss destination.
234 Ball St., Northborough, 508-393-6406, tougasfamilyfarm.com.
With additional research by Ellen Cranley, Renae Reints, Mary Meisenzahl, Adam Weddle, Marley Penagos, and Rachel Leah Blumenthal.
