Apple picking is one of the best ways to enjoy fall in Massachusetts.
Orchards across the state offer pick-your-own apples along with cider donuts, hayrides, farm animals, corn mazes and other seasonal activities.
Apple season typically begins in late August and continues through October, although the varieties available change throughout the fall.
Here are five great apple picking spots in Massachusetts to visit this season.
1. Honey Pot Hill Orchards — Stow
Honey Pot Hill Orchards is one of the best-known apple picking destinations in Massachusetts.
The Stow orchard offers several apple varieties throughout the season, including Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Gala and Cortland.
Visitors purchase a picking bag that also serves as admission to the orchard.
Honey Pot Hill also offers hayrides, farm animals and hedge mazes.
Apple picking typically continues into the fall, although availability depends on weather and how quickly fruit gets picked.
The farm recommends checking its website before visiting to see which varieties are available.
2. Tougas Family Farm — Northborough
Tougas Family Farm in Northborough offers much more than apple picking.
The farm grows numerous types of fruit throughout the year, with apples becoming one of its main attractions during the fall.
Apple varieties available during the season include Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Gala and other popular types.
Visitors can also stop at the farm store, get ice cream and visit the beer and hard cider garden.
Tougas has a playground and barnyard area for children, while its pumpkin patch opens during the fall.
The farm also holds seasonal events throughout apple season.
Tougas recommends checking its daily picking update before visiting because fields can close if enough ripe fruit has already been picked.
3. Cider Hill Farm — Amesbury
Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury is another popular destination for Massachusetts apple picking.
The farm has several orchards and grows dozens of apple varieties.
Its apple picking season generally begins in late summer and continues through much of the fall.
Visitors should be prepared to walk from the main farm area to reach the orchards.
Cider Hill also offers plenty to do after leaving the orchard.
The farm has a bakery, farm store, play areas and an outdoor cider bar. Apple cider donuts are also one of its popular fall offerings.
Hayrides are available at select times during the season.
4. Belkin Family Lookout Farm — Natick
Belkin Family Lookout Farm in South Natick combines apple picking with several other fall attractions.
The farm, which dates back centuries, operates a seasonal U-pick orchard with apples and other fruit.
U-pick admission also includes access to several family activities.
Lookout Farm has a farm market along with seasonal outdoor dining.
Adults can also visit the farm's taproom, which serves food, beer and hard cider.
Its location west of Boston makes it a convenient option for people in the city and nearby suburbs looking for a fall day trip.
5. C.N. Smith Farm — East Bridgewater
C.N. Smith Farm in East Bridgewater gives South Shore residents a local option for apple picking.
The family-owned farm has operated for more than 100 years.
Visitors can pick several apple varieties throughout the fall, with availability changing as different apples ripen.
The farm also has a farmstand with locally grown produce and other products.
C.N. Smith sells fresh cider donuts during the fall season as well.
The farm recommends checking its website before visiting because apple varieties and picking conditions can change.
When Is Apple Picking Season in Massachusetts?
The best time to go apple picking in Massachusetts is generally September through early October.
Some orchards begin offering early-season apples in August, while later varieties can remain available into late October.
September usually offers a wide selection of popular varieties.
Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Gala, Cortland and other apples become available at different points during the month.
Weather can affect the harvest, and busy orchards sometimes get picked out before the end of the day.
Anyone planning an apple picking trip should check the farm's website or social media pages before heading out to confirm that picking is open and see which apple varieties are available.
