Few things say “fall in Massachusetts” quite like spending the day at a local apple orchard. From scenic countryside farms to historic orchards that have welcomed visitors for generations, apple picking is one of New England’s most beloved autumn traditions.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect Honeycrisp, warm cider donuts fresh from the bakery, breathtaking foliage views, or a fun family outing, Massachusetts is home to some of the best apple orchards in the country.
Even better, many of these destinations are accessible using the MBTA Commuter Rail with a short rideshare, making it easy to leave the car behind and enjoy a stress-free fall adventure.
Here are five of our favorite apple-picking destinations to add to your autumn bucket list.
Appleton Farms
One of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States, Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA has welcomed visitors for more than 390 years. Managed by The Trustees, this historic property combines beautiful orchards, scenic walking trails, grazing livestock, and one of the North Shore’s most enjoyable apple-picking experiences.
After filling your bag with fresh apples, stop by the farm store to browse local cheeses, meats, baked goods, produce, maple syrup, and seasonal treats before taking in the peaceful countryside and saying hello to the resident farm animals. With hundreds of acres of rolling farmland and colorful autumn scenery, Appleton Farms offers the perfect way to spend a crisp fall afternoon.
A Great Fit For: Families, history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a relaxing countryside escape.
Things to Do:
- Pick-your-own apples
- Shop at the year-round Farm store featuring local products
- Walking trails & space for picnics
- Admire beautiful fall scenery
- Pet the resident farm animals including: Goats, Sheep, & Cows
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Ipswich Station, then continue by rideshare.
Carlson Orchards
Family-owned for generations, Carlson Orchards in Harvard, MA is one of Central Massachusetts’ hidden gems. Visitors can spend the day picking apples, enjoying warm cider donuts, sampling award-winning hard cider, and browsing the farm market filled with local goods.
Its rolling hills and scenic orchard views make Carlson Orchards an ideal destination for couples, families, and anyone looking for a quieter apple-picking experience away from the larger crowds. During the fall season, wagon rides and beautiful foliage make every visit feel like a classic New England postcard.
A Great Fit For: Couples, cider lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing autumn afternoon.
Things to Do:
- Pick-your-own apples
- Enjoy Fresh cider donuts
- House-made hard cider
- Wagon rides
- Local produce market
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Fitchburg Line to Ayer Station, then continue by rideshare to the orchard.
Cider Hill Farm
Consistently ranked among New England’s favorite orchards and Camille, our Director of Operations favorite, Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, MA offers everything visitors expect from a classic fall experience.
Located in Amesbury overlooking the Merrimack Valley, the farm offers breathtaking orchard views, dozens of apple varieties, homemade pies, fresh apple cider, warm cider donuts, and an incredible bakery. Whether you’re spending the morning picking apples or simply relaxing with a hot cider while taking in the scenery, it’s easy to understand why so many visitors return every autumn.
A Great Fit For: Food lovers, families, photographers, and couples
Things to Do
- Pick-your-own apples
- Warm Cider donuts
- Farm bakery
- Fresh Apple cider
- Scenic orchard views
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Ride the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Newburyport Station, followed by a short rideshare
Photo Courtesy of Amesbury Chamber of Commerce
Smolak Farms
Since the early 1800s, Smolak Farms in Andover, MA has been welcoming families each fall with apple picking, hayrides, farm animals, and one of the North Shore’s best farm stands.
Beyond apple picking, visitors can enjoy weekend live music, delicious baked goods, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the season.
A Great Fit For: Families, dog owners, and anyone looking for a full afternoon of fall activities.
Things to Do:
- Pick-your-own apples
- Pick-your-own-pumpkins
- Hayrides
- Pet farm animals
- Enjoy fresh baked goods from their bakery
- Music on weekends
Bonus: Smolak Farms is dog-friendly, making it one of the few orchards where your four-legged family member can join in on the fun. ( Yes! That is our Director of Operations, Camille, with her dog Enzo at Smolak Farms!)
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Haverhill Line to Andover Station, then continue by rideshare.
Red Apple Farm
Named one of USA Today’s top orchards in the country, Red Apple Farm is a quintessential New England fall destination. Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Massachusetts, the farm offers pick-your-own apples, scenic hayrides, a farm market, fresh cider donuts, handcrafted hard cider, and plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the harvest season. It’s an ideal place to spend an entire autumn day exploring the orchard before relaxing at the Brew Barn with locally crafted food and beverages.
A Great Fit For: Families with young children, Couples, solo travelers
Things to Do:
- Pick-your-own apples
- Enjoy fresh house-made cider donuts
- House made Hard cider & Brew Barn Restaurant
- Hayrides
- Farmers market
- Enjoy Scenic orchard views & fall foliage
Getting There by Commuter Rail
Take the Fitchburg Line to Wachusett Station, then continue by rideshare.
Photo Courtesy of Visit New England
Make the Most of Fall Without the Traffic
Fall weekends are some of the busiest travel days of the year in Massachusetts. Popular orchards often see packed parking lots and heavy highway traffic before lunchtime. Fortunately, many of these destinations can be reached using the MBTA Commuter Rail, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey instead of sitting behind the wheel.
Looking for an even easier way to experience fall? Keolis massAdventures offers curated day trips that combine Commuter Rail travel with convenient shuttle transportation, admission tickets, and thoughtfully planned itineraries to some of Massachusetts’ most popular seasonal destinations, including the Topsfield Fair, cranberry bog experiences, and day trips to the New England Botanic Gardens, famous for their fall foliage, and more.
So grab your favorite flannel, bring your camera, and start planning your perfect fall adventure.
