Orchards Near Me
Apple Picking in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
Massachusetts offers plenty of options for apple picking, from well-known destinations to smaller family-run spots. Browse every listing below, or search your ZIP code to find the nearest one.
New England Orchard Country
New England has been growing apples since the first colonists arrived in the seventeenth century, and the orchards that operate today are descendants of that long tradition. The combination of cold winters, warm summers, and the granite-rich glaciated soils that characterize the region produces apples with a brightness and crispness that enthusiasts travel specifically to taste. The pick-your-own tradition is deeply embedded in New England cultureāfarms in this region have been welcoming families for generations, and many operate farm stores, cider mills, and bakeries alongside their picking programs. Varieties like McIntosh, Cortland, and Macoun are regional classics here, alongside newer arrivals like Honeycrisp and SweeTango that have found ideal growing conditions in the cool northeastern climate.
Best Time for Apple Picking in Massachusetts
Late August through October, with the Connecticut River valley orchards and Worcester County farms providing some of the best variety selection in the country throughout September.
Tips for Apple Picking in Massachusetts
Before heading out for apple picking anywhere in Massachusetts, a quick call or website check can save a wasted trip if conditions have changed. Early in the day tends to mean better selection and shorter lines.