🍎🍂 2026 Apple Picking Guide: Merrimack Valley & Beyond
Apple-picking season is here, and is it really fall in New England until you've wandered through an orchard, filled a bag with apples and rewarded yourself with a warm cider doughnut?
From classic pick-your-own orchards right here in the Merrimack Valley to farms worth a short road trip, there are plenty of places to make those quintessential New England fall memories. Pack the kids, grab some comfortable shoes and get ready for apples, hayrides, farm animals, pumpkins, cider doughnuts and plenty of fall fun!
🍏 Before You Go: Apple varieties and picking conditions change quickly throughout the season. Weather, crowds and crop availability can also affect hours, so always check directly with the farm before leaving home.
🐕 A note about dogs: Pet policies vary by farm. Some orchards do not allow pets at all, while others allow leashed dogs in designated orchard areas. Check the individual farm's current rules before bringing your four-legged family member.
📍 AMESBURY
🍎 Cider Hill Farm
Cider Hill Farm
📍 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury
One of the area's most popular fall destinations, Cider Hill has five orchards and more than 60 apple varieties. Apple picking typically runs from late August through mid-October, and the farm says the 2026 crop is looking strong.
Families can also enjoy the farm store and bakery, cider doughnuts, seasonal activities and weekend hayrides during September and October. The orchards are about a 10-minute walk from the main farm area and include hills and uneven terrain, so good walking shoes are a must.
🍩 Don't miss: Cider Hill's famous cider doughnuts.
🐕 Pet policy: Pets are not permitted on the farm.
📍 HAVERHILL
🍏 Chris' Farm Stand & Andrews Pick Your Own Orchard — NEW!
Chris' Farm Stand
📍 436 Salem Street, Haverhill
Add this one to your Merrimack Valley apple-picking list!
Chris' Farm Stand operates Andrews Pick Your Own Orchard, where apple picking takes place during September and October. Families purchase a bag or container at the farm stand and then head up the hillside to pick.
One of the best parts may be the scenery—the hillside offers beautiful views over Haverhill and the Merrimack Valley.
The farm also hosts seasonal hayrides and fall activities and operates a country-style farm stand with locally grown produce.
📸 Great for: A quieter apple-picking experience with beautiful views.
🍎 Rogers Spring Hill Farm
Rogers Spring Hill Farm
📍 133 Neck Road, Haverhill
Rogers Spring Hill Farm is another longtime Haverhill favorite for a traditional fall farm outing.
The farm offers seasonal pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and fall visits may also include tractor-drawn hayrides, animals and playground time.
🍎 Great for: Families with younger children—the orchard is known for having plenty of fruit within reach of little pickers.
📍 METHUEN
🍎 Mann Orchards Riverside Farm
Mann Orchards
📍 Riverside Farm
445 Merrimack Street, Methuen
Mann Orchards has been part of the Merrimack Valley since 1877, and its Riverside Farm offers seasonal pick-your-own apples.
Apple varieties grown by Mann include favorites such as Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Gala and Macoun, with different varieties ripening throughout the season.
After picking, make time for a stop at the main Mann Orchards Farmstand & Bakery at 27 Pleasant Valley Street.
🥧 Don't miss: Their homemade pies and bakery treats.
📍 NORTH ANDOVER
🍎 Boston Hill Farm
Boston Hill Farm
📍 1370 Turnpike Street, North Andover
Apple picking is officially underway for the 2026 season at Boston Hill Farm. Visitors check in at the farmstand, purchase a bag and then head into the orchard.
The farm also offers pumpkins and a farmstand/bakery, making it easy to turn apple picking into a full fall outing.
🐕 Dog-friendly alert: Unlike many farms, Boston Hill currently allows leashed dogs in its apple and peach orchards and outdoor areas. Dogs are not allowed inside the farm store or berry fields.
🍏 Smolak Farms
Smolak Farms
📍 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover
Smolak Farms is one of the biggest fall destinations in the Merrimack Valley.
As of September 8, 2026, pick-your-own apples are open, and fall festival weekends are underway. The farm combines apple picking with hayrides, live music, seasonal food and drinks, family activities, a farmstand and an animal playground/viewing area.
The farm also grows numerous apple varieties, including some unusual selections in its Antique Apple Orchard.
🍩 Make a day of it: Pick apples, see the animals and grab a bakery treat before heading home.
🍎 Barker's Farmstand
Barker's Farmstand
📍 1267 Osgood Street, North Andover
For families looking for more of an old-fashioned, no-frills apple-picking experience, Barker's is worth checking out.
This longtime family farm offers seasonal apple picking along with a traditional farmstand selling local produce. The orchard is conveniently located close to the farmstand and parking area.
🍏 Great for: Families who want the apples without a huge festival atmosphere.
📍 TYNGSBOROUGH
🍎 Parlee Farms
Parlee Farms
📍 95 Farwell Road, Tyngsborough
Parlee Farms has more than 22 acres of apple orchards and over 20 apple varieties, with picking generally running from late August through October.
Depending on when you visit, varieties may include Honeycrisp, Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Macoun, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Empire and more.
Fall weekends and holidays bring hayrides to the orchards, and families can also visit Annie's Animal Barns, explore the farm, stop by the farmstand and enjoy seasonal treats.
🍩 Don't miss: Their homemade apple cider doughnuts.
📞 Check the farm's daily picking report before visiting because varieties and availability can change throughout the day.
🍎 WORTH THE SHORT DRIVE
These orchards are outside the immediate Merrimack Valley but are great choices for a fall family road trip.
📍 WEST NEWBURY
🍏 Long Hill Orchard & Farm — NEW!
Long Hill Orchard & Farm
📍 520 Main Street, West Newbury
This longtime family-owned farm dates back to 1896 and offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit along with a farmstand and fall activities.
Long Hill is a nice option for families who want to stay close to the Merrimack Valley while trying someplace new.
📍 IPSWICH
🍎 Russell Orchards — NEW!
Russell Orchards
📍 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich
Russell Orchards is a fantastic addition to your fall bucket list.
Apple picking generally runs September through October, with varieties including McIntosh, Gala, Honeycrisp, Gingergold and Cortland. Exact varieties change as the season progresses.
Families can also visit the farm animals, shop the farm store, enjoy cider doughnuts and explore the farm grounds.
Apple picking involves some walking—generally about 5–10 minutes on weekdays and potentially 10–15 minutes on busy weekends—so sturdy shoes and a stroller or carrier for little ones can be helpful.
🍩 Don't miss: Fresh cider doughnuts and apple cider.
📍 PEABODY
🍎 Brooksby Farm — NEW!
Brooksby Farm
📍 54 Felton Street, Peabody
Brooksby Farm is another classic North Shore option offering pick-your-own fruit, a farm store and kid-friendly outdoor activities.
Families can visit the animals and play area in addition to apple picking. Be prepared for plenty of walking and uneven orchard terrain, particularly with younger children.
🍏 Great for: Combining an orchard visit with animals and outdoor play.
📍 HAMPTON FALLS, NEW HAMPSHIRE
🍎 Applecrest Farm Orchards — NEW!
Applecrest Farm Orchards
📍 133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls, NH
Just over the New Hampshire border, Applecrest makes a great fall day trip.
Apple picking is open for the 2026 season, and the farm grows more than 40 varieties of apples.
Fall festival weekends bring even more activities, including:
🍎 Pick-your-own fruit
🌽 Corn maze
🎶 Live music
🚜 Tractor rides
🐐 Barnyard animals
🍩 Cider doughnuts
🍦 Creamery treats
🥧 Apple pie and baked goods
🐕 Pet note: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are currently permitted in the apple orchards, but not in the farm's other picking areas.
📍 LONDONDERRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE
🍎 Mack's Apples — NEW!
Mack's Apples
📍 230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH
Mack's Apples is a classic New Hampshire orchard and an easy drive for many Merrimack Valley families.
The historic orchard offers seasonal apple picking, a farm market, cider and plenty of fall treats.
🍩 Local favorite: Apple cider doughnuts are one of the big draws here.
Because varieties and picking conditions can change quickly, check Mack's current apple report before making the drive.
🍏 A Few Apple-Picking Tips
Go early. Popular orchards can become very busy on September and October weekends.
Check what's picking. If your family has its heart set on Honeycrisp or Macoun, don't assume they'll be available every weekend.
Wear real shoes. Orchards mean grass, hills, dirt, roots and sometimes mud.
Bring a stroller or wagon thoughtfully. A jogging stroller or sturdy wagon may work better than a small umbrella stroller on orchard terrain.
Don't pick more than you purchase. Farms depend on visitors treating the trees and fruit carefully.
Make room for doughnuts! Because half the fun of apple picking is what happens after you leave the orchard.
🍎 Which Merrimack Valley Orchard Is Your Family's Favorite?
Do you head back to the same orchard every September, or do you try someplace new each year?
We'd love to hear about your favorite apple varieties, cider doughnuts, hayrides and fall farm traditions!
Apple-picking dates, hours, prices, varieties and activities can change throughout the season because of weather and crop availability. Always check directly with the farm before heading out.
Macaroni KID Merrimack Valley is your free local resource for family fun throughout Andover, North Andover, Methuen, Lawrence, Haverhill, Georgetown, Groveland, Boxford, Middleton and surrounding communities.
From festivals and weekend events to seasonal guides, classes, camps, recipes and family-friendly businesses, we're here to help you find your family fun all year long.
