Where To Pick Apples In Andover: 2024 Guide

ANDOVER, MA — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sunday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at Andover’s apple orchards.

There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.

The U.S. Apple Association estimates this season’s crop at 259,517,252 bushels, a 10 percent decrease from last year’s record harvest. Growers across the country report an excellent crop, Chris Gerlach, the trade group’s vice president of insights and analytics, said in a news release.

Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Andover. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.

Drew Farm

Address: 31 Tadmuck Road, Westford, MA

Season dates: Sept. 7 to Oct. 31

Details: McIntosh apples, Cortland apples, Macoun apples, and more are on the harvest schedule, which also includes fall favorites like apple cider doughnuts and pumpkins. For more information, go to the Drew Farm website.

Phone: 978-807-0719

Baker Farm and Greenhouse

Address: 1267 Osgood Street, North Andover

Season dates: Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details: The country's oldest continuously operated family farm serving North Andover and the surrounding communities. The orchard is currently offering a selection of apples for picking. Stop by before the end of the season on Oct. 8. Pick your own pumpkins, and purchase Mums or chicken pies.

Boston Hill Farm

Address: 1370 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA

Season dates: Boston Hill Farm is open all year though its website does not list when apple picking will begin for 2024.

Details: Boston Hill Farm also offers pumpkin picking in the fall. For more information, check out their website.

Phone: 978-681-8556

Shelburne Farm

Address: 106 W. Acton Road, Stow, MA

Season dates: Apple season has begun as of Sept. 5.

Details: Shelburne Farm offers a wide range of apples from McIntosh and Cortland to autumn crisp and SnowSweet. The farm is open every day for pick your own and also has hay rides, warm cider doughnuts, and more. Go to Shelburne Farm's website to learn more.

Phone: 978-897-9287

Carver Hill Orchard

Address: 101 Brookside Ave., Stow, MA

Season dates: Apples are available through October.

Details: A variety of apples like Macoun, honey crisp, Baldwin, and more are now available. The family-owned orchard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to Carver Hill Farm's website.

Phone: 978-897-6117

Parlee Farms
Address: 95 Farwell Road, Tyngsboro, MA

Season dates: Apples will be in season until late October.

Details: Conditions for pick-your-own apples were "excellent" for Tuesday, Sept. 12. The farm is reporting a full apple crop this season with varieties like honey crisp, ginger gold, gala, and Jonamac available. For more information, go to the Parlee Farms website.

Phone: 978-649-3854

Doe Orchards

Address: 327 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA

Season dates: Apples will be in season until mid-October.

Details: Right now varieties like ruby macs, McIntosh, honey crisp, and galas are ripe. Doe Orchards is a family farm started two generations ago. Pumpkins, gourds, and cider are available now as well. For more information, go to Doe Orchards' website.

Phone: 978-772-4139

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

Address: 18 Boon Road, Stow, MA

Details: Honey Pot Hill features 186 acres for apple picking. Several varieties are ripe for picking as of mid-September, including honey crisp, gala, and McIntosh. The farm also makes fresh doughnuts every day. Honey Pot Hill is open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go to their website for more information.

Phone: 978-562-5666