Fall is just around the corner! Here are 7 orchards in New Hampshire for apple picking, goodies, and more.
Okay, so the official First Day of Fall isn’t until September 22, but that doesn’t mean we have to wait that long to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Yes, it’s a little too warm to break out beloved sweaters or curl up with a hot cider and a good book, but that doesn’t mean all autumnal activities need to be pushed aside until temperatures start to drop.
In fact, some apple-picking places open for the season on Labor Day Weekend (September 5-7 this year), and others will follow shortly after. Whether you’re into Gala, McIntosh, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, or Granny Smith, variety abounds at these seven orchards in New Hampshire. Baked goods, corn mazes, and local products are just a few of the added bonuses you’ll get at each of these spots, too.
Mack’s Apples, Londonderry
Billed as “the largest pick your own destination in New Hampshire,” Mack’s Apples in Londonderry holds a special place in my heart, as my family has been going there for over 30 years. This season’s apple picking dates have yet to be announced (keep an eye on Mack’s Instagram page for updates), but the Farm Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the ice cream stand is open daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Apple cider donuts are sold at the Farm Market, as are flowers, fresh vegetables and fruits, local goods, seasonal items, and more. In terms of the Pick Your Own options, Mack’s currently offers peach picking and will soon be open for pears, apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers. Click here for more information. The farm also operates a corn maze during the fall months, and you can expect updates on social media or by calling Mack’s directly at (603) 434-7619 or emailing INFO@MACKSAPPLES.COM.
Carter Hill Orchard, Concord
Carter Hill Orchard in Concord officially opens for apple picking on Labor Day weekend, and its fall hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. To help prepare you for what kind of apples you want to grab while you’re visiting, Carter Hill created this helpful guide outlining the varieties available and what they’re best used for, like turning into applesauce or making pies.
The orchard also makes its own maple syrup, apple cider, and baked goods, and sells them all at its Country Store. Gluten- and dairy-free treats are new items this year, making it an even more welcoming spot for everyone.
Meadow Ledge Farm, Loudon
When you think of apple orchards in New Hampshire, you’re probably picturing somewhere you can roam for hours grabbing the best of the bunch before sitting down to eat a freshly baked apple cider donut. Meadow Ledge Farm in Loudon provides that quintessential experience and then some. Local vegetables, fresh pies, smoked cheeses, honey, maple products, fudge, cornstalks, jelly, bacon, and more are all sold here.
Meadow Ledge’s orchards are open daily after Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and include an expansive list of apples—click here to see what’s available and when. Once the picking season is over, the hours taper off a bit, but many baked goods and other items remain available for purchase well into December.
Washburn’s Windy Hill Farm, Greenville
Located in Greenville, Washburn’s Windy Hill Farm is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the spirit of Saturday Night Live’s Stefon, this orchard has everything: pick your own apples, a five-acre corn maze, apple cider donuts, pies, a gift shop, farm animals, maple syrup, mulled cider, and a pumpkin field.
There’s also hayrides that take you out to the orchards on weekends and a concession trailer serving up donut sundaes, which look as delicious as they sound. You’ll need to follow the orchard rules while you’re visiting, so take a look at those here before heading out.
Riverview Farm, Plainfield
Plainfield’s Riverview Farm has been a community staple for over 40 years. 2,000 apple trees offer 14 different varieties to choose from during the picking season. A few are ready now, including Ginger Gold, Zestar, and Paulared, with Macoun, Cortland, Honey Crisp, Gala, and Empire on the horizon.
If you’re looking for more elevated fall experiences, Riverview Farm hosts several events throughout the season, including Harvest Dinners, wreath-making classes, and a haunted corn maze. This link has all the information you need, including when each event takes place, how much they cost, and how to sign up in advance to reserve your spot.
McKenzie’s Farm, Milton
McKenzie’s Farm is up and running when it comes to apple picking—Ginger Gold and Zestar are currently available, and the orchard is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additional varieties will reach maturity over the upcoming weeks, and McKenzie’s has a handy guide here outlining when you can pick each and what they’re best for, like snacking or baking.
The cost of apple picking here varies depending on how many you want to grab. A half peck costs $12 and a whole peck costs $18. McKenzie’s operates its own farm stand as well where you can pick up fresh meat, cheese, milk, honey, and syrup, as well as candles, soaps, baked goods, and plenty of other fall goodies.
Applecrest Farm Orchards, Hampton Falls
Most people flock to Hampton Falls during the summer to enjoy the beaches there, and understandably so, but the area has plenty to offer during cooler months too. Case in point? Applecrest Farm Orchards has pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, flowers, peaches, and herbs, plus it sells freshly baked breads, biscuits, pies, cookies, and crisps. Oh, and it has a creamery if you want some scoops of ice cream to accompany the apple pie you’re inevitably going to buy here.
Applecrest Farm Orchards is open daily. A complete list of guidelines for apple picking can be found here. For even more family-friendly fun, the orchard operates an ongoing Fall Festival featuring live music and a corn maze, in addition to standard offerings like picking and shopping. All the dates, times, and performers are listed at this link.
