Apple Orchards of New Hampshire: A Statewide Guide

Few things say early fall in New England like a bag of apples picked straight from the tree. New Hampshire has orchards in nearly every corner of the state, from the hills of the Monadnock Region to the seacoast and the Upper Valley, and many of them open for pick-your-own from late summer into the fall. This guide to apple picking in NH covers what to expect, how to plan a visit and a handful of family orchards from our directory, arranged so you can find one close to wherever you are.

How apple season works

Apple season in New Hampshire starts in late summer and runs into the fall, with different varieties ripening at different times. Early apples come first, and the classic fall varieties follow. Every year is a little different, because weather through the spring and summer affects when the fruit ripens and how big the crop is.

That is why every orchard below asks you to check before you go. Most post picking updates on their websites or social media, often weekly, telling you what is ready and whether the orchard is open for picking that day. A quick look before you leave home can save a wasted drive.

Monadnock Region: Washburn's Windy Hill Orchard

Washburn's Windy Hill Orchard in Greenville describes itself as a family-operated orchard that has been welcoming visitors since 1997. It is in the Monadnock Region and has more than 700 apple trees for pick-your-own.

Washburn's is built for a full family outing. The orchard says it offers free hayrides out to the trees on weekends, a pumpkin field it fills with pumpkins starting in mid-September, and a 5-acre corn maze. There is also a gift shop and bakery known for apple cider donuts, plus a concession trailer. The orchard posts rules for visitors and has an FAQ page worth reading before you go.

Souhegan Valley: McLeod Orchards

McLeod Orchards describes itself as a family farm for more than 80 years. The farm is on North River Road in Milford, and it opens for apple picking in late August, according to its website. It also runs a farm stand and an 11-week harvest subscription, a CSA that members sign up for ahead of the season.

McLeod is a good choice early in the season, when many orchards are just getting started. It posts updates throughout the year on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Near Concord: Appleview Orchard

Appleview Orchard on Upper City Road in Pittsfield calls itself a classic, kid-friendly apple orchard a few minutes off the highway. Along with apple picking, it has a country gift shop, farm animals, a playground and sandbox, picnic areas and a covered porch and pavilion. In season it offers hay rides and fresh pressed cider.

The real draw for many families is the ice cream. Appleview serves Richardson's Farm ice cream in homemade waffle cones, and the orchard advertises wide views and sunsets from its wraparound deck. Plan to stay a while.

Seacoast: Applecrest Farm Orchards

Applecrest Farm Orchards on Exeter Road, Route 88, in Hampton Falls bills itself as the largest apple orchard in New Hampshire, and the farm says it is in its fourth generation. Beyond pick-your-own fruit, Applecrest runs a farm market with meats, cheeses, dairy, pantry goods and its own apples, a bakery making pies, breads, crisps and cider donuts from scratch, and a seasonal creamery. The farm also posts a guide to its pick-your-own fruit seasons, which is useful if you want to plan a visit around a specific crop.

Hampton Falls is a small town in Rockingham County, close to the coast. An orchard visit pairs well with a day at the beach or a meal in nearby Exeter or Portsmouth.

Upper Valley: Poverty Lane Orchards and Farnum Hill Ciders

Farnum Hill Ciders is made at Poverty Lane Orchards on Poverty Lane in Lebanon, in the Upper Valley near the Connecticut River. The orchard grows the apples that go into its ciders.

If you are interested in how apples become cider, Poverty Lane is a good stop. Check its updates page for current plans before visiting.

Beyond picking: cider, donuts and the farm market

For many visitors, the picking is only half the trip. Several orchards on this list make the most of the harvest in other ways, and it is worth leaving time for them.

Cider donuts are the unofficial snack of a New England orchard visit, and both Washburn's and Applecrest list them. Applecrest's bakery also turns out pies, breads and crisps, and its farm market stocks local foods beyond fruit, which makes it a useful stop for stocking a kitchen. Appleview pours fresh pressed cider in season and pairs the orchard with an ice cream window. At Poverty Lane in Lebanon, the apples go into Farnum Hill's ciders.

If you are traveling with people who do not want to pick, a farm market, bakery or tasting is a good way to include them.

Tips for a good orchard day

• Check the orchard's updates first. What is ripe, and whether the orchard is open, changes week to week.
• Go early on weekends. Popular orchards get busy on fall Saturdays and Sundays, especially on sunny days.
• Wear sturdy shoes. Orchard ground can be uneven, wet or muddy.
• Pick gently. Lift and twist the apple off the branch rather than pulling, so you do not damage the tree or next year's buds.
• Follow orchard rules. Many ask that you only pick from marked rows and do not climb trees.
• Bring a cooler for the drive home. Apples keep better when cool, and you may want to pick up cider or baked goods too.
• Ask about what to do with your apples. Staff can tell you which varieties are best for eating fresh, baking or sauce.

Make it a day trip

Each orchard on this list fits into a larger day out. Washburn's and McLeod are in the southern part of the state, within easy reach of the Monadnock Region's villages and hiking. Appleview is close to Concord. Applecrest is near the seacoast, and Poverty Lane is in the Upper Valley near Hanover. A morning of picking, a lunch in a nearby town and an afternoon walk make a classic New Hampshire fall day.

New Hampshire also has a long orchard tradition. Mack's Apples in Londonderry, for example, was founded in 1732 and is considered the oldest family-run farm in the state, run by eight generations of one family until its sale in 2021. Its fields are pictured at the top of this guide.

Frequently asked questions

When does apple picking start in New Hampshire?

Many orchards open in late summer. McLeod Orchards in Milford, for example, says it opens for apple picking in late August. Check each orchard's updates for current conditions.

What is the largest apple orchard in New Hampshire?

Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls describes itself as the largest apple orchard in the state.

Which NH orchards are good for kids?

Washburn's Windy Hill Orchard has hayrides, a corn maze and a pumpkin field, and Appleview Orchard has farm animals, a playground and ice cream.

Do I need to call ahead?

It is a good idea. Conditions change through the season, and most orchards post updates online.

Sources

• Washburn's Windy Hill Orchard official site: https://www.washburnswindyhillorchard.com
• McLeod Orchards official site: https://mcleodorchards.com/
• Appleview Orchard official site: https://www.applevieworchard.com/
• Applecrest Farm Orchards official site: https://www.applecrest.com/
• Farnum Hill Ciders and Poverty Lane Orchards official site: https://farnumhillciders.com/
• Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampton_Falls,_New_Hampshire
• Lebanon, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanon,_New_Hampshire
• Mack's Apples, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mack%27s_Apples