Step 1: Find your perfect apple.
Step 2: Gently pick your apples fresh from the tree, so as not to cause neighboring apples to drop, and left bruised and abandoned on the ground. Simply cup your hand around the apple, lift the bottom of it to the sky and it’ll come right off.
Step 3: Take a crunchy, fragrant bite and savor the flavor of fall in New Hampshire.
...Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly what kind of guidance you were looking for. But seriously, there’s really nothing like a sunny autumn afternoon among the apple trees, against the backdrop of some of the most stunning foliage and mountain views the Northeast has to offer. So pack a picnic—or not!—and gather with friends and family beneath the trees of one of these fun and family-friendly pick-your-own orchards in southern New Hampshire.
Applecrest Farm
133 Exeter Road, Hampton Falls, NH
Get a taste of history at Applecrest Farm—one of New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchards! For over four generations, the Wagner family has worked the land, dedicated to their simple mission of sustainably growing the finest fruits and vegetables available. Today, the farm produces over 40 varieties of delicious apples, in addition to peaches, berries, sweet corn, and pumpkins. The farm is also a hub for free harvest festivities all season long, so be sure to check the latest events and happenings.
Need some refreshment after all that fall fun? Head to their on-site restaurant for locally-sourced comfort food—the Orchard Grille. Or grab a locally crafted beer, wine, or hard cider at the on-site Beer Garden. With so much to see and do, you could easily spend an entire day here!
Carter Hill Orchard
73 Carter Hill Road, Concord, NH
Carter Hill positions themselves as “New Hampshire’s Neighborhood Apple Orchard.” And with an undeniable charm and warm welcome felt by all who visit, the claim rings true! Wander the rows and rows of blooming apple trees and pick from over 17 varieties, including Empire, Red Delicious, and Granny Smith, to name a few. The orchard offers sweeping views of mountain ranges in the distance, making this a picture-perfect spot to snap some fall photos.
While Carter Hill may be a quieter stop than some of the larger orchards around the state, the experience is utterly charming and well-worth a visit. You can enjoy fresh baked cider donuts in the Country Store, fresh pies, zucchini bread, plus Annette’s world-famous whoopie pies!
Mack’s Apples
230 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH
As one of the largest orchards in the state, Mac’s Apples is truly a sight to see. The 400 acre farm has been family-run for 8 generations and boasts dozens of apple orchards along the property. Pack a picnic and scope out a spot as you explore the network of orchards—Mac’s encourages it. They also welcome leashed dogs to “wag along” (just not in U-pick areas!).
Ready to gear up and hit the road but not sure when to go? Mac’s has a U-pick hotline so you can get the latest information on the season’s apple harvest. Once you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of pumpkin patches and lanes of blooming apple trees—head back to the main stand for some locally-made Richardson’s Ice Cream and other autumn goodies!
Alyson’s Orchard
57 Alyson's Lane, Walpole, NH
In 1981, Alyson’s planted roots in the soil of the Connecticut River Valley and thrives still today. The orchard itself is beautifully picturesque and harvests over 50 types of apples, including many Heirloom varieties. On weekends, a hay ride guides visitors along the farm grounds, putting on display the stunning landscapes, rolling hills, and ponds dotting the property. The site is a popular wedding destination with elegant on-site lodging—which is the perfect excuse to turn your simple fall outing into an autumn weekend adventure!
Alyson’s Farm Stand also offers plenty of options for you to take home something deliciously local. Choose from fresh baked pies, unpasteurized apple cider, a large selection of fruit wines, gifts, home-grown fruits, and much more!
Appleview Orchard
1266 Upper City Road, Pittsfield, NH
Appleview Orchard is a family-friendly paradise in the fall! Besides a homey selection of delicious apple varieties to pick from including Mollie’s Delicious, Cortland, and Ginger Gold, there are tons of activities to choose from after you’ve filled a bag or bushel to your heart’s content.
Treat the kids to super-premium ice cream, buy a round of freshly baked apple fritters, enjoy a hayride around the farm, or visit the goats and bunnies in the petting zoo! There’s even a playground complete with a bouncy house to keep the kiddos entertained. Stop into the Country Shop for free samples of different apple varieties or to browse local products and foods to take home with you. Try their signature strawberry apple cider blend for something unique!
Gould Hill Farm
656 Gould Hill Road, Contoocook, NH
This family-owned treasure in the town of Contoocook offers an incredibly diverse selection of apple varieties. With over 80 different options including several heritage strains, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect apple. Plus, you can get your hands on a special ‘Hampshire’ variety—an all-purpose apple strain “born” right at Gould Hill!
Take in the views on a horse-drawn hayride and explore the farm on a beautiful autumn day. Or check out the Gould Hill Store for many locally made gifts, jams, jellies, pancake and soup mixes, plus their very own honey products. That’s of course in addition to their ever-popular homemade apple pies, crisps and apple cider donuts!
