Massachusetts Boasts the Best Apple Picking in the Country

The reviews are in and according to Yelp, Massachusetts is home to the best apple picking in the U.S. Yes, Yelp reviewers had lots of nice things to say about an Amesbury apple farm that may be worth the drive this fall.

It's a nearly two-hour drive up to the New Hampshire border to find Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts, but apparently the trip in worth it. According to a new list comprised by crowd-sourced review site Yelp, Cider Hill Farm has had the most positive reviews over the last 20 years to land in the top spot.

Reviews are glowing, such as "Great donuts, great apples and an awesome place to take your family to go see some farm animal for the day" from Cameron B. in Newburyport, MA, and "this is a really solid choice for folks wanting a PYO orchard and family-friendly farm experience" from Marie M in Boston. The farm also got high marks from many apple pickers for their response to COVID-19 regulations, with Amy W from Boston writing, "Such a great vibe – safe and fun. Store was clean and safe!"

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The farm is credited for having a great variety of apples to pick in its orchard, some seriously tasty cider donuts and farm animals for the kids to check out, adding to the family fun. It also features a peach festival every August, kids events throughout the summer, food truck nights and even fitness classes on the farm. They kind of do it all.

So is it worth the drive? Getting to Amesbury from New Bedford is a nearly two-hour drive, and that drive takes you directly through Boston. I'd say if you are going with older kids or all adults, yes, it's totally worth checking out at least once; but with younger kids, finding somewhere closer probably makes more sense.

No matter what kind of picking you are looking to do, we're sure you'll find a farm you like on this extensive list of PYO apples across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.