Franklin County is often celebrated for its thriving agriculture and abundance of local farms. The local orchards stand out as one of our agricultural gems, drawing in visitors to enjoy the annual harvest and partake in the fun of pick-your-own fruits. Warm autumn days are the perfect time to visit a local orchard to pick your own delicious, fresh fruit, surrounded by stunning foliage. Then, bring home your pickings to make a yummy pie, crumble, or other favorite dish. Check out these local Franklin County orchards to visit this harvest season.
Apex Orchards, Shelburne
Apex Orchards offers stunning tri-state views as the backdrop to their orchards and farm store. You can find them in Shelburne, just off Route 2/The Mohawk Trail between Greenfield and Shelburne Falls. They have a wide variety of apples to choose from. Plus, they run tractor-drawn trailer rides for pickers on weekends during the picking season. Be sure to also visit their store which is stocked with local goodies like maple syrup, honey, ice cream, and their mouthwatering cider donuts. Go to apexorchards.com for more information.
Clarkdale Fruit Farms, Deerfield
Clarkdale Fruit Farms in Deerfield, Massachusetts grows over 100 varieties of apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries, and grapes, which are harvested between August and October. Unfortunately, Clarkdale lost a lot of crop this year due to the February freeze event, but they will reopen for the apple harvest. Support this local farm by visiting them on Upper Road in Deerfield. Follow them on Facebook for harvest updates or visit their website.
Pine Hill Orchards, Colrain
Pine Hill Orchards is open year round, but one of the best times to visit them is during the harvest season. They grow apples, peaches, plums, blueberries, pumpkins, and more on their 80+ acre family-owned and operated farm in Colrain, MA. Visit their farm store Wednesday through Monday for fresh produce, hard cider, their own cider donuts, and more. Pick-your-own apples runs from Labor Day weekend through October 9th. On weekends you can also hop on a tractor pulled wagon ride. Get more information on their orchard, deli, and farm store at pinehillorchards.com.
Upinngil, Gill
From mid-August through October, you can pick your own fall raspberries at Uppingil. Uppingil is a small family farm, located in Gill, which focuses on sustainability. In addition to their pick-your-own crops, they sell local produce from other farms, locally made produce, groceries, and snacks. They also bake fresh whole grain sourdough breads and pastries at their own Little Red Hen Bakery. Find more information at uppingil.com.
Bug Hill Farm, Ashfield
Pick your own berries at Bug Hill Farm in Ashfield. From late August through October you can pick red raspberries, gold raspberries, and aronia at their farm. During your visit, you are welcome to meander along the trails and view wildlife at the pond. They also have a farm store with house-made berry shrubs, cordials, preserves, and syrups. It is best to call ahead at (413) 628-3980 to plan your visit. Go to bughillfarm.org for more information.
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