2024 Worcester County, Massachusetts Peach U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Peach U-Pick Orchards in Worcester County, Massachusetts in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for peaches that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have peaches orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Worcester County

• Carlson Orchards,Inc. - apples, blueberries, peaches, raspberries, Cider mill
  115 Oak Hill Road, Box 359, Harvard, MA . Phone: 978-456-3916. Directions: Route 2 West to the AyerGroton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Carlson Orchards,Inc. Facebook page. . Alternate phone: 800-286-3916Route 2 West to the Ayer/Groton Exit 38B onto Route 110N, one quarter mile take ist right-Poor Farm Road, follow signs, 2. 5 miles. From Route 495 take exit 28 to Route 111 towards Harvard. one quarter mile, follow signs. Apple PYO hours are 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week. Peach and Nectarines: Call, Mid-July on, 10-5pm. We supply containers. Carlson Orchards Facebook page. A visitor writes on September 24, 2014: (positive) "Today I went to Carlson Orchards to pick fall raspberries. I had a great time. The picking was plentiful and the staff was friendly and convivial. Would recommend this orchard to anyone looking for a fine time."
  Comments from a visitor on July 28, 2012: (positive) "We have found a new favorite farm! They had wonderful blueberries and nectarines and we also picked up cider and peaches (already picked). The kids had fun and they were friendly and helpful. But do watch out for the poison ivy!"
• Charlton Orchards - Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, pears and raspberries.
  44 Old Worcester Road, Box 339, Charlton, MA . Phone: 508- 248-7820. Email: Patty@charltonorchard.com. Open: year round and sponsors tasting events throughout the year. Directions: Route 20 West 6 miles from Route 395 and Route 290, look for signs. Route 20 East, 4 miles from Mass. Pike, Sturbridge exit and Route 84. Follow signs . Click here for a map and directions.
  Charlton Orchards Facebook page. . Email info@charltonorchard.commap and more directions. Pick your own fruit is available beginning with Strawberries in June, Blueberries and Raspberries in July and August, Peaches in August and continue with Apples and Pears in September and October. Our winery, producing the best in handcrafted fruit and grape wines, is open Offer picnic tables, wagon rides during apple season. Peach Festival in August. Harvest Festival in October and Christmas at first week in December. Strawberry Festival in June, Blueberry Festival in July. facebook page. Be sure to See comments about this farm here! Few farms in the U.S. have so many comments about them as this one.
• Clearview Farm - apples, peaches, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, hayrides
  4 Kendall Hill Road, Sterling, MA . Phone: 978-422-6442. Email: clearviewfarm@comcast.net. Open: in mid-August through September with five varieties of freestone peaches and nectarines. Directions: Take Route 12, Route 62, or Route 190 to Sterling Center, go one half mile up Maple Street, take right onto Kendall Hill Road, farm 1st on left; . Click here for a map and directions.
  Clearview Farm Facebook page. . map and more directions10am to 6pm weekends w/hayrides. 11-5pm weekdays, Groups by appointment. We offer five products you can pick: apples, peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, and raspberries. We open The hayride starts to roll mid-September through Columbus Day to take you to the apple orchard to fill our half-bushel bags. We sell more than twenty varieties of apples - new and old. Our dwarf orchard is within walking distance. Fall bearing raspberries and blueberries yield until mid October. We provide pickers and pint or quart containers. October turns orange with the foliage and the pumpkin patch giving birth to all sizes and types of pumpkins: Cinderella, heirloom, Baby Pam Sugar, Ghost, Big Mac, Tom Fox and Howdens. We also sell gourds and many varieties of winter squash, We provide wagons for retrieving that perfect pumpkin. Facebook page. (UPDATED: May 1, 2015, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on October 13, 2012: "I have gone to this orchard every year for six years to pick apples, but after my visit today I will not be back. The woman who was working the register (whom I am assuming is one of the owners) was completely unprofessional. We arrived and paid for our bags and were directed to the hayride. Having come here for several year we knew that empire apples, my Mom's favorite were in the side orchard not the back. So we asked if we could take the hayride to the back orchard (my children look forward to the "tractor ride")and pick some apples there and then go to the side orchard and pick some there because each spot offers different apples. The woman smirked and told us we would have to pick one, not both. I then said that we would split up and my Mom could go to the side orchard and my husband and I would go to the hayride back orchard to which she told me that we had not bought a big enough bag to get all five of us onto the hayride and if we wanted to split up I would have to purchase a bigger bag..what!?!? Finally, I took my kids on the hayride to the back orchard and my husband and Mother went to the side orchard to get empires. And when we stepped away from the counter, she laughed and said "finally I can help you" to the customers in line behind us. What should have been a great family day at the orchard turned into a disappointing day separated from one another."
  Comments from a visitor on September 24, 2009: "Just wanted to say how disappointed we were with our experience here. As we were going to be in the area last Sunday, I researched on your site to find a farm close by & was so glad to find this one with hayrides. When we went to purchase a bag to pick apples they asked how many we were to write the number on the bag. We are a family of five, & were told that we couldn't pick a peck with 5 people, but would have to purchase the more expensive 1/2 bushel bag. I did not see requirement posted anywhere & as we had already purchased cider, etc from them, did not have enough left to purchase the larger bag. I did mention that this was not right & the adults only wanted to watch the kids anyway & was told by what appeared to be the man in charge that these were the rules for everyone, they had to make a living & this was how all the farms operated. We are from NH & apple pick every year here, & have never heard of this at any of the places we frequent. We should have walked away, but had children who had been looking forward to this, so 2 of us had to stay behind. They had to take a hay ride to the orchard, but there was no signs or directions on what kinds of apples were available to pick. Just the driver who said 'pick here, not there.' I hope you will post this to the site, & let others know what to expect. Thank you for the great job on the site, we have used it several times, usually with success. "
• George Hill Orchards, Inc - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, apples, blackberries, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, rhubarb, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, events at your location (call for info)
  582 George Hill Road, South Lancaster, MA 01561. Phone: 978-365-4331. Open: Check our website for PYO harvest conditions and hours. Directions: From Route 495, take exit 27 \(Bolton Stowe\). Take Route 117 \(west\) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left side. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Alternate Phone: 800-699-4331 Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesFrom Route 495, take exit 27 (Bolton/ Stowe). Take Route 117 (west) and drive 5.5 miles. Turn left onto Langen Road and drive 1.7 miles. Turn right onto George Hill Road. George Hill Orchards is up the hill on the left sideCheck out our website for upcoming festivals, activities and harvest dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicalsfarm animals, baked pies and cider donuts, sand box play area (UPDATED: April 26, 2023, JBS)
  Comments from a visitor on September 02, 2011: (positive) "This is the most amazing fall family experience! They have awesome parking (not far away from everything like some orchards). You take a hayride (free) out to the orchards, and it's a really pretty ride. You get off at whatever spot you want and then just wait when you're done for a wagon to come by. We went all the way to the Fram House Grille, where there was a band playing outside and people were sitting at picnic tables. Inside, the Grille is decorated like an outdoor farm (very kid friendly). My only complaint is that it was kind of dark inside. There are nice clean indoor bathrooms there! The food is really good and cheap too! We actually were able to eat a whole meal, and my son colored at the kids table with provided pages and crayons while we chatted. The macintosh apples were right there next to the Grille, so we picked our apples and headed back on the wagon. We of course stopped at their gift shop and discovered homemade cider and hot apple cider donuts (again, really resonably priced). Every staff person was friendly and seemed happy to be there. This was our first trip to this orchard but we will be back every year now!!"
• Hollis Hills Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, other berries, peaches, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Maple Syrup from trees on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, porta-potties, picnic area, farm animals
  340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Phone: 9786963130. Email: shannon@hollishillsfarm.com. Open: Seasonally, Call for Hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, ATM onsite.
  Hollis Hills Farm Facebook page. (UPDATED: June 10, 2021)
• Lanni Orchards Inc - apples, blackberries, blueberries, flowers, Seedless table grapes, wine grapes, nectarines, peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, tomatoes, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, inflatables or bounce houses, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
  294 Chase Rd, Lunenburg, MA 01462. Phone: (978) 582-6246. Email: info@lanniorchard.com. Open: Sunday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, WIC Vouchers.
  Lanni Orchards Inc Facebook page. Fax: 978-582-6099 We use integrated pest management practices (IPM)Check out our website for current and upcoming events. July raspberries blueberries August raspberries blueberries grapes September grapes, corn maze, apples October apples, corn maze, pumpkins November doggie maze, holiday open house.Our farm stand is open year round! During the cold winter months, we sell all locally made items. Things like fresh baked pies, thaw and serve pies, chocolates, fudge, meats, pasta, cheese, cider, soups, baking mixes, seasonings, hot mulled cider, hot Smokestacks coffee! When the weather warms up we offer an array of things to do here at the farm (UPDATED: August 29, 2023)
• Nashoba Valley Winery - apples, peaches, plums
  100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton, MA . Phone: 978-779-5521. Email: email@nashobawinery.com. Open: daily from 10am to 5pm during harvest season. Directions: Exit 27 off Route 495, take Route 117 West l mile to blinking light, then left one half mile on left. . Click here for a map and directions. Call for calendar of special events. All containers provided. Large groups by appointment, wine tours and tastings on Saturdays and Sundays.
  Comments from a visitor: " no longer offers strawberry picking"
• Parker's Orchard Farm - apples, peaches, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, group reservations
  11 Spring Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Phone: (508) 614-0763. Email: parkersorchard47@gmail.com. Open: Late August through November. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Parker's Orchard Farm Peach Season is typically mid August through Late September Apple Season is typically early September through ThanksgivingPlease call ahead for large groups so that we may better serve you. The ONLY pyo crops offered are Peaches and Apples .(UPDATED: September 09, 2019)
• Ragged Hill Orchard - apples, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, and raspberries.
  94 John Gilbert Road, West Brookfield, MA . Phone: 508- 867-2187. Open: Call ahead for hours and picking conditions; In season, PYO apples open daily 9am to 6pm. Click here for a map and directions. 3 miles North of common to Wickaboag Valley Road to . Or from Route 9 turn to Pierce Road to Ragged Hill Road. Children must be accompanied by adults.
• Tougas Family Farm - Apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, nectarines, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, winter squash, strawberries, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field and prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, wagon rides, face painting, petting zoo
  246 Ball Street, Northboro, MA 01532. Phone: 508-393-6406. Email: tougasfarm@tougasfarm.com. Open: From May through Halloween, Hours vary by season; Always call or check picking conditions on our web site. Directions: From I290 take exit #24 \(Church St\), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . picking stand: 508-393-6470Fax: 508 393 1834 From I290 take exit #24 (Church St), turn towards Bolyston, follow signs up Ball St 1.5 miles Click here for picking updatesWe have been declared a "Family Friendly" business, in addition to fruit to pick we operate a farm kitchen which features fresh fruit desserts, ice cream, baked goods and light lunch. Barnyard animals and a "Farmyard" playground keep the kids happy. (UPDATED: September 21, 2023, JBS) Note: visitors (September 22, 2008) reported that there are purchase requirements in order to enter the orchards. Be sure to verify their website (see this page) for the costs and current picking conditions. For photos and a blog from one visitor to the farm, see this page.
  Comments from a visitor on October 11, 2010: (neutral) "Yes, this farm is well run and has everything--animals, hay/wagon rides, food, and good PYO fruit, however, it will be a long time before I go back, especially for apples. It is SO crowded, the lines are ridiculously long, and the prices are sky-high. If you want to take your kids, they each have to get a tote or tray (applies or strawberries) for a flat rate; you could easily drop 50 bucks, and you feel like you're at a theme park, not the country. Choose one of the smaller, less popular farms if you want a lovely, reasonably priced PYO experience."
  Comments from a visitor on August 23, 2010: (positive) "We love to visit pick your own farms. I have been going to Tougas since I was a kid and take my son several times a year. We love to pick strawberries, cherries, and peaches and enjoy their cider donuts and playground. They are very kid friendly but do get extremely busy on weekends particularly in the fall.

 

Peaches

Peach Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S., Peaches typically peak during late June through July in the South, and July and August in the North. In order to produce good local peaches, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions, and no late frosts. If you want to know which are the best varieties of peaches for home canning, see this page!

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Peaches are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for peaches, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Peaches more than 14 inches deep will bruise the fruit on the bottom. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.
5. You might want to ask whether the peaches are! There are two major types of peaches: "Freestone" and. "Clingstone". Freestone peaches and nectarines have flesh that slips easily away from the pit. Clingstones are a REAL pain, because the fruit tenaciously clings to the stone or pit! Most peach varieties grown today are freestone and are usually available (depending upon your location) from June through September. Some nectarines are freestone and some are clingstone. Freestone nectarines are available in June and July. Most plum varieties are clingstone. 

When you get home

1. Spread the fruit out on towels or newspapers and separate any mushy or damaged fruit to use immediately.
2. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the others and freeze them up!
3. Even under ideal conditions peaches will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
4. Now, get ready to make Peach jam or canned peaches - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
    - peach jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy and our page on
    - how to make home canned peaches from fresh!
   - Or see here to freeze peaches instead!
   - make your own home canned peach pie filling to use in the winter
5. Here's a great and easy peach pie recipe
   or peach-blueberry pie  or how about
   - peach salsa?
   - Peach chutney
   - Spiced peaches
   - peach butter
   - Peach honey
   - pickled peaches
   - peach syrup
   - peach juice
6. Here are some great and easy peach desert recipes, like easy peach cobbler.
7. If you want more information about the Giant Peach water tower in Gaffney, SC, click here.

Temporary Storage Tips

• Ripe peaches have a creamy or golden undertone and "peachy-sweet" fragrance.
• Peaches should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
• Putting peaches and nectarines in a loosely closed paper bag at room temperature for a day or two can help soften firm fruit - but they won't become sweeter or ripen further - that stopped when they were removed from th etree.
• For best flavor, allow the fruit to ripen fully on the tree.
• Store at 33 F to 40 F  and high humidity (a vegetable drawer in the fridge).

How to tell if the peaches are ripe!

• Attached to the tree: Peaches are best picked when the fruit separates easily from the twigs. If it is hard to pull off the tree, it isn't ripe! Peaches will not ripen further once removed from the tree (they only "soften")
• Color: Green is definitely unripe, but you can't use red color as an indicator of how ripe a peach is. Different peach varieties have differing amounts of red blush in their natural coloring. Pick them when the ground color changes from green to yellow, orange, red (or a combination). The skin of yellow-fleshed varieties ripens to an orange tint, while the skin of white-fleshed varieties changes from greenish- to yellow-white.
• Softness: unless you like your peaches very firm, pick your peaches with just a little "give" when gently pressed. Peaches at this stage are great for eating, freezing, and baking. Peaches won't ripen very much after picking!
• Odor: It should smell sweet and ripe!

Tips on How to Pick Peaches

A peach is softer than most fruit, so it is important to pick a peach gently, with little pressure. Using the sides of your fingers rather your fingertips helps to avoid bruising.  Grab the peach firmly and pull it straight off the branch. DON'T drop the peach into the basket, but set it in gently!

Marks on the Peachs: Bugs (particularly squash bugs and stink bugs) bite fruit during development and this results in some imperfections in the peach. This is especially the case with organically raised fruit.  These look like dents in the peaches if the peaches were bitten by a bug when they were young. This causes a spot that does not grow properly and makes a wrinkle in the peach. There's nothing wrong with these peaches. They may look funny, but they will taste just as good as blemish-free peaches, and it's better not to have the pesticides!

How much do you need?

Raw measures:

• About 2 medium peaches = 1 cup sliced peaches.
• About 4 medium peaches = 1 cup pureed peach.
• About 3 medium peaches = 1 pound of peaches

Process yields (Raw amounts to processed amounts)

• 2 to 21/2 pounds of fresh peaches yields 1 quart canned
• 1 lb of fresh peaches typically yields 3 cups of peeled, sliced peaches or 2 cups or puree.
• It takes about 5 good sizes peaches or nectarines (or about 10 plums) to fill one quart jar of canned peaches.
• An average of 171/2 pounds of fresh peaches are needed per canner load of 7 quarts;
• An average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints.
• 1 bushel = 48 to 50 pounds, yields approximately 18 to 25 quart jars.

And a visitor contributes this: 6-7 peaches makes about 4 cups puree, so 2-3 peaches make about 2 cups puree. 1 peach equals about 1 cup puree.

Peaches - Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent, Most recent data (2020)

Form	Average retail price *3		Preparation yield factor	Size of a cup equivalent	Unit	Average price per cup equivalent
Fresh *1	$1.72	per pound	0.96	0.342	pounds	$0.61
Canned
Packed in juice *2	$2.02	per pound	1	0.540	pounds	$1.09
Packed in syrup or water *3	$1.81	per pound	0.65	0.441	pounds	$1.23
Frozen	$3.39	per pound	1	0.331	pounds	$1.12
Note 1 - The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR) reports that the inedible pit of a peach accounts for 4 percent of the retail weight, implying a preparation yield of 96 percent, when eaten raw.
Note 2 - Consumers are assumed to eat the solid fruit and drink the juice. All contents of the can are edible and count towards an individual's recommended fruit consumption.
Note 3 - The syrup (or water) is discarded prior to consumption. Based on the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED), ERS assumes that 65 percent of the can's gross weight is solid and 35 percent is liquid. The FPED cup equivalent weight for canned fruit is the weight of the solids and not of the liquid medium in which it is packed. The preparation yield factor for canned peaches in the above table does not account for any further preparation that occurs prior to consumption.
Source: USDA, Economic Research Service calculations from 2020 Circana (formerly Information Resources, Inc. [IRI]) OmniMarket Core Outlets (formerly InfoScan) data; the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (SR), Legacy Release; and the Food Patterns Equivalents Database (FPED) 2017–18 as well as the FPED's accompanying Methodology and User Guide.

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Peach pit tips

It's best to remove peach pits before you cook the peaches. Cherry, peach, and apricot pits also contain amygdalin; the latter two, in potentially harmful amounts. Fortunately, peach and apricot pits are sufficiently large and hard that few people intentionally swallow or chew them. (The unapproved anti-cancer drug See this page for more information&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/laetrile">Laetrile is a semisynthetic derivative of amygdalin; a cheaper version of laetrile produced in Mexico came from crushed apricot pits.) See this page for more information.

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers