Autumn Hills Orchard

Found this hidden gem on our way back from a hike. What a great find. thanks Unilocalers!
It still has all that old school NE charm with rows and rows of apple varieties still available for picking as of yesterday.
Highly recommend if you’re looking to skip out of that busy commercial apple orchard mess like you see at Honey Pot and other similar places.

Not sure if this place is under new management, but I am completely disappointed by my visit today. My boyfriend and I come here every year as a tradition to go apple picking. We have never brought food with us, but agreed that the next time we went, we definitely would since the scenery is so nice AND there are picnic tables throughout! Today was his birthday, and we had planned for weeks to go here to go apple picking and have a nice picnic. We packed food and drinks and were very excited. When we arrived at around 2pm, we were quickly let down. The woman who was working was so rude. She asked us what we were interested in doing and we told her «apple picking and a picnic». She began making faces at us and giving us an attitude. We were told that unless we bought «a lot of apples» we would not be allowed to use the picnic tables because «this is not an amusement park.» How is a quiet picnic with my significant other comparable to an amusement park? We did not appreciate her attitude and told her that some money would be better than none considering we were the only visitors at that time, and probably all day (it was over 90 degrees outside). We then left and had a great picnic else wear. She put a damper on my boyfriends birthday and did not care. To say we are disappointed would be an understatement. We loved this place and planned to come back again next month for my birthday, but this will definitely not happen now. Even though the property is beautiful, we refuse to give money to such a rude company. The faces she gave us are literally stuck in my head because I just can’t believe it. What’s the point of having picnic tables if you will not allow your guests to have a picnic? In the past we were told there was no minimum, I guess that has changed.
I am not able to respond to the comment below but that is completely false. As I said and wrote we were there to pick apples and have a picnic. We were shunned away.

Not sure how much more I can add with my review after reading all the other ones and then deciding this was the place we would try.
As others have stated it can be a ride but we took back roads and enjoyed the sights and small towns we don’t usually past through. The orchard is nice and Well kept and clean. Were shocked they still had grape and raspberry picking going on along with pears.
The rows are clearly marked so there is No confusing what apples are what if you are in search of a certain kind. We were a little disappointed they didn’t have honeycrisp apples but it wasn’t a deal breaker.
The views are nice and climbing the hills to the other half of the orchid is worth it we thought as we strolled and randomly picked and took in the view on this sunny day.
As others have said No commercial stuff being shoved down your throat except for the apple cider and maple syrup and That’s fine.
Only draw back we didn’t like were the small bags and how they charge you. We are use to it either being a bushel or half bushel not by the pound. But it’s fine and how they do it but it’s not a draw back.

We took a vacation day yesterday and decided to go apple picking.
After seeing the very positive reviews here on Unilocal,we chose to drive up to Groton and give Autumn Hills Orchard a try.
The orchard is huge, the views are picturesque, and the fruit trees are varied. We picked Gala, Macintosh, and Macoun, and were excited to happen upon trees with ripe pears and plums, too! We are making some plum jam later today…
Walking up to the orchard and in and among the trees was very enjoyable (it is hilly, so wear proper shoes). The best part was the amazing view of the mountains in the distance. Will be breathtaking in peak season (now just a few weeks away), and there are picnic tables at the spot with the best views, so you could bring a picnic.
Like another reviewer wrote — I appreciate the fact that it is a no-​frills orchard without the added and expensive disney-​esque petting zoo or strategically located exit into a gift shop.
Overall, it was a lovely day, which also Included a yummy lunch at Bliss Bakery in Groton Center (see separate review) and a visit to the Groton Farmer’s Market.

My favorite part about this place is that there isn’t a whole bunch of garbage food and knick knacks and hay rides and candy for sale distracting my kids from the reason we’re there.
Which is to be outside and pick apples.
This is a beautiful spot. It is very hilly (wear real shoes) and has some great views. There are picnic tables scattered throughout the property and I will definitely bring a lunch on my next visit.

I found a review for Autumn Hills on Unilocal and Unilocalers, you did not fail me!!! What an amazing place in a beautiful location on top of a hill — we could see the mountains of New Hampshire and rolling hills leading up to them. Just beautiful.
They have picnic tables set up in a scenic location on the top of the hill — you should bring a picnic lunch or some wine and cheese before picking and enjoy the view.
The staff and owners are so nice! It is just a very quiet, down to earth, wholesome place. The prices are terrific.
Follow the directions on their website for the scenic drive — really pretty through the western suburbs.
If you want to pay a fee to pick, buy overpriced apples, ride trains, crowds, hayrides, petting zoos, popcorn and donuts, don’t come here — you will be disappointed.

We came here again this year after a wonderful time last year. As others have said, it has gorgeous views, delicious apples (and some other fruit like plums and rasberries), and feels non-​commercial. I’m not sure if it’s actually a family operation but it sure feels like one. Drumlin afficianados will especially love it.

This place is everything an apple orchard should be. Wonderful apples, beautiful views, and knowledgeable and friendly farmers on site to tell you all about the apples (and pears!).
There are no hay rides or stupid trains or any of that junk. Instead, the kids get to run around (in fields!) and chuck dropped apples at one another. And look at the horse. This they will enjoy much more than the stupid train and the petting zoo.
There’s no admission fee, the apples are the same ones you get at [expensive supermarket] for a lot less, and the people are super-​nice.
It is a really special place.

If your looking for long lines, tons of people, something that resembles a circus, and spending way too much money then this place is NOT for you. Stick with Honey Pot Farms.
If your looking for a quite country atmosphere, excellent apples, and profoundly cheap prices, then Autumn Hills Orchard is your destination.
My wife and I first started coming here in 2000. We came every year since and loved the town of Groton so much that we moved here in 2009.
You can’t go wrong with Autumn Hills Orchard.

Best place in the world. Beautiful views from on top of the hill. Amazing variety.
No hay rides. No gift shop. No cider muffins. No petting zoo. No piped music. No landscaping. NO TOURISTS.
On one hand, I want them to make crazy money, so they never, ever sell that amazing land to a developer. On the other hand, it’s so great because it never seems crowded. I hope it lasts!

This place is great.
I went with my girlfriend on a beautiful fall day. Despite the perfect weather, this place was not crowded at all. It was our first visit to Autumn Hills, and compared to other PYO places, the trees here have far more apples, and the orchard itself is more pleasant, with a big variety of types and all in very good shape.
It’s pleasant enough to just hang out and have a picnic in the orchard, and then stroll back with your bag of apples at the end. Great spot.

This place was so perfect that I almost don’t want to print this review. We had almost given up on PYO apples because we didn’t want to endure crowded wagon rides, petting zoos, donut stands, etc., we just wanted to be outside and enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s a beautiful orchard on rolling hills and thankfully, there are no bells and whistles. We had a wonderful time walking the orchard and casually picking apples. There were plenty of other people, of all ages, some with picnics, some with cameras, but no crowds, just a pleasant atmosphere. The views from the top of the hills in autumn are spectacular. We also saw twelve wild turkeys and were able to follow them into the woods on our way back to the shed from the orchard.
Fall 2009, we were also able to get pounds of Concord grapes for making jam — literally bursting with deliciousness.

My favorite spot for picking apples.
Why?
1. No crowds. Seriously – get over Honey Pot Hills where apple picking becomes an exercise in fighting mobs. I want a quiet day in the country. For mobs of people, I walk down Newbury Street,
2. The views. Gorgeous rolling hills with great views of the changing leaf colors.
3. The apples. More varieties than many of the orchards in the area. I love the usuals (macintosh, cortland, empire), but sometimes I also like to try those Rhode Island Greenies and the Cox Orange Pippin and the Spencers – yum!
4. No minimums. You pick what you want and pay by weight, $ 1.50/pound.
5. Great picnic spots. Enough said.
6. Friendly, helpful staff.
7. Super cute roosters, horses and geese are highly entertaining.
Go and check it out! No, there are no corn mazes or hay rides or cider donuts. But you won’t miss them.

I’ve been here a few times now, and each time, without fail, it has rained. Although it discourages some, there is something to be said for being all bundled up with a light fall rain drizzling down and coating the cool apples as you pluck them from the rain drop covered leaves (see picture). sigh. i love fall.
although this place is a bit of a drive, i think it is worth it. it is a small orchard high enough on its hill that you can see boston on a clear day. the stand is very simple, which i love. sure there are no hayrides and apple pies and petting zoos, but there are also no toddlers, strollers and sugary temptations. i like kids, but i also like to be able to throw rotten apples at my friends without worrying about who else may be lurking. due to the rain, the times i have been there, we have had the place to ourselves.
its a nice serene orchard with no frills and lots of apples. the people behind the counter have always had a smile and the answers to our questions. nestled in a very new englandy town, this is a great place to go you are looking for a commercial free apple pick.