Fall activities around North Central Mass. that go beyond the traditional apple picking
The New England area is known for its colorful foliage, natural maple syrup, cider donuts, and an autumn filled with traditions.
In the North Central Massachusetts area, there are many farms with seasonal "pick-your-own" experiences, and many towns have annual fall festivals planned out. Some residents have been enjoying these activities with their families for many years.
If you are looking for an activity or a place to enjoy some fall festive fun with your friends or family, here are a few options that can spice up the season.
Cranberry bogs
In the Greater Gardner area, there is an abundance of apple orchards, pumpkin patches and all kinds of pick-your- own experiences, but no cranberry bogs nearby.
Cranberry bogs are a key part of the New England agricultural economy and of course an essential part of traditional autumn- and winter-baked treats. In Massachusetts, bog country is primarily in the Southeast region of the state. However, there are a pair of town-owned cranberry bogs in Carlisle and Chelmsford, which are both are only a 40-minute drive away.
The town of Carlisle owns 151 acres while Chelmsford owns the other 165 acres. Together, the towns bought 361 acres of land in 1986 to preserve the miles of woodland and continue to operate the cranberry bogs.
Unfortunately, both of these cranberry bog operations are not open to the public for tours but there is a trail system that runs alongside it so any visitor can see the miles of cranberry bogs. The trail system in Carlisle is popular for residents in the area and there are a few vistas that provide a beautiful view across the bogs and reservoirs.
This is a perfect place to take friends, family, and even the furriest family member to explore nature while observing one of the important New England agriculture practices. While visiting the cranberry bogs, these trails also give visitors a great opportunity to see the fall foliage.
Both towns prohibit visitors to have any contact with the cranberry bogs. They ask visitors to keep children and dogs out of the cranberry bogs due to its delicate nature and because visitors can damage the crop.
The only available parking (and entrances) in Carlisle are along Curve Street. One parking location (four to five cars) is alongside the 101-year-old Bog House; a second parking area (about six to 10 cars) lies among the trees on the north side of Curve Street just 100 yards from the Bog House.
In Chelmsford, the main trail leads in from a parking lot on Elm Street.
Wildwood Farm
Tucked away in Westminster, Wildwood Farm offers Greater Gardner residents quality fall products, from pumpkins grown at the farm to locally sourced cider and apples. In addition, the farm is a great place to visit with the family.
Wildwood Farm has been passed down through three generations of Fosters. This family farm provides a homey environment to all who visit.
During the fall season, the farm puts out a pick-your-own pumpkin patch and while the kids are picking out their pumpkins, they can see the horses. Visitors can see the horse stables from the pumpkin patch and if they're lucky the horses will be out for the day. Seasonal hours in September and October are between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 14, Wildwood Farm is holding its annual Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tickets are required for entry. Tickets are $10 per visitor and children under 12 years old are free. Dozens of local artisans and vendors will display their products for sale, the pumpkin patch will be open, and several free activities will include hayrides, paint your own pumpkin, and build your own scarecrow.
Clearview Farm
Clearview Farm is a six-generation owned family farm in Sterling with the traditional farm experiences of pick-your-own apples in September and pick-your-own pumpkins in October. In addition, the farm organizes Fall Fun events all season long.
For $3 per person, the farm has hayrides through the apple orchards and pumpkin patches, plus cider pressing demonstrations for $3 per person, and more. During a Clearview Farm visit, people can purchase cider donuts from the farm's bakery and the farm's fresh pressed cider. The farm is dog friendly, but dogs must be leashed at all times.
Seasonal hours through October are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Starting in November, hours on Thursday and Friday are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clearview Farm is closed in December.
Take a hike and peep for leaves
As the temperature drops, staying active can be difficult so this fall go leaf peeping at one of the many trails, parks and natural spaces in Greater Gardner.
If you're looking for a new place to explore, go to the Mass Audubon Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Princeton. The meadow is a former 1,220-acre farmstead that offers visitors a beautiful view of the fall foliage. Enjoy woodlands, wetlands and meadows, along with historic buildings and barns used by Mass Audubon for educational programs and sheep grazing.
There is an admission fee for non-members. Tickets for seniors above 65 years old and children between 2 and 12 years old are $3. Tickets for children above 12 and adults are $4. The nature visitor center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Fall experiences in North Central Mass.: cranberry bogs, leaf peeping
