          
 | Property Description | 658 acres | Established 1998 | Established in 1638 as a land grant to Samuel Appleton, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States. Scenic views of rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, ancient stone walls, tree-lined carriage paths, and historic farm buildings are all part of the legacy of nine generations of Appleton family members kept alive through the work of The Trustees of Reservations. Today, The Trustees is continuing the farm's progressive agricultural traditions while at the same time preserving the property's landscape and farm buildings and enhancing the ecological values of its woodlands, wetlands, and fields, such as the 133-acre Great Pasture which supports one of the largest populations of rare grassland birds in Massachusetts. Operations include a community-supported agriculture, a retail feed and mulch haying operation, and livestock and dairy programs that include White Park and Jersey cows. |
Click here for information about adjacent
Appleton Farms Grass Rides. |
| | Trails | | Six miles of footpaths, bridle paths, and farm roads (easy walking), some of which are part of the Bay Circuit Trail, criss-cross the farm. Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths and roads, observing which are for pedestrians and which for equestrians. Green Horse permits are required for horseback riding at Appleton Farms. Click here for a Green Horse permit application. |
| | Tours & Programs | Interpretive tours and programs for families and adults are offered throughout the year. For listings, visit our Events Calendar or contact the Northeast Region Interpreter at 978/921-1944. |
| | Community-Supported Agriculture Operation | | Interested in fresh, local, organically grown produce? Appleton Farms operates a community-supported agriculture operation. To learn more about what we grow and how you can purchase shares click here, or contact appletonfarms@ttor.org. |
| | Literature | Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. To subscribe to the Appleton Farms newsletter, email your name and mailing address to appletonfarms@ttor.org. To view current and past newsletters, click here. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Relinquishing the life estate established at the death of her husband Col. Francis R. Appleton, Jr. in 1974, Mrs. Appleton deeded approximately 658 acres with buildings in 1998. |
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Telephone:
978-356-5728 E-mail:
appletonfarms@ttor.org When to Visit:
Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hours, 3 hours if also visiting Appleton Farms Grass Rides. Admission Fees & Permits:
Admission free to members of The Trustees. $3 daily use fee for non-members. Permit required from the Essex County Trails Association for horseback riding or horse carriage driving. Regulations / Advisories:
Please stay on marked trails, respect restricted-access areas, and do not open gates, disturb livestock, or interrupt farm operations.Mountain biking and dog walking are not permitted at Appleton Farms, but are allowed at the adjacent Appleton Farms Grass Rides.The reservation closes at sunset.Please observe all posted signs. How to Get There:
To Waldingfield Road Parking Area: From Route 128, take exit 20A and follow Route 1A north for about 7 mi. Turn left onto Waldingfield Road and look for entrance immediately on left at corner. To Highland Street Parking Area: From Route 128, take exit 20N and follow Route 1A north for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Cutler Road and follow for 2.2 miles. At intersection with Highland Street, turn right. Parking area immediately on right. The Highland Street parking area provides access to Appleton Farms Grass Rides as well. Parking areas can accommodate 20 cars each; horse trailers are not permitted in either parking area. It is illegal to park along Route 1A at the property's historic entrance. Road Map:
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