About Appleton Farms

658 acres

Wander among crop fields and livestock pastures, wetlands and forest, at America’s oldest, continuously operating farm.

What makes Appleton Farms a special place?
Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, and historic farm buildings are part of this pastoral landscape – a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past. A gift of Colonel Francis R. Appleton, Jr., and his wife Joan, Appleton Farms is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the country, established and maintained by nine generations of the Appleton family.

Grasslands here harbor one of New England’s largest populations of bobolinks and meadowlarks. Wetlands provide important spring feeding stops for migrating marsh birds and are home to frogs and salamanders, including the rare blue- and yellow-spotted salamander. Deer, fox, coyote, and mink are found in the fields, while the elusive fisher is common in the woodlands. Fall brings migrating hawks, and pine stands shelter owls in winter.

For a real sense of how generations past enjoyed this bucolic landscape, visit the carriage collection.

Trails
Six miles of footpaths, bridle paths, and farm roads (easy walking), some of which are part of the Bay Circuit Trail, crisscross the farm. We ask that you 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. You can also walk at the adjacent Appleton Farms Grass Rides.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hours, 3 hours if also visiting Appleton Farms Grass Rides.

Facilities
Public restrooms are available in the Carriage Barn in the Farmstead.

Regulations & Advisories

Advisories

• Please stay on marked trails and avoid non-public areas. Please do not open gates, disturb livestock, or interrupt farming 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.
  
  
• Green Horse permits are required for horseback riding at Appleton Farms.

Directions

Route 1A
Hamilton and Ipswich, MA
Telephone; 978.921.1944
Email: neregion@ttor.org

Get directions on Google Maps.

From Rt. 128 (exit 20A), take Rt. 1A North. Waldingfield Rd. parking area: Travel about 7 mi. north on Rt. 1A and turn left onto Waldingfield Rd. to parking area (20 cars) at street corner. Highland St. parking area: Travel about 4.5 mi. north on Rt. 1A and turn left onto Cutler Rd. Follow for 2.2 mi. At intersection with Highland St., turn right, and right again into parking area (20 cars) that also serves Appleton Farms Grass Rides.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 2 hours, 3 hours if also visiting Appleton Farms Grass Rides.

Fees
Trustees Members: FREE. Nonmembers: $3. Permit required from the Essex County Trails Association for horseback riding or horse carriage driving.

Property History

In 1636, Samuel Appleton established the farm, growing vegetables, corn, and hay. Later generations of Appletons expanded into timber, beef, and dairy production, using progressive farming techniques beginning in 1868. By the late 19th century, the farm was primarily a summer country estate, complete with foxhunts and steeplechases, stone pinnacles from the Gore Hall Library at Harvard (alma mater to generations of Appletons), and the Grass Rides – five miles of trails and tree-lined grass avenues (called "rides") built for horseback and carriage driving.

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.

Programs

Community Supported Agriculture
Interested in fresh, local, organically grown produce? Appleton Farms operates a Community Supported Agriculture operation. Learn more about what we grow and how you can purchase shares.

Tours and 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. Download the Learn & Discover at Appleton Farms (pdf) brochure to learn more about upcoming programs and opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Conservation and Stewardship

Maps and Resources

Printed trail maps are distributed free from bulletin boards in parking areas. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We suggest you download a trail map before your visit.

To subscribe to the Appleton Farms newsletter, email your name and mailing address to appletonfarms@ttor.org.

Planning Your Visit

Travel Links
Essex National Heritage Area
North of Boston CVB

Community Links
Ipswich Online
North Shore Chamber of Commerce
Town of Hamilton
Town of Ipswich

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

Tell Us What You Think