appleton farms grass rides

This review is for Appleton Farms Grass Rides, which is separate from, although adjacent to, Appleton Farms; both are Trustees of Reservation properties and trails connect them. My husband and I visited recently on a sunny, October weekend day and found the Highland Street parking lot just about full. Many walkers were out for the afternoon, but we still seemed to have the trails pretty much to ourselves. Lots of off-leash dogs were enjoying the day, too, and all seemed well-controlled by their two-footed friends. Horses are not allowed at the Grass Rides (but are at Appleton Farms). The trails go through pleasant, rolling terrain in open fields as well as more wooded areas; they are never very steep. Brochures with trail maps are available near the parking lot (or print one from the website at home). However, we were sometimes unsure of our location as there are very few markers or maps along the trails. On the other hand, the property is small and I think it would be difficult to be lost for long. On this visit, we followed the Grass Rides Loop of about two miles, but made a couple of wrong turns that really caused us no problems. Along the way, we visited two of the four pinnacles located on the Appleton properties: Round Point where five grass rides (carriage roads) meet and Pigeon Hill, the highest elevation on the properties, from which we could look out over the Great Pasture. Some interpretive signs provide background on these monuments.Note that the directions to the Highland Street parking lot in paragraph form on the Trustees’ website are correct. However, the link to Google maps on that page provides directions to the Waldingfield Road parking lot at Appleton Farms rather than Highland Street.We look forward to exploring more of the Grass Rides on longer walks combining several trails. Visitors to the area who are looking for short walks in historic and pretty surroundings will enjoy the property, too.

Appleton Farms is a historic site and one of The United States' original 5 working farms. A trip here is a marvelous way to expose children to the realities, work and pleasures of an old fashion farm.

This land is owned and maintained by the Trustees of Reservations. There is an extensive system of hiking trails which used to be carriage paths. One can discover historic plaques and a granite column from an old Harvard College Library. It is dog friendly and a great birding area as well.

This is a beautiful refuge for the spirit and the soul. Walk almost any time of the year through the rolling meadows. Take your time, bring a friend, and enjoy your stroll. Support the Trustees of the Reservation too!

Owned and maintained by the Trustees of Reservation, Appleton Farms is the oldest continually running farm in America. The farm prides itself on its sustainable practices and just from walking around the property we were able to see many in action. There's cows and chickens and they make and sell milk, yogurt, cheese, and eggs in a small on-site store. Apparently there's also six miles of nature trails to explore, though we didn't have the time during our short visit. I'd recommend Appleton for anyone interested in farming, history or sustainability. I can imagine it as a great escape from the city for families.