The Grass Rides were originally designed as carriage paths for the Appleton family, who owned the farm for nine generations. Today, the trails are open to the public for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. 

The parking for the Grass Rides trails is on Highland Street on the west side of the Appleton Farms property.

Rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, stone walls, vegetable crops, and historic farm buildings comprise this 1,000-acre pastoral landscape, offering a rare glimpse into New England’s agricultural past.

Appleton Farms is committed to farming in ways that produce high quality food locally while preserving biodiversity and native species habitat, mitigating climate change, building healthy soils, and ensuring that our farmland is even healthier for the next generations. With our certified organic vegetable CSA and grass-based livestock operation, we aim to deepen visitors’ understanding of our agroecological approach to farming as a mechanism for conservation.

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. 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.

Six miles of footpaths, bridle paths, and farm roads (easy walking and great for jogging strollers), 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 are for equestrians. You can also walk at the adjacent Appleton Farms Grass Rides.

There is a parking fee for non-members.