Sunset Trail Farm to bring blackberry picking to north McKinney

Sunset Trail Farm, a new “you-pick” blackberry farm, plans to open in late May, according to owner Kristin Hoegenauer.

The family-owned blackberry farm is located in McKinney’s extraterritorial jurisdiction at 1794 Sunset Trail. The farm offers 2 1/2 acres of blackberries, which are thornless and grown organically, Hoegenauer said.

The farm is anticipated to open for blackberry picking May 23, but that is dependent on when the berries ripen, she said. It is expected to remain open through the end of the berry season in July.

Reservations are required to visit the farm, and guests can purchase their blackberries by the pound or by the bucket, according to the farm’s website. The farm, originally established in 2015, also offers mommy and me sessions, sunset date nights, field trips, and volunteer opportunities for students interested in agriculture.

“We began working on this pasture, like improving it, and then over the last two years, we've been intensively improving the soil for the blackberries, to get ready for that by adding a lot of amendments like organic compost, things like that,” she said.

The farm is a certified Texan by Nature project, reflecting the conservation and sustainability methods used at the farm, Hoegenauer said. Future expansions at the farm may include a water catchment system and a pollinator garden, she said.

The farm also offers homemade blackberry lemonade and fruit popsicles.

214-450-6255. www.sunsettrail.com