As one of the country’s top ten apple-producing states, Pennsylvania is no stranger to the allure of a family apple-picking getaway. Apples are grown in every one of the state’s counties, and many orchards are open to the public. There are options for those looking to visit an orchard close to one of the state’s major urban hubs (Pittsburgh and Philadelphia), as well as more rural destinations. Some are even convenient to reach for drivers from nearby New York City or Baltimore.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a quick and easy day trip or a more involved getaway, Pennsylvania’s orchards invite you to pick from the many apple varieties grown throughout the state. Family-friendly fun often accompanies your pick experiences, along with farm markets, cider tastings, and more.
1. Indian Orchards Farm
Address: 29 Copes Ln, Media, PA 19063
Family-run and over a century old, Indian Orchards Farm offers a diverse array of fall crops, including apples in September and October. The farm recommends October as prime apple picking season, joined by pumpkin, raspberry, and fig picking. Fresh-pressed, homemade cider is also available, and the orchard is open daily for all your fall needs- the on-site farm stand sells honey, homemade products, and even firewood. Hayrides are available on weekends.
2. Styer Orchard
Address: 97 Styers Lane. Langhorne, PA 19047
Only 45 minutes away from Philadelphia and even closer to Trenton, New Jersey, Styer Orchard makes a quick and memorable day trip. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the orchard’s Pick Your Own crops include Ginger Gold, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Early Delicious apples. Getting there is part of the fun- you’ll be taken to the picking area via hayride.
Styer Orchards’ on-site market has a breakfast menu to help you start your day, along with sandwiches, fried snacks, salads, and more. Keep in mind that the market runs on a different schedule than the farm itself, so check the orchard website to view specific hours for both.
3. Solebury Orchards
Address: 3325 Creamery Rd, New Hope, PA 18938
Also, easy to reach from Philadelphia, Trenton, and even New York City, Solebury Orchards makes a convenient fall weekend destination. Covering 80 acres, the orchards offer cherry, blueberry, and, of course, apple picking.
Apple picking is open Thursday through Sunday, and reservations are required for Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations can be made online, on Solebury Orchards’ website. On weekends, you can also enjoy hayrides. Everything you pick is priced by the pound, and the orchard is open rain or shine.
The Orchards’ Pick Your Own Page is your resource for keeping up to date on what’s available, as well as additional information. If you’re looking for something specific or just want to learn more about different kinds of apples, you can find a complete list of available varieties here.
The orchard market is a must-stop after a long day of apple picking- applesauce, fruit butter, and fresh produce are just some of what’s offered.
4. Weaver’s Orchard
Address: 40 Fruit Ln, Morgantown, PA 19543
Located about an hour west of Philadelphia and similarly close to Allentown, Weaver’s Orchard is one of the area’s top-rated fruit-picking destinations. Established in the 1930s, the orchard starts its pick-your-own season at the height of summer. Apples become available further along in the season, and you can find regular updates on PYO dates here. If you want the absolute latest information, don’t hesitate to give the orchard market a call. PYO is open Monday through Saturday- the longest day is Friday, when the orchard is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weaver’s grows over thirty varieties of apples, and you can find a full list of what’s available here.
If you get hungry while picking or want to stock up on autumn goodies, visit the year-round farm market. The market sells fresh produce, homemade Orchard Blossom honey, local groceries, ice cream, fresh baked pies and pastries, and so much more. Fresh-pressed apple cider and apple cider donuts are also up for grabs while in season. For coffee and breakfast options, check out Kim’s Café, which is also on-site.
5. Brecknock Orchards
Address: 390 Orchard Rd, Mohnton, PA 19540
An hour to an hour and a half from Philadelphia, Brecknock Orchards is another great local option. Family-owned and operated, the orchard offers apple picking from as early as August to November. The orchard grows over 35 varieties of apples and offers homemade apple products to go with them along with apple pie, dumplings, and cider.
The orchard is also home to a farm market, which sells fresh produce, baking mixes, cider, eggs, honey, and more. Fall festivals, which take place throughout the fall season, help turn your orchard visit into an all-day experience.
Other than apple picking, families can enjoy wagon rides, navigate the straw maze, make their own caramel apples, and participate in kids’ craft sessions. The children’s play area includes corn hole, ring toss, pumpkin tic tac toe, and other games to keep the youngest festival-goers engaged.
6. Susquehanna Orchards
Address: 560 Orchard Rd, Delta, PA 17314
Located just north of Maryland’s border with Pennsylvania, Susquehanna Orchards has been in the area for just over a hundred years. Pick-your-own apple and pumpkin picking is available starting in mid-September and lasting until early November. Hay rides are hosted on weekends in October. The orchards’ Facebook page is a good resource for updates on weather conditions and availability. The on-site farm market sells seasonal fruits, meats, preserves, and decorative items. If you happen to be a photographer looking for a serene setting to shoot, the orchard offers after-hours photography sessions for a $50 fee per visit.
7. Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms
Address: 9875 Schantz Rd, Breinigsville, PA 18031
An hour and a half northwest of Philadelphia and two hours west of New York City, Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms is located in the community of Breinigsville. The pick your own orchard has its own orchard hotline that you can contact for updates- the phone number and additional information can be found here. You can also find. A list of the orchard’s 13 apple varieties and harvesting dates is also available online.
The orchard hosts fall festivals on weekends throughout the season, which include corn mazes, hayrides, and a play corral. Hard cider, wine, kitchen-made food, and fresh baked goods are also available to weekend guests. Casa Taco, located on-site, is open Thursday- Sunday and offers a delicious Mexican menu.
8. County Line Orchard
Address: 9200 Kings Hwy, Kempton, PA 19529
Located just west of Allentown, family-run County Line Orchard offers Gala, Honeycrisp, Ozark Gold, and many more apple varieties for pick-your-own experiences. Apple picking runs from September to November- a full list of apple varieties and estimated harvesting dates is available here. To receive updated information on apple availability, you can sign up for the orchard’s newsletter via their website. The orchard’s Facebook page is another great resource for the latest updates.
9. Norman’s Orchard
Address: 2318 Butler Logan Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084
Sitting just northeast of Pittsburgh, Norman’s Orchard offers autumn apple picking for those looking to get out of the city and enjoy crisp, clean air. The orchard’s Facebook page is the best resource for updates, picking dates, and other you-pick information. During apple season, the orchard is usually open Wednesday through Saturday. Most of the orchard’s apple varieties ripen in September, but there are several that are available in October. Fresh-pressed apple cider is also available during the month of October, while homemade apple butter and locally produced honey are for sale throughout the whole season.
If you want to bring some apples home but aren’t sure exactly how many you should pick, take a look at this handy guide on apple quantities. It’s worth noting that Norman’s Orchard apples are designated heirloom fruits, meaning they are older varieties that aren’t readily available in stores. Fragile, unique, and precious, these apples are best right off the tree, which is the surest way to truly taste their subtle, classic flavor profiles. Check out this page on the orchard website for a guide to available heirloom varieties, listed in the order in which they become ripe.
10. Half Crown Hill Orchard
Address: 600 N Branch Rd, McDonald, PA 15057
Located just twenty-five minutes west of Pittsburgh, Half Crown Hill Orchard is a tried and true orchard for local residents looking for a feel of the countryside. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the orchard offers you-pick experiences at no entry fee. Focusing on family-friendly apple picking, the orchard grows dwarf trees, making it easier for children to participate. 17 apple varieties are available and calling or visiting the orchard’s Facebook page will keep you up to date on availability.
The orchard is also home to a meticulous beekeeping operation, meaning there is homemade honey available for purchase. Produced from the summer and fall harvests, Half Crown Hill’s honey comes in five varieties, each with its own nuances. A jar of one of the autumn honey varieties (Wildflower, Japanese Knotweed, or Buckwheat) is a perfect complement to a bushel full of freshly picked apples. If you need some inspiration regarding what to do with all your apples, check out the orchard’s recipe recommendations here.
Additional orchard activities for the whole family include the apple slingshot game, resident Nigerian dwarf goats, a farm market, and the observation beehive, where you can watch the bees at work.
Related Articles
12 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Michigan (2023)
12 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Illinois (2023)
14 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Maryland (2023)
8 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Colorado (2023)
13 Best Apple Picking Orchards in New Hampshire (2023)
16 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Maine (2023)