If you’re looking to sample the finest apples that our state orchards have to offer, visit one of these seven locations while they’re still ripe!
They’re also perfect for picking other fall produce like pumpkins and gourds. Make a day of it and head to the orchard for some of Pennsylvania’s best pickings.
Linvilla Orchards
Media (13 miles west of Philadelphia)
A century-old Delaware Valley favorite, Linvilla Orchards offers a full event calendar and on-site attractions to create memories for all ages. While it offers everything from pony rides to garden advice, apples are its fall-time specialty. Linvilla does the planting and growing of over 30 eating and cooking apple varieties, and you do the picking. After purchasing presized containers, you can hand-select the ripest crops directly from the tree: red delicious, golden delicious, empire, McIntosh, Jonagold, Jonamac and many more ($2.29/lb.). The apple orchard is open every day until early November from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the latest check-in time is 6 p.m.
McMurray (15 miles southwest of Pittsburgh)
This spacious farm offers pick-your-own produce services year-round. Picking is now available for empire, Jonagold and golden delicious apple varieties. The Simmons Farm Market is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Simmons hosts special activities in the fall during extended hours: lassoing, apple slingshots, band music, corn mazes and hayrides to the pumpkin field. Calling ahead to ensure availability and permissible weather conditions is highly recommended.
Brecknock Orchard
Mohnton (6 miles south of Reading)
This family-owned and operated orchard has grown fruits and vegetables on Lancaster County soil for generations. Brecknock Orchard invites the public on Saturdays and Columbus Day in October for its Fall Festival activities. Visitors can participate in the farming experience with the Pick-Your-Own services. You can harvest pumpkins ($0.50/lb.) and apples ($1.45/lb.) through late November and shop at the market for other fresh products through December. The business operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to varied closing hours, depending on the season.
Orton’s Fruit Market
North East (14 miles northeast of Erie)
Orton’s has been a market since 1938, and it is also a working farm with fields and orchards that grow most of the groceries in stock. One of the most popular items to buy is the apple cider, made from Orton’s own apples. Orton’s has expanded to include a selection of baked goods, fruit jams and spreads, and dairy and beef products. Its hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Brace’s Orchard
Dallas (18 miles northwest of Wilkes Barre)
Brace’s is a great place to stock up on apples and other fall treats any day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wagon rides are available on weekends from noon to closing time.
Biglerville (8.2 miles north of Gettysburg)
Based in Adams County, Hollabaugh Bros. is a fruit and vegetable farm with a market, and it is family owned and operated. The farm grows pears, peaches, blueberries, corn, tomatoes and many other crops along with apples. You can pick your own red and golden delicious apples through Oct. 10, and Hollabaugh Bros. is helping to celebrate the National Apple Harvest Festival on Oct. 8-9 at nearby South Mountain Fairgrounds. The orchard is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
State College (3.5 miles south of downtown State College)
Participate in the fall traditions at Harner Farms, a Centre County staple since it was started by a Penn State graduate in 1945. Tour the apple orchards, pumpkin fields and corn maze on Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.