Your 2025 guide to apple picking in Pennsylvania
Enjoy a favorite fall pastime by going apple picking in Pennsylvania.
Fall is almost here, meaning apple-picking season is upon us. Pennsylvania is dotted with apple orchards all across the commonwealth, with apples grown in every county in the state! In fact, Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation in apple production, harvesting more than 400 million pounds each year.
This fall, start a new tradition—or keep an old one alive—by visiting a Pennsylvania orchard near you to pick apples straight from the tree. Then, feast on the fruits of your labor by baking a homemade apple pie or crisp using Pennsylvania apples…or simply bite into one fresh for the purest taste of fall.
When are apples in season?
Good news! Apples are already in season in Pennsylvania, as the season begins in mid-July and stretches to mid-November. The best apple picking, however, usually falls within the shorter window of September and October. Also, different apple varieties—of which there are roughly 100 in Pennsylvania—ripen at different times, so you may want to time your trip to your favorite variety’s harvest, like sweet Empire or tart Crimson Crisp. This year, Eastern U.S. apple growers report an “excellent start” to the apple season, crediting ideal temperatures and summer rainfall, according to fresh produce news site The Packer.
How do I pick the best apples?
When picking apples, you want to make sure to choose apples that are ripe—these fruits don’t keep ripening once they leave the branch! Go for apples that are on an apple tree’s outer branches, where apples ripen quickest, and gently twist and tug the fruit to pick it. If the apple comes off the branch easily, it’s ripe! (And you should put it in your basket—gently, to keep it from bruising.) If the apple doesn’t give, it needs more time on the tree.
What else should I know for apple picking?
Make sure you don cool and comfy clothes, bring water, and wear closed-toe shoes in case of any falling apples that could stub your toes. Also, many apple orchards are family-run establishments that might not always update their website each day, so if you have your heart set on picking a certain variety of apple on a certain day, it’s best to call ahead to learn which type of apples are available to pick!
Where to go apple picking in Pennsylvania
Northhill Orchard & Supply – Winfield (Snyder County)
At Northhill Orchard & Supply in Central Pennsylvania’s Snyder County, pick-your-own apple season has already begun with a selection of early apple varieties (e.g., Summer Rambo, Red Free, and Paula Red). But the orchard grows nearly a dozen different apple varieties throughout the season, which typically runs through November. The orchards at Northhill also offer pick-your-own peaches, pears, cherries, and apricots throughout the year if you’re a fruit salad person.
Sign up for the orchard’s email list to stay updated on the fruit varieties available for picking.
Triple B Farms – Monongahela (Allegheny County)
A trip to Triple B Farms gives visitors a peek at rural life while remaining close to the city—Triple B is just 15 miles from Pittsburgh. The southern Allegheny County farm is a popular fall destination for people in the Pittsburgh area looking to pick apples straight from the source throughout September and October. This year, you can start picking your own apples on weekends in August, as early-season Ginger Gold and Gala apples are already available.
Be sure to check the Triple B Farms social media for updates and changes on apple-picking conditions before you head out.
Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. – Biglerville (Adams County)
Adams County produces the most apples of any county in Pennsylvania, and that’s in large part thanks to orchards in the town of Biglerville. Hollabaugh Bros., Inc. is one such orchard in Biglerville where you can bring your family for a pick-your-own apple experience!
The season usually starts in late August and continues throughout the fall, with picking available seven days a week. The first two weekends in October are particularly apple-focused, as the farm hosts its own apple festival with activities, arts and crafts vendors, and lots of apple picking. You can also buy apples from the market bins, where more than 30 apple varieties will be available throughout the fall. Don’t forget to grab the Hollabaugh Bros.’ famous apple cider donut—or even an apple cider donut milkshake.
Bonus: Furthering Biglerville’s apple accolades, the town is also home to the National Apple Harvest Festival in October as well as the National Apple Museum.
Sceiford Quality Fruit – North East (Erie County)
Sceiford Quality Fruit is located near the shores of Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania. Throughout the year, you can find fruits including grapes, pears, and cherries growing at Sceiford, and the fall promises a bounty of apples. Sceiford has pick-your-own apple hours throughout the week in September and October for apple varieties including Burgundy, McIntosh, Cortland, Jonathan, Empire, Northern Spy, and more. Plus, grape season overlaps with apple season, so you can often pick your own grapes as well!
Check the Sceiford Quality Fruit Facebook page for crop updates throughout the fall.
Masonic Village Farm Market – Elizabethtown (Lancaster County)
During the fall season, acres of fields surrounding the Masonic Village Farm Market grow more than 60 varieties of apples that are destined to be made into apple dumplings, cider, pies, or eaten fresh from the tree.
Apple picking season begins in mid-August with early varieties like Gala and Jonamac apples and continues through at least October with several others, including Crimson Crisp, Snow Sweet, Autumn Gala, Cameo, Stayman Winesap, Empire, Nittany, and more. Apple picking is offered Thursday through Saturday. When you’re finished gathering your haul, check out the farm market’s Orchard View Café for a lovely view of the farm and to try some treats like apple dumplings or a cold cider slushie.
Lakeland Orchard & Cidery – Scott Township (Lackawanna County)
Not far from Scranton, Lakeland Orchard & Cidery is an apple orchard that offers much more than apples, with activities and events celebrating butterflies, berries, and other attractions to enjoy in the fresh air. But the highlight of the fall season is apple picking from late August to early November, where visitors can explore the acres of orchard home to more than 20,000 apple trees! You might come for apple picking, but families will stay for the number of agritourism and carnival activities, including train rides, character meet-and-greets, and even live music on the weekends.
Linvilla Orchards – Media (Delaware County)
Linvilla Orchards is the apple-picking destination of choice for many Philly residents, as Linvilla is roughly half an hour from the city. The massive farm attraction boasts a farm market bursting with seasonal fruits and veggies, a garden center for plants and home decor, and of course, apple picking!
You can wander the orchard to pick apples from early August to late November, sourcing from 30 varieties, including Honeycrisp apples available early in the season and GoldRush apples toward the end. Be sure to make time for other fall fun at Linvilla, like taking a hayride, grabbing apple cider donuts, or getting lost in the corn maze.
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