Pennsylvania is famous for its fall apple season. From pick-your-own apples to family-friendly farm markets, the state is full of orchards that offer fresh fruit, cider, donuts, and even hayrides. I’ve personally visited and researched the top orchards for 2025, and here’s a detailed guide you can use to plan your trip.
Linvilla Orchards is a classic family destination. It’s huge, clean, and very organized, making it ideal for first-time apple pickers and families. They have more than 30 apple varieties, a farm market, seasonal festivals, and educational events.
Apple varieties: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, McIntosh, Empire, Jonagold.
Pick-your-own apples (seasonal)
Hayrides
Farm market shopping (pies, cider, jams, and donuts)
Seasonal festivals like Apple Fest and Pumpkinland
Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds.
Bring a cooler for your apple purchases.
Check their calendar for festival dates.
- Official website: Linvilla Orchards
2. Cherry Hill Orchards – Lancaster County
Why visit: Cherry Hill Orchards is one of Lancaster’s favorites. It has a huge market and plenty of apple varieties. The orchard is family-friendly and perfect if you want a relaxing day trip or a full fall experience.
Apple varieties: Honeycrisp, Gala, Empire, Fuji, Macoun.
Pick-your-own apples
Farm market with seasonal produce
Garden center
Seasonal events and hayrides
Check their picking calendar to know which varieties are available.
Bring cash, as smaller vendors may prefer it.
- Official website: Cherry Hill Orchards
3. Kreider Farms – Manheim / Lancaster County
Kreider Farms is a large farm with a strong reputation for fall activities. Besides apples, they sell seasonal drinks, pies, and other local products. It’s ideal for families or those who want a bigger farm experience.
Apple varieties: Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Empire, McIntosh.
Pick-your-own apples
Farm market
Seasonal drinks (apple cider beverages)
Festivals and farm events
If you want specialty products, check online or call ahead to confirm availability.
- Official website: Kreider Farms
4. Hill Creek Farms – Central Pennsylvania
Hill Creek Farms is perfect for a traditional apple-picking day. They offer hayrides, cider donuts, and kid-friendly activities. Their seasonal calendar is well-organized, making it easy to plan your visit.
Apple varieties: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Macoun.
Pick-your-own apples
Hayrides
Sunflower fields (seasonal)
Family-friendly activities
Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.
Combine apple picking with pumpkin picking for a full day of fun.
- Official website: Hill Creek Farms
5. Scholl Orchards – Bethlehem / Lehigh Valley
Scholl Orchards is a long-standing local favorite. Known for fresh in-season apples, the farm market also sells jams, cider, and baked goods. It’s great for visitors in the Lehigh Valley region who want quality produce without long travel.
Apple varieties: Fuji, Gala, Empire, Honeycrisp, McIntosh.
Farm market shopping
In-season apples
Local preserves and cider
Family-friendly environment
Check market hours before visiting.
Great for buying small-batch apple products if you’re not interested in pick-your-own.
- Official website: Scholl Orchards
6. Spicer Orchards – Newtown / Bucks County
Spicer Orchards is a family-owned farm famous for fresh apples and an excellent farm market. They have a strong pick-your-own program and host seasonal events like apple festivals and hayrides.
Apple varieties: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Cortland, Macoun.
Pick-your-own apples
Hayrides and wagon rides
Farm market with pies, cider, jams, and baked goods
Seasonal festivals
Weekdays are less crowded for picking.
Bring a basket or bag for your apples; some trees have higher branches, so a small step stool can help.
- Official website: Spicer Orchards
7. Indian Rock Orchards – Quakertown / Bucks County
Indian Rock Orchards is known for high-quality apples, pick-your-own options, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Their farm market sells fresh produce and baked items.
Apple varieties: Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Empire, Cortland.
Pick-your-own apples
Hayrides
Farm market shopping
Seasonal fall events
Bring cash; smaller vendors may not accept cards.
Check their Facebook page for special fall events and seasonal announcements.
8. Berkey’s Orchards – Reading / Berks County
Berkey’s Orchards is a classic family farm with a large market and wide variety of apples. They are especially popular for baking apples and apple cider.
Apple varieties: Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Jonagold, Empire.
Pick-your-own apples
Farm market with pies, cider, donuts, and preserves
Seasonal hayrides and events
Best to visit mid-morning for the freshest apples.
Combine your visit with a scenic drive through Berks County farms.
9. Rothrock Orchards – Lancaster County
Rothrock Orchards is a smaller, family-run orchard that focuses on quality apples and personal customer service. It’s perfect if you prefer a quieter, less commercial experience.
Apple varieties: Gala, Honeycrisp, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonagold.
Pick-your-own apples
Seasonal baked goods and cider
Small family-friendly farm activities
Ideal for weekday visits to avoid weekend crowds.
Great spot for photography due to scenic orchard rows.
10. Merrymead Farm – Harleysville / Montgomery County
Merrymead Farm offers a mix of pick-your-own fruits, a robust farm market, and seasonal attractions. It’s a great day trip for families or couples looking for an autumn experience.
Apple varieties: Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Empire, McIntosh.
Pick-your-own apples
Hayrides and corn mazes (fall only)
Farm market with pies, cider, donuts, jams, and fresh vegetables
Seasonal events and festivals
Arrive early on weekends; the farm can get busy during peak apple season.
Check their website for updates on festival schedules and apple availability.
- Official website: Merrymead Farm
Final Thoughts
Visiting apple orchards in Pennsylvania is more than just picking fruit — it’s a full fall experience. Whether you’re near Philadelphia, Lancaster, or the Lehigh Valley, these orchards offer something for everyone: fresh apples, cider donuts, hayrides, and seasonal festivals.
For families, the experience is educational and fun. For couples, it’s a cozy autumn escape. And for apple lovers, it’s a chance to taste the freshest varieties straight from the tree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is the best time for apple picking in Pennsylvania?
A: Most orchards run pick-your-own apple seasons from mid-September through October. Exact timing depends on the apple variety and yearly weather.
Q2: Do I need to pay admission to visit apple orchards?
A: Some orchards charge admission or parking on busy festival days. Others only charge for the apples you pick. Always check the orchard’s website before visiting.
Q3: Which apple varieties are best for eating versus baking?
A: Eating: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Empire.
Baking: McIntosh, Jonagold, Golden Delicious. Some orchards grow 20+ varieties, so check their picking calendar.
Q4: Are these orchards kid-friendly or pet-friendly?
A: Most orchards are family-friendly with hayrides and kid activities. Dog policies vary, so call ahead if you plan to bring pets.
Q5: Can I buy pies, cider, or other apple products at the orchard?
A: Yes! Most farm markets sell pies, cider, donuts, jams, and preserves. If you want a specific product, check availability online or call ahead.
