Apple Picking in Lancaster, PA

It’s that time of year again- leaves are starting to turn, the air is getting cooler, and pumpkin spice lattes are available everywhere you look. What better fall activity for you to do with your family than to go apple picking? Apple picking is a great way to spend the day outdoors, and it is an activity all ages can participate in. Plus, you will get some great family photos while you are at it. So come on, don your flannel, head to Lancaster and get picking.

Where to pick:

Lancaster has a plethora of orchards to choose from. While all have apples some also have pumpkins you can pick too, as well has fun fall activities like hayrides or corn mazes. Here are some of our favorite places to pick farm-fresh apples.

Cherry Hill Orchards
This family owned orchard offers 45 varieties of apples for you to choose from as well as pumpkins. Apples can generally be picked through November, ending the season with Pink Ladies. For information on the availability of a specific variety check their website in advance. Be sure to bring your own containers for picking here. Afterwards stop by the Cherry Hill Outlet Store to pick up some apple cider and treats to enjoy on the way home. You can also pick other fruits throughout the season at Cherry Hill.
Pick Your Own Hours: Mondays - Fridays 9AM - 5PM, Saturdays, 9AM - 4PM.
Market Hours: Monday - Saturday 8AM - 6PM

Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market
If you don’t have time to pick your own apples, but still want some fresh, crisp apples to enjoy this fall, Kauffman’s Fruit Market is the place to go. This fruit farm owns and operates about 100 acres of land, 50 of which are all apples. They offer many varieties of pre-picked apples for you to choose from as well as delicious apple treats and other local goodies. Kauffman's has apples beginning in early-August through the end of October, and opens on July 30th, 2022, for peach picking!
U-Pick Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 9AM-4PM.
Market Hours: Monday thru Thursdays 7 AM to 5:30 PM, Fridays 7 AM to 8:30 PM, Saturdays 7 AM to 5 PM

Masonic Village Farm Market & Orchard
Growing over 60 varieties of apples, there is a big selection at Masonic Village Orchard. As well as apple dumplings, pies, and cookies baked fresh daily- yum. Here you must also taste Farmer Tad’s award winning cider made with a secret blend of apples.
Pick your own apples are available from August 21 through October 22. Pumpkins are also available for picking on specific Saturdays. If you are picking on a weekday make sure to stop in the farm market for instructions, on weekends you may go straight to the orchard.
Pick Your Own Hours: Thursday - Saturday 9AM - 3PM, Sunday 12PM - 3PM
Market Hours: Friday and Saturday 9AM - 5PM, Sunday 12PM - 4PM

Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market
Not only does Flinchbaugh’s have apples they also have pick your own pumpkins, wagon rides, a straw bale jungle gym, and a 5-acre corn maze! Pick your own apples are offered from September 16 on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Columbus Day. After you have all of your apples home, be sure to check out the recipes section of their website for great apple treats to bake. Flinchbaugh's Offers other fruits, flowers, and pumpkins for picking too!
Apple Picking Hours: Friday 9AM-5PM, Saturday 9AM - 4PM.
Market Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 6PM, Saturday 9AM - 4PM

Weaver’s Orchard
Established in 1932, this orchard knows their apples- they grow about 18,000 apple trees on roughly 35 acres. The orchard offers many varieties, including the Star Gala which was discovered at their orchard! Pick your own wristbands are required for Saturdays and holidays, and may be purchased for $2 (children 12 and under a free). While you are there make sure to sample some of their award-winning pressed cider.
Pick Your Own Hours- Mondays thru Thursdays, 8AM - 4PM; Fridays 8AM - 6PM; Saturdays 8AM - 4PM. (Last admittance a half-hour before close each day).
Market Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 7PM, Saturday 8AM - 5PM

Brecknock Orchard
Just over the border in Berks County you will find Brecknock Orchard. They offer to pick your own apples as well as group tours and fall festival weekends featuring wagon rides, a straw maze, rope maze and outdoor games. Plus, make your own caramel apple, and free samples of apple butter and apple cider. You can always watch applesauce making demonstrations and learn about orchard agriculture at educational displays. Festival activities are from 9 AM to 4 PM on select Saturdays.
Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 8AM - 7PM, Wednesdays and Saturdays 8AM - 5PM.

What to Make:

Apple pies, apple cider, apple donuts, apple crisps, apple fritters- the options are endless. If you aren’t sure what to make we have included a recipe below for one of our favorites- apple dumplings! These cored apples wrapped in buttery pastry dough and baked with cinnamon and brown sugar are a Lancaster County favorite. However, if baking is not your forte, don’t worry there are plenty of local bakeries and markets where you can pick something up to take home… we won’t tell anyone that you didn’t prepare it yourself!

Bird-in-Hand Bakery’s Old-Fashioned Apple Dumplings

6 medium baking apples
2 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk

Sauce:
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups water
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Peel and core apples. Leave whole. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening until particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle milk over mixture and press together lightly, working dough only enough to hold together. Roll out dough and cut into 6 squares. Place an apple on each square. Fill cavity in apple with sugar and cinnamon. Pat dough around apple to cover it completely. Fasten edges securely on top of apple. Place dumplings 1 inch apart in a greased baking pan.

Sauce: Combine brown sugar, water, and cinnamon in saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and add butter. Pour sauce over dumplings. Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes. Baste occasionally during baking. Serve hot with milk.