Best Places For Apple Picking
Sure, Pittsburgh has plenty of apple orchards in the area that provide you with the freshest and tastiest apples around. But most places don't let visitors actually pick their own apples (which is half the fun!) So, check out this compilation of four apple orchards that happily allow us city folk to create our own apple-picking memories.
Half Crown Hill Orchard
600 North Branch Rd
McDonald, PA 15057
(412) 913-4981
Hours: Tues & Thurs, noon to 6 p.m.;
Sat: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(Note: hours may vary depending on apple availability. Call ahead).
Website
Located just 20 minutes west of Pittsburgh, this family owned and operated farm and retail market is all about offering high quality products to its loyal customers. But they've also got a great variety of apples available for picking—like Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Autumn Rose Fuji, Royal Court, Buckeye Gala and more. They've got so many different varieties of apples, that they're still cranking them out into the month of November. If that's not enough, Half Crown Hill Orchard also produces pumpkins and homemade honey throughout the year. Be sure to call the orchard before you decide to head over for apple picking. Due to apple availability, hours and dates may change.
Triple B Farms
823 Berry Lane
Monongahela, PA 15063
(724) 258-3557
Hours: call ahead for confirmation
Fall Apple picking hours: September 24 to October 31; Wed to Fri - 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.(starting Oct. 5) ; Sat - Sun, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Reviews, Directions & More Info
During the months of September and October, Triple B Farms opens their apple orchards up for customers for picking. Even though this farm is only 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, it's far from the processed fruits and products that line most grocery stores. The enormous apples come in a bunch of different varieties, such as Gala, Jonagold, Fuji, Suncrisp, Cameo and even more. While you're there, there's plenty to check out. They've got a Country Market & Gift Shop, a refreshment building, a playground, farm animals, an observation beehive, and an annual pumpkin festival. In addition to apples, they've got corn, berries, cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers and more. Homemade jams, jellies and honey also line the shelf at Triple B. Call ahead to make sure apples are still available to be picked.
Woodward's Apples
727 Achortown Rd
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
(724) 891-0102
Hours: Mon to Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Closed Sunday
Like most, Woodward's Orchard is family owned and operated, a business plan that seems to be working just fine for them. Lucky for us, this orchard allows visitors to hand-pick their own apples to their liking. Whether you're a fan of Red Romet or Melrose varieties, you won't leave disappointed. Other fresh apple products include apple juice and hand-pressed apple cider. And they've got more than just apples. This orchard is growing just about everything from melons, cantaloupes, peaches, cucumbers and corn to onions, peppers, pickles, potatoes, squash and tomatoes. For an extra dose of fun, they've got a corn maze, hay rides and a farm market. Insider's tip: Call ahead to make sure apples are still available for picking.
Simmons Farm
170 Simmons Rd.
McMurray, PA 15317
(724) 941-1490
Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website
Apple season for Simmons Farm typically starts around August and lasts all the way until November—a real treat for Pittsburghers looking to try out some apple picking. This place truly offers a great experience for visitors. During the last weekend in September and until the first weekend in November, there are plenty of fun things to do at the farm. Grab a field pass, and you'll have access to a free apple sample and cup of cider, hay maze and three-acre corn maze, nature challenge trail and a 100-feet-slide. On the weekends, there's even more to do—pony rides, pumpkin carving display, food concessions, an apple slingshot, live music and of course, apple picking. Be sure to take part in the Friends and Family Nighttime Hayrides. At $8.50 a person, you can take a hayride through the farm to a bonfire, mini corn maze and hay maze. They even provide marshmallows, apples and roasting sticks for a delicious treat. This place has literally got it all and a lot more. Be sure to call ahead for apple picking availability and exact dates for these fun activities throughout the year.
Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State's Valley magazine.
