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REFRESH: Best Places To Go Apple Picking Near Pittsburgh

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Pumpkin patches, haunted houses and hay rides are a highlight of the fall season for many Pittsburghers, but don't overlook the fun and flavor that can be found around Pittsburgh's apple orchards. The countless orchards and farms throughout the region offer many of the best places to go apple picking in Pittsburgh. No matter what variety of apple you prefer, you can pick it ripe from the branch and find wonderful selections of apple cider as well as other fresh fruits and vegetables. Stock up on the freshest apples for your seasonal cooking and baking needs by picking your very own apples at these five orchards and farms considered among the best in the area.

Norman's Orchard
2318 Butler Logan Road
Tarentum, PA 15084
(724) 224-9491
www.normansorchard.com

Norman's Orchard has been providing the Pittsburgh area with the freshest berries, cherries, apples, grapes and pears for decades, making this Tarentum orchard a top choice for apple picking. It specializes specifically in heirloom apples and pears, which boasts a unique combination of sweetness and tartness. Pick your own or choose from its pre-picked fruit. Norman's Orchard is located roughly 20 miles north of downtown Pittsburgh via route 28.

McConnells' Farm
294 New Bethlehem Church Road
Aliquippa, PA 15001
(724) 375-9568
www.mcconnells-farm.com

October's arrival brings a lot of goodness when it comes to fresh fruit and vegetables, including incredible selections of apples at McConnells' Farm. It is the perfect time of year to stock up on the orchard's tasty Golden Delicious, Empire, Granny Smith, McIntosh and more. Pick your favorite varieties, as well as the farm's October produce including pumpkins, cider, acorn and butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. McConnells' Farm is located in Independence Township, Beaver County, roughly 30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.

Related: Best Places To Pick Summer Fruit Near Pittsburgh

Boyce Fruit Farm
Lexington Road
Girard, PA 16417
(814) 774-4854
www.boycefarm.com

Autumn is the perfect time of year for a convenient drive to Boyce Fruit Farm in Girard. Enjoy the changing leaves on your two-hour drive north to this family-owned U-Pick farm. Pick your own apple favorites and perhaps a gallon of fresh apple cider, a few jars of fruit jams and jellies or other seasonal vegetables and fruits from the farm market. Boyce Fruit Farm is located off the I-90 Girard exit and approximately a half mile down Lexington Road on the north side of the road.

Rahal Farms
8200 Bort Road
North East, PA 16428
(814) 725-1257
www.facebook.com

When you crave a juicy fresh piece of fruit, nothing is more satisfying than biting into a locally grown apple from Rahal Farms. Pick from delicious and fresh varieties like Fuji, Gala, Cortland and Honey Crisp that are perfect for baking, cider making or enjoying ripe off the branch. Also available are varieties of peaches, grapes and cherries, in addition to its impressive selection of fresh eggs and vegetables. Rahal Farms is located approximately two hours north of downtown Pittsburgh in North East.

Related: Best Pumpkin Patches Around Pittsburgh

Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. She is also a contributing writer for AXS.com and Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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