It’s one of best things about autumn… apple picking! If you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, these orchards and farms – all within driving distance – are the perfect place to spend an afternoon picking your own apples, right off the tree.
Triple B Farms
Monongahela
Monogahela’s Triple B Farms opens its orchard to customers every year for pick-your-own apples. The orchard is currently open for picking on Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The farm offers a number of different varieties, which change weekly due to ripening and weather changes, and there’s a minimum of one bag of apples per every two adults. Triple B grows Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Fuji, Gala, Mutsu, Cameo and more. Plus, the farm also has hayrides, a corn maze, and fun activities for kids of all ages during their Fall Fun weekends, which opens September 21, 2024. (Triple B Farms, 823 Berry Ln, Monongahela)
Soergel Orchards
Wexford
Pick-Your-Own apples at Soergel Orchards takes place every Saturday and Sunday during their Fall Festivals, which runs every weekend starting September 14, 2024, through October 27. Not only will you be able to pick more than a dozen varieties of apples (depending on ripening), but you can also enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking, kettle corn, face painting, games, and a lot more. Apple picking is $7/quarter peck (a maximum of 2 people per bag). Soergel Orchards (2573 Brandt School Road)
Simmons Farm
McMurray
Simmons Farm in McMurray open for pick-your-own apples daily Saturday, September 14, 2024. Apple picking will be available Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Depending on the time during the season, they’ll have up to a dozen apple varieties available for the picking, like Gala, Honey Crisp, Yellow Delicious, Ida Red, and plenty more in their expansive orchards. Fall activities include hayrides, flower picking, and games. And whatever you do, don’t forget to bring home one of their fresh-baked pies while you’re there! Simmons Farm (170 Simmons Road, McMurray)
Norman’s Orchard
Tarentum
Founded in 1958, Norman’s Orchards in Tarentum has been a Pittsburgh favorite for more than 50 years. This small orchard has pick-your-own apples during the Fall season, and posts regular updates on their Facebook page about what varieties are available. This year, they’re expecting a light crop of early season apples, a heavy crop of midseason apples, and a light crop of late season apples – so plan accordingly. Norman’s Orchard is typically open during the season on Wednesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4:00 p.m., though check online before you make a trip. Norman’s Orchard ((2318 Butler Logan Rd, Tarentum)
Half Crown Hill Orchard
McDonald
Half Crown Hill Orchard in McDonald is currently open for the 2024 season on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Saturdays through Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Honeycrisp, Pioneer Mac, Cortland, and Fuji varieties now available. Half Crown keeps their website updated with what apples are available for picking over the next few weekends. The orchard grows varieties like Ginger Gold, Gala and Macintosh, and they also have an apple slingshot (!), giant bubbles, jams and jellies, ad honey from their own bees (which you can now order online). Half Crown Hill Orchard (600 N. Branch Road, McDonald)
Shenot Farm
Wexford
Shenot Farm operates on more than 100 acres of farmland in Wexford, with fruit, vegetables, and a full retail market. The farm opens for limited weekends for pick-your-own apples, with varieties like Gala, Jonathan, and Honeycrisp. Check Shenot’s Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates from the farm, including when they’ll be open, as it changes with growing conditions, availability, and the weather. Make sure to pick up some of their own apple cider while you’re there! Shenot Farm (3754 Wexford Run Road, Wexford)
Know of any other great places for apple picking near Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments!
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