16 Gorgeous Orchards for Apple Picking Within an Hour Drive of Philadelphia
Grab your flannel and pick all the apples at these nearby spots.
Pick in-season apples at these Philly-area orchards and farms. / Photograph courtesy of Linvilla Orchards
Though fall doesn’t officially start until September 22nd, we’re ready to embrace all the seasonal fun — like pumpkin-spice-everything, neighborhood festivals, and, of course, apple picking.
Below, we’ve collected a list of local orchards and farms ripe (!) with apples so you can plan a day trip and get your fill. Below, find 16 picturesque apple-picking spots within an hour drive of Philadelphia.
Barnard’s Orchard
When: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Sunday hours starting mid/late September
Drive from Philly: 1 hour (1079 Wawaset Road, Kennett Square)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: Pay for what you pick.
Barnard’s Orchard has been called an apple picker’s paradise, typically harvesting over 30 apple varieties. Pick-your-own season at the Kennett Square orchard doesn’t usually begin until mid- or late September, but they do sell in-season apples at their on-site market if you simply can’t wait. Otherwise, check their Facebook page for updates.
Duffield’s Farm Market
When: Every day except Sunday; time slots depend on the day
Drive from Philly: 40 minutes (280 Chapel Heights Road, Sewell)
Reservations: Required; buy your ticket here.
Cost: $20.99 for a peck of apples (eight-10 pounds) or $35.99 for 1/2 bushel (18-20 pounds), both of which include the cost of the hayride to the orchard; $8.99 for just the hayride
At this family-owned spot, you can choose from a large variety of apples to pick yourself once you hop off the hayride, which is included in the price of your picking ticket. Peep their Instagram to stay updated on what kinds are currently available to pick.
Highland Orchards
When: Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (drive yourself), and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (on-site shuttle available).
Drive from Philly: 1 hour (1000 Marshallton Thorndale Road, West Chester)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: $3 field-access fee for anyone over the age of three, plus cost of apple container
This gorgeous orchard in West Chester has it all: a pick-your-own area with an abundance of apple varieties, a farmer’s market with local produce, dairy, and pantry items, and the can’t-miss bakery featuring delicious apple cider donuts and freshly baked pies. On weekends in September and October, Highland Orchards runs 15-minute hay rides through the orchards — a fun activity for kiddos and adults alike.
Hill Creek Farms
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., September 6th through November 16th
Drive from Philly: 40 minutes (1631 State Highway 45, Mullica Hill)
Reservations: Not required. You can buy tickets in advance online or when you arrive.
Cost: $10 per vehicle for admission, plus the cost of your picked apples (bags range $10-$30)
You-pick season at Hill Creek Farms officially begins on September 6th — and it’ll be bittersweet because the Mullica Hill spot announced that this season will be its final one. There’ll be pick-your-own apple varieties, Asian pears, and sunflowers, as well as hayrides and a barrel train for kids. Note: There’ll be no live music, market, wine garden, or playground available this season.
Indian Orchards Farm
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Drive from Philly: 35 minutes (29 Copes Lane, Media)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: $3.50 admission fee, plus picked apples by the pound.
Weave your way through 100-plus-year-old heritage apple trees — a variety of tree that has been producing the same apples for a very long time — at this family-run farm. Plus, the farm uses organic growing techniques, so you can rest assured that these delicious apples aren’t coated in chemicals. Don’t feel like picking your own? Check out their farm stand for already-picked fruits and veggies.
Johnson’s Corner Farm
When: From September 6th through October 31st, wagon rides to the fields and orchards run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Drive from Philly: 40 minutes (133 Church Road, Medford)
Reservations: Highly recommended. Walk-ins are only made available if pre-made reservations aren’t sold out.
Cost: Online reservations are $7 per person on weekdays and $10 per person on Saturdays and Sundays. Apples cost $2.79 per pound.
Hop on for a fall-themed hayride that will take you to Johnson’s apple-picking field, where you can peruse multiple varieties of apples at this fun New Jersey farm. You can also enjoy the corn maze, barnyard, pumpkin area, and sunflower stroll, plus light fare and sweet treats from the bakery and farmhouse.
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
When: Starting September 5th through October 26th, Park N’ Pick available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting at 9 a.m.
Drive from Philly: 50 minutes (2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown)
Reservations: Required. You can purchase your ticket here.
Cost: $8.75-$16.75 entrance fee, plus cost of picked apples: 1/4 peck ($7.50), 1/2 peck ($13), 1 peck ($22), and 1/2 bushel ($30). Children under two enter for free.
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm in Jobstown hosts a fall Park N’ Pick, where you can pick your own crops at your leisure. They’ve got different kinds of apples — Fuji, Red Delicious, Cameo, Granny Smith, and others available by readiness — plus sunflowers, pumpkins, and gourds. (Your ticket gives you access to all, including a five-acre corn maze.) You can also opt for a scenic hayride tour, listen to live music, or visit the Tomasello Winery Tasting Room for some vino.
Linvilla Orchards
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through September 30th
Drive from Philly: 40 minutes (137 West Knowlton Road, Media)
Reservations: Highly recommended, but not required. You can purchase a ticket online here.
Cost: An entrance ticket costs $11 (online) or $13 (walk-up), which includes a two-quart box for picking.
Between its orchard rows and farm market, which sells all sorts of apple-centric goodies from apple cider to apple pie, Linvilla is a one-stop apple shop. You can also think of Linvilla as the Disney World of local farms — often with crowds to match — but for good reason: There’s a lot for kids at this Delco farm’s annual Pumpkinland festivities, like a barnyard full of animals, a playground, apple cannons and mazes (corn and hay). Linvilla will also host its Apple Festival on September 27th.
Mood’s Farm Market
When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Drive from Philly: 35 minutes (901 Bridgeton Pike, Mullica Hill)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: $1.60 per pound
At Mood’s Farm Market in Mullica Hill, you’ll need to bring your container — which will be weighed in the market upon arrival — to collect your apples. (No plastic bags allowed!) There are hayrides to the orchard ($9 per person) and apple cider donuts. Its Apple Festival will take place on Saturday, September 6th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shady Brook Farm
When: Pick-your-own field is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on select dates in September, with FallFest starting September 12th.
Drive from Philly: 40 minutes (931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley)
Reservations: Recommended. You can purchase a ticket for PYO here and FallFest here.
Cost: $9 for PYO. FallFest tickets range $20-$45. (Free for children under two.) Picked apples are an additional cost.
At this 100-plus-year-old Bucks County farm, you can pick your own apples (plus pumpkins, sunflowers, and seasonal fruits and veggies). Then comes Shady Brook’s FallFest on September 12th, which includes a wagon ride to the apple field, a five-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a haunted barn, a sports zone, live entertainment, a petting zoo and more.
Solebury Orchards
When: Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Drive from Philly: 1 hour (3325 Creamery Road, New Hope)
Reservations: Required on the weekends. Reserve here.
Cost: $2.50 per person, plus $1.50 per pound of apples. Children aged four and under enter for free.
This picturesque farm diligently updates its website with whatever’s ready for harvest, so be sure to check it before heading out if you’re seeking a specific variety. (You can see a list of all the apple varieties they grow here, though the seasons listed are approximates.) Plus, wagon rides are available to take you through the orchards for picking on the weekends.
Solly Brother’s Farm
When: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drive from Philly: 50 minutes (707 Almshouse Road, Warminster)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: TBD
This family-run farm in Bucks county typically hosts pick-your-own apples starting late September. There’s no entrance fee to visit the farm, and you can choose to walk to the orchard for free or opt for the hayride for $2-$3 per person. Apple pricing is still being determined, so check their Facebook for updates.
Styer Orchard
When: Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Drive from Philly: 40 minutes (97 Styers Lane, Langhorne)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: $1.79 per pound
Visit Styer Orchard in Langhorne for in-season apples and other fruits. (They regularly update their website and Facebook page, so you know what varieties you can expect before the hayride takes you out into the orchard.) Styer also has an on-site deli, bakery, and market, all great for enjoying a breakfast sandwich, hoagie, donut, or baked good at your heart’s content.
Tabora Farms / Rustic Valley Orchard
When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drive from Philly: 1 hour (1104 Upper Stump Road and 1220 Upper Stump Road, Chalfont)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: Free admission for PYO. Apples are pay-by-the-bag: 1/2 peck ($12), 1 peck ($15), and 1/2 bushel ($40).
Located less than .5 miles apart in Chalfont, Tabora Farms and Rustic Valley Orchard work in partnership for pick-your-own apples season. Take a free wagon ride through the orchard to snag different varieties as they are ready to harvest, then head to the market for apple cider donuts, caramel apples, or pumpkin apple soup (a must).
Terhune Orchards
When: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Drive from Philly: 1 hour (330 Cold Soil Road, Princeton and 13 Van Kirk Road, Lawrence Township)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: Apples are sold by the bag: Small ($10), medium ($15), and large ($27)
This orchard boasts a farm store, a vineyard and tasting room, and plenty of pick-your-own produce experiences. With more than 10 varieties to choose from, your day of apple picking will surely be fruitful here. They run “fall family fun” on the weekends until November 2nd, which features live music, pony rides, an adventure barn, and more. Find out more and purchase tickets for that here.
Weaver’s Orchard
When: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Drive from Philly: 1 hour (40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown)
Reservations: Not required.
Cost: $20 for a seven-pound bucket $32 for a peck box, or $49 for 1/2 bushel box
Weaver’s Orchard offers almost 30 different apple varieties alone and many different picking options throughout the year. Before you hit the fields, take advantage of the farm’s apple descriptions, which you can find here, to have a good idea of what the fruits of your labor will taste like. They will also be hosting “Johnny Appleseed Day” on September 13th starting at 10 a.m., which will feature free hayrides and story time with the legend himself.
Additional research by Mary Clare Fischer and Isabella DiAmore.
