Pick Your Own Orchards in Lancaster County
Experience family-friendly fruit picking at Lancaster County's best orchards. From crisp apples to juicy peaches, enjoy seasonal picking with fresh farm stands, family activities, and beautiful countryside views.
Lancaster's Orchard Tradition
Lancaster County's fertile soil and ideal climate have supported fruit growing for over 200 years. Our family-owned orchards offer pick-your-own experiences where visitors can harvest tree-ripened fruit while enjoying the scenic Pennsylvania countryside. Many orchards are multi-generational family farms preserving traditional growing methods.
Seasonal Fruit Calendar
- Summer (July-August): Early peaches, summer apples, berries
- Late Summer (August-September): Peak peach season, early fall apples
- Fall (September-October): Apple picking season, pumpkins
- Late Fall (October-November): Late varieties, cider apples
- Popular Apple Varieties: Gala, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious
- Peach Varieties: Freestone, clingstone, white peaches
- Specialty Fruits: Pears, plums, and nectarines
- Value-Added: Fresh cider, apple butter, preserves
Peak Season
September and October offer the best apple picking weather and largest variety of ripe fruits in Lancaster County orchards.
Featured Pick-Your-Own Orchards
Kauffman's Fruit Farm & Market
Apple cider, cider donuts, fresh apples, and Amish bulk foods from working orchard
Cherry Hill Orchard
Pick-your-own fruit orchard with farm stand featuring vegetables and home-canned goods
Edgewood Farm Market
Seasonal orchard and farm stand run by the Martin family; known for apples, peaches and other fruit
Beiler's Fruit Farm
16-acre orchard selling apples, peaches and fresh market fare
Spring House Peach Farm
Peach and fruit farm open in late summer with orchard stand
Napierville Orchard
Seasonal orchard and farm market selling homegrown fruits and veggies
What to Bring
- Containers: Baskets or bags for picked fruit (some orchards provide)
- Comfortable Shoes: Closed-toe shoes for walking in orchards
- Sun Protection: Hat and sunscreen for outdoor picking
- Cash/Card: Payment methods vary by orchard
- Camera: Capture memories of family picking experiences
Picking Tips
- Check Ripeness: Gently twist fruit - ripe fruit comes off easily
- Handle Carefully: Avoid bruising fruit by gentle handling
- Pick High & Low: Best fruit is often higher up or deeper in trees
- Call Ahead: Confirm picking availability and fruit readiness
- Weather: Avoid picking in rain or immediately after storms
Beyond Picking
Many Lancaster County orchards offer additional family activities:
- Fresh cider and donuts
- Pumpkin patches
- Hayrides and corn mazes
- Farm markets with produce
- Gift shops with preserves
- Educational farm tours
- Picnic areas
- Children's activities
- Seasonal festivals