A Guide to Apple Picking & Apples in Lancaster County

Key Takeaways: Apple Picking in Lancaster County

• Vibrant Harvest Window: Lancaster’s apple season runs from mid-July through November, featuring early varieties like Yellow Transparent and late-season favorites like Fuji and Pink Lady.
• Expert Picking Tips: For the best orchard experience, dress in layers, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and always check current harvest schedules to ensure your preferred variety is ready for picking.
• Top U-Pick Locations: Discover local favorites like Kauffman Orchards (conveniently located right next to AmishView Inn), Cherry Hill Orchards, and Masonic Village Farm Market.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Beyond the orchards, indulge in “must-taste” treats including Miller’s Smorgasbord’s gourmet apple pie, fresh cider donuts, and traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Snitz.
• Stay Near the Orchards: AmishView Inn & Suites offers the perfect autumnal home base, placing you within walking distance of prime picking at Kauffman Orchards and the heart of fall harvest country.

As autumn rolls in and the air turns crisp, apple season becomes one of the sweetest times of year here in Lancaster County. Whether you’re staying at AmishView Inn & Suites or exploring the countryside, there’s nothing like picking your own apples, tasting local treats, and slipping into cozy fall rituals. Some varieties of apple start to ripen in mid-July and others in November so make sure to check the orchards websites for when they will start pick your own and which varieties will be available. 

Apple Types in Lancaster County

Lancaster’s orchards grow an impressive variety of apples. One of the best examples is Kauffman Orchards, which lists dozens of apple types along with their approximate harvest times. 

Here are some favorites you’ll find locally:

• Yellow Transparent — tart, early season (mid‐summer), great for applesauce or cooking. 
• Earligold — light textured; early ripening (late July‑late August). 
• Summer Rambo — an old variety, good flavor, also early in the season. 
• Ginger Gold — sweet, crisp, early August to early September; good both fresh and for sauces. 
• Sansa — sweet and crunchy; one of the first “good eating” apples in the season. 
• Zestar! — ripens a little later (late August through October); good fresh. 
• Gala — a crowd favorite, sweet and juicy; holds well into the fall. 
• Honeycrisp — very popular, crisp and sweet; later in the season. 
• Smokehouse — a local, heirloom‐style variety; tart and especially good for cooking and baking. 
• McIntosh and Jonathan — for those wanting apples that are great in pies, sauces, or just fresh with a bit of tartness. 

Tips for Picking Your Own

Here are some handy tips to make your apple‐picking visit smooth, enjoyable, and delicious:

• Dress in layers — mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm. A sweater or light jacket helps.
• Wear the right shoes — orchards can be uneven or muddy; closed‐toe, sturdy shoes are best.
• Check harvest times — different varieties ripen at different times. If you want a specific kind (like Honeycrisp or Smokehouse), call ahead or check the orchard website.
• Go early in the week or early in the day — weekends fill up fast, and later in the day there may be fewer good apples left in some varieties.
• Taste before you pick — many orchards have samples out so you can see which apple varieties you like.
• Handle apples gently — bruises or drops can reduce storage life. If you plan to keep apples a while, choose firmer types and store them in a cool place.

Places to Go in Lancaster County to Pick Your Own

Here are three excellent orchards in Lancaster County where you can pick your own apples. Kauffman Orchards is a guest favorite and right next to AmishView Inn & Suites. 

Kauffman Orchards

📍 48 S. Harvest Road, Ronks (orchard location)
Farm Store: 3097 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand

Orchard: 48 S. Harvest Road, Ronks
Open Fridays & Saturdays, August to October for U-Pick

Located right next to AmishView Inn & Suites, Kauffman Orchards is as convenient as it is charming. Known for its wide variety of apples and old-world hospitality, this orchard is perfect for a relaxed afternoon outing. They have a corn maze and animals to pet as well as the u-pick. Apple types include Yellow Transparent, Earligold, Summer Rambo, Ginger Gold, Sansa, Zestar!, Gala, Honeycrisp, Smokehouse, McIntosh, Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Fuji, Pink Lady, and many more!

Cherry Hill Orchards

📍 400 Long Lane, Lancaster
Open Monday–Saturday, August to October

Cherry Hill offers both pick-your-own and a large farm market. With easy parking and a broad selection of apples, it’s a great option for couples or families looking for a full fall experience. Apple varieties include Lodi, Early Gold, Akane, Jonamac, Sweetie, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Evercrisp, Granny Smith and more. 

Masonic Village Farm Market

📍 310 Eden View Road, Elizabethtown
Open Thursday–Sunday during the fall season

This peaceful, scenic orchard and farmers market is part of the historic Masonic Village retirement community. This is a little further out. Apples include Gala, Premier Honeycrisp, Smokehouse, Honey Mac, Cortland, Empire, Red Delicious and more. 

Lancaster County Favorite Apple Foods

After you’ve picked apples (or even just visited the orchards), there are lots of ways to indulge in apple goodness around here. Here are some of the local favorites:

• Apple Pie — Miller’s Smorgasbord is known for its Gourmet Apple Pie which is served warm. Don’t miss ordering it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
• Apple Cider — hot or cold, it’s the quintessential fall drink. Perfect after a few hours in the orchard. Available at each of the above orchards. 
• Apple Butter — rich, spiced, excellent spread over toast or paired with cheese on a fall charcuterie tray. You can order some online at the Shoppes at Miller’s.
• Apple Cider Cookies or Whoopie Pies — seasonal favorites that can be found at Locally Made Food Shop. 
• Apple Snitz — These dried apples slices are chewy, sweet, and perfect for snacking or baking.
• Apple Cider Donuts — warm, fragrant, slightly sugary. Look for them at fall markets and roadside stands.

Plan Your Fall Trip to Lancaster Today

From orchard strolls to cider sips, autumn in Lancaster County is full of simple pleasures. And with AmishView Inn & Suites located so close to places like Kauffman Orchards, you’re never far from the flavors and experiences that make fall so special. So come to do some apple picking in Lancaster County and select your favorite apple varieties. Plus enjoy fall flavors from apple cider whoopie pies to apple butter. There is just something about the fall season that just feels like home. And when you stay with us at AmishView Inn & Suites, you’re right in the heart of it all. Book your fall vacation today.