Apple Picking

Harvest time is the best time of the season!

NPS

Apple Picking Offers a Literal Taste of History

The Orchard will open for picking on September 27, 2025.

Hopewell Furnace's orchard is located where historically an orchard existed during the 18th and 19th century when the furnace was active. Prior to the mid-1800s most orchards in the United States were grown to produce cider and/or feed for animals. As more horticultural organizations and literature became commonly accessible in the early 1800s, the knowledge and techniques necessary to produce more edible fruit expanded.

The orchard strives to present the features of a typical American apple orchard in the early to mid-1800s through the spacing and physical appearance of the trees including taller trunks and higher, broader canopies. Maintaining these features contributes to preserving the historic landscape of the park. The orchard consists of roughly 140 apples with over 20 historic apple varieties not common in stores. The orchard was planted by the National Park Service, with assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps, starting in 1940 with additions made in the 1960s and in 2000.

How to Pick Apples

The Orchard will open for picking on September 27, 2025.

Start by Checking in at the Visitor Center.
Meet with a ranger to learn what is in season and what is available to pick. Depending on weather throughout the growing season, harvest times can vary. Planning your trip around what is in season, call ahead and chat with a ranger before you get here! Call the Visitor Center at 610-582-8773.

Apples are two dollar per pound. Cash or check only.
All money collected from fruit sales supports the park.
Non-payment of orchard fees may result in citation and fine.

Collect apples using a park issued bucket and picking pole.
Return bucket(s) and picking pole(s) to the visitor center by 4:15 p.m. on the same day of issue.

Visitors are asked to observe the following courtesies for a safe and enjoyable harvesting experience:

1. Please do not climb trees.

2. Please do not lean picking equipment against trees.

3. Be mindful of your footing in the orchard; avoid picking up or stepping on apples as they may contain stinging insects.

4. Please wash apples before consumption. This will remove dirt and scale from the fruit as well as help protect against contamination by bacteria.

Check our Orchard Map for varieties and maturity of trees.

 

Learn About the 100 Year Old Orchard

Historic Apple Orchard