Apple Picking

A metal basket tree fruit picker hand tool with a few ripe apples in the basket. The tool is leaning against a tree.
Harvest time is the best time of the season!

NPS

2025 Apple Season Update: Apple picking will unfortunately not be available this year.

A limited yield was expected this year but as particular varieties approached their ideal ripeness, virtually no apples were present. A variety of variables can effect the fruit produce of our trees including adverse weather conditions during critical stages of apple development, the tree's age, and the tendency for trees to produce apples every other year. Though these developments are disappointing, the park service will continue to care for the orchard to ensure the health of the trees and to offer the best opportunity for fruit production each year.

The orchard will remain open but apple picking is discouraged and tools are not provided. Please stay off of trees and help them keep them safe in hopes for a better fruit year in 2026.


Apple Picking Offers a Literal Taste of History

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 trees 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

2025 Apple Season Update: Apple picking will unfortunately not be available this year.

 

Last updated: September 5, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2 Mark Bird Lane
Elverson, PA 19520

Phone:

610 582-8773

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