Apple Picking

Harvest time is the best time of the season!

NPS

Apple Picking is a Family Fun Activity!

One of the earliest mention of an apple orchard at Hopewell Furnace dates back to an April 2, 1788 estate advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette, mentioning "an excellent young bearing orchard of about 250 apple trees of the best fruit." Almost all farms had an orchard of several acres to supply the owner's needs, and apples were used at home for cider, apple butter, or dried apples, and on the farm as feed for livestock. The commercial use of apple orchards did not begin until the mid-1800s when improved transportation allowed farmers to ship fresh fruit to the growing cities of New York and Philadelphia.

The orchard at Hopewell Furnace is managed to preserve the historic nature of the orchard in the style of a mid-19th century fruit orchard. Approximately 50 trees were planted in 1942, shortly after Hopewell Furnace was established as a National Historic Site. In 1960, another 150 trees were planted.

Today, more than 25 familiar and historic varieties are available for picking. Park visitors can have their history and eat it too!

How to Pick Apples

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 one 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