Skip the store-bought fruit—head to one of these Pittsburgh orchards or farms for fresh ciders and locally grown apples.
528 Trax Road, Finleyville, PA 15332
Nestled in the South Hills, Trax Farms has provided Pittsburghers with fresh fruits and vegetables for decades. They boast that they have the “Best Apple Cider in Pittsburgh,” and you can sample and purchase freshly-pressed apple cider from the farm’ s cider mill, which started churning apples into cider in 1964. Note: Trax’s apple cider must be kept refrigerated, but you can also freeze it so the chilled (or mulled…and spiked!) apple cider can be enjoyed during those long winter days.
2573 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090
The apple cider fun extends beyond the fall season at Soergel Orchards. The farm’s cider press runs all year round. In September and October, you can also pick your own apples to eat or use in apple sauce, apple pie, or whatever recipe your heart desires.
3754 Wexford Run Rd., Wexford, PA 15090
Apple cider and chocolate? You’ll find both at Shenot Farm, a must-add to chocolate lovers’ to-do list. Plus with 25 apple varieties across 15 acres, you’ll be hard-pressed not to find the perfect apple in this orchard’s diverse selection. In addition, Shenot Farm offers freshly-pressed cider and a Fudge Room with over 50 homemade fudge flavors.
2318 Butler Logan Road, Tarentum, PA 15084
Looking for apples of the heirloom variety? Norman’s Orchard grows a variety of heirloom apples and pears, characterized by their distinctive taste and appearance, which are not readily available elsewhere. Visitors are welcome to pick their own fruit straight from the tree or to purchase freshly picked fruit from the farm market. Apple butter and local honey are also available.
823 Berry Lane, Monongahela, PA, 15063
Whether you’re looking to eat or bake your apples, you can pick your own at Triple B Farms, as well as flowers and pumpkins for a little more fall fun. Triple B Farms also offers activities for the kiddos, including the Squirrel Hill Tunnel Slide and the Farm Playground.
8958 W. Lake Rd., Lake City, PA 16423
Take a two-hour drive outside the city, and you’ll be rewarded with a freshly-pressed apple cider slushie from Godfrey Run Farm. Of course, while you’re there, you might as well stock up on cider, apples, and more.
227 PA-18, New Wilmington, PA 16142
Apple cider donuts with real apple chunks? Enough said. Apple Castle also boasts a large selection of apples, a playground for the kids, and other locally made products.
1351 Enterprise Lane, Grove City PA 16105
Started in 1997 and only open during the autumn season, Emmett’s Orchard’s Facebook bio says it best: “a family run business, open in the fall for apples, cider and other fun things!”
170 Simmons Road, McMurray, PA, 15317
Simmons Farm boasts all the fun farm activities: hayrides, fresh produce and greenery for purchase, and pick-your-own excursions for apples, pumpkins, flowers, peaches, and strawberries.
501 Perry Highway, Harmony, PA, 16037
Not only can you purchase freshly-pressed apple cider and apple butter from Sally’s Cider Press. If you bring your own apples, Sally’s will press them into your own refreshing cider!
600 North Branch Road, McDonald, PA, 15057
At this family-owned and operated farm and retail market, you can pick your own apples or snag a premade grab bag. They also offer beeswax products and cider pressed and UV pasteurized at Sally’s Cider Press.
Sturges Orchards and Farm Market
868 PA-288, Fombell, PA 16123
You’ll find apples, peaches, plums, Asian pears, and cherries growing on the 65 acres at Sturges Orchards and Farm Market. Kick it up a notch with their homemade hard cider.
110 Slebodnik Rd., Irwin, PA 15642
On top of their diverse pick-your-own options, you can divulge in local milk products, eggs, cheese, water kefir, wheat flour, corn meal, and sometimes organic grass-fed meats at Morris Organic Farm.
267 Southview Road, McDonald, PA 15057
Using an apple press from the 1930’s, Brown’s Orchard & Cider Co. makes delicious fresh apple cider right on site.
3394 PA-417, Franklin, PA 16323
Peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of apples: stock up on all your favorite fruits and vegetables and fresh apple cider during the fall season, which Barbers Orchard presses itself.
5593 Saltsburg Rd, Murrysville, PA 15668
Find fresh pies all year round and yummy apple cider in the fall at this Westmoreland County farm. The Daugherty family hand sows, grows, and picks the most produce available themselves.
1140 Pittsburgh Road, Valencia, PA, 16059
Alongside their homemade cider, Golden Apple Farm and Market offers “hive-to-spoon” local raw honey and seasonal, sustainably sourced produce.
1715 Luciusboro Road, Blairsville, PA 15717
The sprawling Gibsonia orchard features such apple varieties as red delicious, golden delicious, double red delicious, and northern spy.
STORY BY JORDAN SNOWDEN