Autumn is one of the best times to explore the many different farms and orchards throughout scenic York County in Pennsylvania. For me, personally, weekend excursions to York can be cathartic any season. But there’s something artistic and magical about visiting when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant of hues and the weather is still for the most part generally mild, with only the slightest crispness to the air, accented by the autumnal aromas of apples and pumpkins.
The latter two examples are among my favorite fall scents (and tastes). Therefore, I get great joy in visiting several of the area’s finest pick-your-own orchards and pumpkin farms. While there are so many great options to rave about in York, specifically, I’m spotlighting those that are among my personal favorites.
Family Tree Farm
An area staple since 1995, this familied owned and operated farm in Red Lion has a long history of providing seasonal fun for all ages. While many know them best for their Christmas Tree operations throughout late November, it’s all those harvest happenings that get underway in late September through the end of October that really take center stage. Highlights include pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, free wagon rides, a unique “Who Dunit Corn Maze,” tube slides, and so much more.
Family Tree Farm is located at 4688 Dairy Road, Red Lion, PA 17356. Hours of operation are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Farm will be open special hours on Columbus Day, October 9, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. For all other information about Family Tree Farm, visit the website at www.familytreefarm.com.
Flinchbaugh’s Orchards
This is without a doubt, one of the most top-rated farms to visit in York, any time of year. But if you’re seeking fall follies in particular, Flinchbaugh’s Orchard ranks supreme with their ongoing Fall Festivals held onsite every Saturday. Not only can you enjoy pick-your-own apples and pick-your-own-pumpkins events on location, but you’ll find ornamentals and other stocked seasonal goods ready for purchase directly from the market. Other delightful activities include getting lost in their five-acre corn maze (this year’s theme: Music to Our Ears), playing around with their Straw Bale Jungle Gym, and a host of harvest happenings in alignment with the season.
Flinchbaugh’s Orchards is located at 110 Ducktown Rd, Hellam Township, PA 17406. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays. Learn more by visiting their website at www.flinchbaughsorchard.com.
Maple Lawn Farms—Maize Quest Fun Park
Boasting more than 30 attractions onsite, Maize Quest Fun Park at Maple Lawn Farms is the ultimate fall fun experience of great acclaim. Folks far and wide come out for Maize Quest specifically, although it should also be noted that Maple Lawns Farms plays host to several other events throughout the year also. The Farm in general boasts its own onsite accolades not necessarily in conjunction with any festival or event. These include pick-your-own opportunities, a well-stocked farm market, and even a winery with wine tastings.
In getting back to Maize Quest Fun Park, however, it’s more than just a signature giant corn maze. Here you can enjoy one of the beset pumpkin patches around, as well as a “Super Mega” slide, trackless train, jump zone, and more.
Maple Lawn Farms is located at 2885 New Park Road, New Park, PA 17352. Click here, to learn more about general offerings. To get general information about Maize Quest Fun Park specifically, including hours and pricing, visit the event’s main website at www.mazefunpark.com.
Miller Plant Farm
Folks throughout York Pennsylvania and beyond have been flocking to Miller Plant Farm for well over a century for all their vital planting and tree needs, but they’re also known for hosting several seasonal family-friendly events throughout the year as well. For instance, fall is one of the best times to come and bring the family out for a host of activities and endeavors. Some of these include wagon rides, and picking your own pumpkins, along with various highlighted happenings on specific weekends. Be sure to mark your calendars for BARktoberfest on October 28, for instance—a fall family fun day with raffles, food trucks, vendors, and more. Proceeds raised from this event go toward West York BARk helping animals in need within the York County area. And don’t assume the autumn fun is over after October, because there is an exciting Harvest Arrangement Workshop to consider signing up for, taking place November 18, just ahead of Thanksgiving!
Miller Plant Farm is located at 430 Indian Rock Dam Road, York, PA 17403. To learn more about Miller Plant Farm, as well as hours of operation and signing up for specific events and workshops, visit their website at www.millerplantfarm.com.
Orchard Valley Farm
Situated on 98 stunningly scenic acres, Orchard Valley Farm is the ideal PYO destination for whatever you seek given the specific growing season. As for fall features specifically, let it be known that they offer more than 20 different kinds of apples to choose from along with a vast assortment of pumpkin varieties.
Orchard Valley Farm is located at 8773 Yellow Church Road, Seven Valleys, PA 17360. To learn more about the Farm and for all other general information, visit their official website at www.pickorchardvalley.com.
Mt. Airy Orchards
Located in delightful Dillsburg, Mt. Airy Orchards presents a plethora of pumpkins along its impressive 15-acre setup. In fact, they boast other onsite activities and events throughout the year as well, including their always pleasing Farm Orchard Tours.
In addition to pumpkin patch pleasantries, the fall farm follies here also include an amazing corn maze (inspired by Reba McEntire) and loads of other autumnal activities for the season. Then there are also those always-offered regular fun interactive provisions in addition.
Mt. Airy Orchards is located at 522 East Mount Airy Road, Dillsburg, PA 17019. Fall hours of operation are Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. The Orchards will be open special holiday hours on October 9, from noon to 5 p.m., also. For pricing and all other general information, visit their website at www.mtairyorchards.com.
Shaw Orchards
I may be taking liberties by showcasing this along with York County attractions, especially since it straddles Norrisville, MD and Stewartstown, PA. But it remains one of my favorite year-round orchards any time of year. And again, there’s just something majestic and appealing about coming here at autumntime. From scenic hayrides to orchard tours to picking your own apples and pumpkins, there’s just something warming, nostalgic, and altogether quaint at this lovely spot.
The address for Shaw Orchards is 5594 Norrisville Road, White Hall, MD 21161. Hayrides through the orchard and pumpkin patch take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays through the end of October. For directions, market hours of operation, and all other general information, go to their website at www.shaworchards.com.
Smyser’s Farm
Smyser’s Farm presents impressive annual autumnal offerings in the way of their ongoing Fall Festival Days. Activities showcased on location here include a petting zoo, slides, hay bale mazes, hayrides, food trucks, and pick-your-own pumpkins, of course. There are also loads of “corny” delights, from a corn box to a corn cannon, not to mention an impressive corn maze. And even that’s not all! On a more unique note, they even offer bucking cow rides and barrel rides on weekends.
Smyser’s farm is located at 2691 East Berlin, York, PA 17408. Regular hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends both. Visit www.smysersfarm.com for all other information.
York County is only one of several fall farm destinations I garner great joy in exploring. On that note, I encourage everyone everywhere to get out there and explore various other orchards and farms that appeal to you personally this autumn—both locally and beyond.