Apple-picking season near Erie typically begins in late August or September and can continue into October. Here are five Erie County farms that regularly or recently offered pick-your-own apples, along with the best links for checking what is ripe before you go.
Updated Sept. 10, 2026.
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Where can families pick apples near Erie, PA?
Erie County farms that offer or have recently offered pick-your-own apples include Burch Farms and Sceiford Quality Fruit in North East; Godfrey Run Farm Market and Mason Farms in Lake City; and Lehman Fruit Farm in Girard.
Exact opening dates, hours and apple varieties can change quickly based on weather and how heavily an orchard has been picked. Always check the farm's website or Facebook page on the day you plan to visit.
Before you go apple picking
- Confirm that PYO apples are available that day. PYO opportunities can change fast because trees get picked over quickly or weather affects a farm. Always check before heading out on a farm's Facebook page or just by giving them a quick call.
- Ask about containers. Some farms ask you to bring bags or baskets, while others provide or sell them.
- Check accepted payment methods. Do not assume every orchard accepts credit cards. Cash is safest!
- Wear closed-toe shoes. Orchard ground can be uneven, muddy or covered with fallen fruit.
- Leave pets at home unless the farm says they are welcome. Rules vary by orchard.
Burch Farms
9210 Sidehill Road, North East, PA 16428
814-725-0747
Burch Farms opened its 2026 pick-your-own season Aug. 15 with Jersey McIntosh apples. Stop at the market before heading into the orchard. You can bring your own basket or purchase one when you arrive.
More apple varieties will be added as they ripen. The farm also has a market, bakery and winery.
On Sept 6, Burch Farms posted on FB: Pick Your Own Apples is OPEN! Currently offering pick your own McIntosh — more varieties coming soon! Our market is stocked with freshly picked apples for purchase.
Get the latest updates: Burch Farms website | Burch Farms on Facebook
Godfrey Run Farm Market & Cider Mill
9000 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423
814-440-2435
Godfrey Run's 2.5-acre orchard contains more than 1,100 apple trees. On Aug. 26, the farm said it was allowing for some spot picking on the farm.
Because this is a smaller orchard, available apples can go quickly. Godfrey Run announces when each variety is ready to pick, so check for a confirmed opening update before leaving home. Families can also stop at the market for seasonal produce, fresh-pressed cider and, during cider season, apple cider doughnuts.
On Aug 26, 2026 the farm posted on FB: First cider press of the year will be…TOMORROW!
We’ve been gearing up for cider season and now have enough juice apples to get the season rolling! Cider should be available for purchase sometime after 4pm - we’ll keep you all posted!
Also - Stop in for pick your own apples this week! Honeycrisp are starting to come on so we are allowing some spot picking.
Get the latest updates: Godfrey Run website | Godfrey Run on Facebook
Lehman Fruit Farm
6550 Pieper Road, Girard, PA 16417
814-774-3254
Lehman Fruit Farm has offered PYO apples on select dates, including during the 2025 season. The farm's early Lodi apples are sold out for 2026, with Paula Red apples expected around Aug. 20.
Because picking may be offered on limited dates rather than throughout the farm's regular market hours, check Facebook or call before visiting. Below is a recent FB post but it is not clear if the farm is offering PYO at this time.
On Sept 6 the farm posted on FB: Sunday and Monday we are open for self-service 9-5 in the barn. Starting Tuesday, September 8, we will be open 10-5 weekdays and Saturdays from 9-5 with full service. We have: Paula Red apples, Gingergold apples, Gala apples, Bartlett pears. Coming soon: McIntosh apples September 14 Cortland apples September 21
Get the latest updates: Lehman Fruit Farm on Facebook
Mason Farms
8603 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423
814-774-8592
Mason Farms operates seasonal pick-your-own fields at its Lake City farm. During the 2025 fall season, the farm advertised daily PYO apples including Zestar, Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Blondee and Autumn Crisp.
PYO customers should check in at the roadside farm stand before entering the fields. Mason Farms accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards and EBT. You can bring your own container or purchase a basket at the farm.
2026 apple-picking status: The PYO operation is open for other crops, but apple-picking dates and varieties had not yet been announced as of Aug. 27.
Get the latest updates: Mason Farms PYO information | Mason Farms on Facebook
Sceiford Quality Fruit
11820 Middle Road, North East, PA 16428
814-347-5233
This fifth-generation family farm offers seasonal PYO fruit, including apples. Different varieties ripen throughout September and October, and the farm frequently updates its picking schedule based on fruit availability.
All visitors should check in at the red barn before entering the orchard. Sceiford recommends bringing containers, although wooden baskets may also be available to borrow or purchase. Its hours are often crop- and date-specific, so Facebook is the best place to find the latest information.
On Sept 4 the farm posted on FB: Bartlett pears and McIntosh apples! 🍐🍎 The barn will be open for u-pick this SUNDAY, and MONDAY (September 6-7) from 9:30 to 5:30. Full time hours and lots more picking opportunities are right on the horizon. Details and pricing in the comments
Get the latest updates: Sceiford Quality Fruit on Facebook
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When is the best time to pick apples near Erie?
September and early October generally offer the widest selection of PYO apples in Erie County, but early varieties may be ready in late August. Each apple variety ripens on its own schedule, so the best time to visit depends on whether your family prefers Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland or another favorite.
Popular varieties and smaller orchards can be picked out quickly. Once a farm announces that an apple is ready, plan to visit early in the day or during the first few available picking dates.
Do Erie apple orchards require reservations?
The farms listed here have not typically required general reservations for family apple picking, but availability and procedures can change. School groups, field trips and other large groups should always contact the farm in advance.
Put those Erie apples to good use
Once you get your apples home, try one of these family-friendly treats:
- Four Apple Recipes Your Family Will Devour + A Bonus Science Experiment!
- You'll Want to Make These Crave-Worthy Caramel Apple Nachos Right Now
- Family Apple Crisp Recipe A Delicious Fall Treat
This guide will be updated as Erie County's 2026 apple-picking season progresses. Know another local farm offering public PYO apples? Email karam@macaronikid.com so we can check it out and add it to the list.
