Bucks County Apple Picking: Check Out Some Favorite Fall Spots

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — It's October, autumn is here, and prime time is approaching for one of fall's most beloved activities: apple picking.

Southeastern Pennsylvania and the greater Bucks County area boast fantastic farms, perfect for a fun fall afternoon. Below is a list of where to go in the local area for both U-pick orchards and farms offering fresh produce from their own trees and those of nearby farms.

Remember to call ahead or check the farm's website to clarify hours of operation, or to check for the availability of specific types of apples and other produce.

Here's a glance at where to go apple picking in Bucks County:

Shady Brook Farms

• Season dates: Sep. 11 through Oct. 31
• Hours of operation: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Registration: Reservations are available online here; apple picking is accessible only through the farm's FallFest event.
• Cost: $5 online, $8 at the gate.
• Phone: (215) 968-1670

More via the Shady Brook Farms website.

Styer Orchard

• Season dates: Through the end of October.
• Hours of operation: Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Registration: Not needed.
• Cost: Unknown.
• Phone: (215) 702-9633

More via the Styer Orchard website.

Solebury Orchards

• Season dates: Aug. 20 through Nov. 7
• Hours of operation: Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Registration: Reservations are required on October weekends, but not weekdays. Reservations can only be made online here.
• Cost: $2.50 per person, children 4 and under are no charge. Picked apples are $1.50 per pound.
• Phone: (215) 297-8079

More via the Solebury website.

Tabora Farms

• Season dates: Unlisted.
• Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Registration: Not needed.
• Cost: Need to buy a bag in order to pick apples.
• Phone: (215) 249-3016

More via the Tabora Farms website.

Solly Brothers' Farm

• Season dates: Through the end of October.
• Hours of operation: Pick-your-own is weekends only, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; general hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Registration: Not needed.
• Cost: Unknown.
• Phone: (215) 357-2850

More via the Solly Brothers' Farm website.

Here are a couple of quick apple tips, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

• Fuji are the best apples if you've got limited refrigerator space because you can store Fujis in your basement or your garage. They are slow to ripen, so are best picked mid to late October.
• Want to make a superb apple pie? Go for the hard York apples because they'll keep their shape in pies.

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Got tips, story ideas, or questions in Lower Bucks County? Email kate.fishman@patch.com.