2024 York County, Pennsylvania Cherry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cherry U-Pick Orchards in York County, Pennsylvania in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cherries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have cherries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

York County

• Brown's Orchards & Farm Market - apples, blueberries, cherries, pumpkins, strawberries, Cider mill fresh apple cider made on the premises, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, birthday parties, school tours
  8773 Yellow Church Road, Seven Valleys, PA 17342. Phone: 717-428-2036. Email: info@brownsorchards.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Exit 8 or 10 off I-83, just 3 minutes from our market which is 8892 Susquehanna Trail South, Loganville, PA. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Brown's Orchards & Farm Market Facebook page. Fax: 717-428-0320Picking updates: Click here for picking updatesStrawberries end of May; Cherries and Blueberries mid June; Apples September; Pumpkins OctoberBrown's Orchards and Farm Market is happy to offer Pick-Your-Own fruit in Loganville at our Yellow Church Road Farm during the growing season. It not only helps save a few dollars, it is a wonderful experience to share with family and friends. When in season, our Southern York County orchards and fields are available for you to Pick-Your-Own: Strawberries, Dark Sweet Cherries , Tart Cherries, Blueberries, Peaches, Apples, Pumpkins. Brown's Orchards and Farm Market is happy to offer Pick-Your-Own fruit in Loganville at our Yellow Church Road Farm during the growing season. It not only helps save a few dollars, it is a wonderful experience to share with family and friends. (UPDATED: September 1, 2020 JBS) Tues-Sun 9 am to 6 pm. For Market Curbside Pick-Up Orders Call 717-804-7476 Tues.-Sat. between 11 am to 2:30 pm with pickup by 3:00.
  Comments from a visitor on November 25, 2008: "when we lived in the Loganville area , we went there every Sunday. now not so much longer in the area and we miss it. we loved it . it is a orchard and farm. fresh fruits and veggies are available. cider in the fall is always fresh and delicious! summer time entertainment and ice-cream is a sweet treat. shops and deli style food is a great way to fill the empty tank and not spend to much!!!!!! - all around fun-filled, family fun. great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! highly recommend. please include on your list, this one should not be overlooked and forgotten. They added the pavilion with stage. there they provide entertainment in summer. whatever the season,(peaches) ex.. sundays are served. yumm, picnic tables under the pavilion area. flowers and green house in spring make for a great inspiration . oh and how can we forget the homemade bake goods."
• Forge Hill - strawberries, apples, cherries
  135 Blossom Dr, Mt Wolf, PA 17347. Phone: 717-266-1206. Open: May to October, Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm. Click here for a map and directions. There is a little store where items can be purchased including things like preserves, honey, and already picked fruit. Our strawberries and cherries are sold by the pound. You can bring your own containers which will be weighed before you start, or we provide metal trays with handles for strawberries, and pre-weighed plastic buckets for cherries. We will direct you to the section of field or rows of trees where you should find the most plentiful fruit. Ready-picked fruit is sold by the quart inside the trailer where we weigh your fruit. For pick-your-own apples, you will drive to the salesroom area. Here you will be greeted by one of our associates, who will give you directions. The apples are sold by the half-bushel, one price regardless of the variety you pick. We will provide half-bushel baskets for you to gather your fruit. When you return to pay, we will help you to transfer your fruit to your containers or to boxes we have available.
  Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2009: "The people who run the orchard are very nice and helpful. I picked apples every week with my kids during the fall. My husband picked up bushels of apples for his office. During strawberry picking season already picked strawberries can be purchased. In the fall they sell apples, hay bales, corn stalks, gourds and more. A bathroom is available to the public. It's a kid friendly place. "
• Maple Lawn Farms, Inc. - Apples, Peaches, Apricots, Blueberries, Cherries, Pumpkins
  2885 New Park Road, New Park, PA 17352. Phone: (717) 382-4878. Email: gailmc@maplelawnfarms.com. Open: Monday to Saturday from 8 - 6, Closed Sunday. Click here for a map and directions. Regional leader in U Pick fruit, best new and old varieties. Easy access in Baltimore-Washington to Harrisburg corridor. Expanded market w/ gifts & bakery. Fruit for Fund Raising. Home of Maize Quest, cornfield maze adventure & theme park. Premier destination for families, groups, school tours, scouts, young and old alike. Great escape to scenic countryside, breath-taking views! Season: Mid-June/cherries - November 1 Exceptions: Open July 4th/Labor Day/ Columbus Day/ Halloween/ Election Day. Pick your own cherries, blueberries, apricots, peaches, apples, and pumpkins. Food so fresh you choose it from the tree that grew it! Each season we grow the tastiest, freshest fruit, and then we open our farm to your family so you can pick the orchard's finest fruits first before our crews finish the harvest. Buy fresh, buy local. In addition to the delicious fruit from our orchards, you can also enjoy fresh-baked goods, hand-dipped ice cream, homemade fudge, and other local items in our market.
• Raab's Fruit Farm - cherries, peaches, apples, thornless blackberries, pumpkins and gourds
  209 Fruitlyn Drive, Dallastown, PA . Phone: (717) 244-7157. Email: raabfarms@aol.com. Click here for a map and directions.

 

Cherry

Cherry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick cherries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best cherries.

Cherries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Types of Cherries

There are two types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries (also called tart or pie cherries). The difference is simple:

• Sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh.
  
• Pie cherries are very tart and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies and butters, adding sugar to sweeten them.

See further down this page for a list of common cherry varieties and their uses. Washington State, California and Oregon are the primary sweet cherry growing states; they produce almost 90 percent the U.S.'s cherry crop. Michigan produces about 74 percent of tart cherry production. We have a master table of cherry varieties, sweet and sour (pie) in the order in which they ripen.

Cherry picking tips

• Pick ripe: Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
• But not under-ripe: Cherries picked before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
• And not over-ripe: when they become soft, mushy or discolored.
• Pie or sweet: There are 2 main types of cherries: sweet cherries that taste sweet and tart when you eat them fresh, and sour (also called pie cherries) which are too tart for most people to want to eat fresh.
• For all varieties of sweet cherries, the darker the cherry is the sweeter it will be. If you like more sour cherries the lighter red and less ripe, the more tart it will be.
• Stem separation: Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
• Leave the stems on sweet cherries: Cherries that are to be shipped will keep longer if the stems are left attached. They will store in the refrigerator for two to three days.
• Appearance: Look for heavy, firm cherries with a shiny skin and fresh stem.
• But for immediate use, they can be picked with or without the stems.

How to pick the cherries from the tree

1. Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and
2. tug gently.
3. If it is ripe, it will easily come off in your hand, with the stem attached.
4. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 cherries.
5. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the cherries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Cherries from your own trees, a market or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden cherries ready for harvest.
2. Avoid placing the picked cherries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
3. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Cherries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Get there early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Bring containers - Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Cherries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower cherries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Drinks and snacks - Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the cherries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Chill: Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze cherries! (Fresh cherries are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Spread out: Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting cherries
4. Eat or freeze: Even under ideal conditions cherries will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
5. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
6. Now, get ready to make Cherry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Cherry Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy
• Cherry jelly
• Cherry pie filling
• Cherry butter
• Cherry festivals
• Cherry pitters - reviews and where to get them
• How to pit cherries - several methods

Cherry varieties

For a master table of cherry varieties in the order in which they ripen, click here.

Sweet cherries:

 

• Bing cherries are deep red in color and sweet.
• Blackgold - very late mid-season. Good for eating fresh. Self-fertile.
• Brooks - a large, firm red cherry that tolerates hot climates. Sweet with both complex flavors and a sweet tart blackberry-like taste.
• Chelan - deep, mahogany red, heart-shaped, medium sized, sweet fruits, like Bing.  Sweet, between 16 and 18 % sugar.
• Coral Champagne - very large, red, super sweet fruit that is often preferred to Bing. Firm, but juicy flesh with a coral pink color center.
• Emperor Francis are White or Blush Sweet Cherries, Early season, perfect for canning, making jellies and jams, or making homemade maraschinos.
• Hartland, an early season dark cherry. A Windsor cross, it was developed in New York
• Hedelfingen is a later season sweet cherry. It has large, black fruit.
• Kristin cherries are a a mid-season cherry developed in New York.
• Lambert Cherry is a large, black, late harvest cherry of very good quality, compared to Bing.
• Lapins Cherry is a self-fruitful, large, dark red sweet cherry from Canada with firm, good flavor. Ripens a few days after Bing and needs only 400 chilling hours or less to produce fruit.
• Orondo Ruby - A ruby red color with some gold coloring, this is a sweeter, brighter variant of the Rainier cherry. Marcus Griggs of G&C farms found this in his Rainier cherry orchard. They have a brighter red color to them and a sweeter and a bit more acidic.
• Rainier cherries are golden yellow with a pink or red blush. Rainier cherries are large and sweet.
• Royalton cherries are large, dark cherry mid-season cherries
• Sam - early ripening, large, black sweet cherry. Ripens 11 days after Vista.
• Skeena cherries are a late ripening variety. They are dark red, firm and juicy.
• Somerset cherries are medium sized, later season cherries that are dark and firm.
• Sonata - Very large, black, and moderately sweet fruit. Self-fertile.
• Staccato cherries are a deep purple-red and also a late season variety. Staccato cherries are large and one of the sweetest varieties.
• Stella are a large, sweet, dark-red fruit that ripens in mid-season
• Sweetheart cherries are a large, bright red late-season variety, medium sweetness
• Sunburst - large, firm fruit. Old productive variety. Self-fertile.
• Symphony - bright red, medium-sweet very large fruit. Late season. Self-fertile.
• Tehranivee - mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Cracking can be a problem. Self-fertile.
• Ulster - medium-sized, firm, dark cherry, Ripens about 2 days after Vista.
• Vandalay - Large, red fruit with an unusual kidney shape. From Canada. Self-fertile.
• Viscount - medium-large, firm, good, dark red cherries. Late season ripening.
• Vista - the cherries are very dark, almost black. Large excellent-quality fruit. Mid season, ripens around the last week in June.
• Viva - dark red, 3/4 inch fruit from Canada. Ripens around July 4.
• White Gold are a blush cherry of moderate to large size.

Pie, Sour or Tart Cherries (all different names for the same thing!)

• Balaton Ujfeherto Furtos is a Hungarian sour cherry with firm fruit that is suited to picking by hand and eating fresh. Red skin and flesh. Ripens about 7 to 10 days after Montmorency
• Danube Erdi Botermo has dark red fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Delicious eaten fresh or in baked goods. Ripens about 1 week before Montmorency.
• Dark-juice-tarts has juice that is red rather than clear in color.
• Jubileum - new, from Hungary. Very large with a dark red flesh. Sweet for a tart cherry, not quite as tart as Montmorency.
• Meteor - Medium-sized fruit with an odd shaped pit. Ripen s3 to 7 days after Northstar.
• Montmorency, the most commonly grown, traditional cherry for pies, baking and canning. Ripens around the last week of June to the first week of July.
• Morello Sour Cherry is a late-ripening tart dark red to nearly black cherry used for cooking, and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruits in warm climates ( 500 hours or fewer chilling hours below 45 F) Self-fruitful. USDA
• Northstar - Medium-sized, dark red fruit.
• Surefire - A new late blooming variety from Cornell. Bright red, medium sized fruit.

Cherry Facts and Tips

• Cherries come in many colors besides red: there are also dark red (almost black), yellow, blush (mixed) and gold cherries.
• Cherries are a very healthy food; they are high Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of ivitamin A, calcium, protein, and iron.
• Cherries are an antioxidant-rich foods.
•  One cup of cherries is less than 90 calories and 3 grams of fiber.
• One cup of cherries has 260 mg of potassium which plays a key role in muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cell functions.
• Cherries are high in fiber. Half to one pound of cherry fruit per day can provide twenty to thirty grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Cherries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze cherries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The cherries will keep for many months frozen without air. See my How to freeze berries page
• Anthocyanins in cherries are what give the fruit its red color and help protect the heart and surrounding tissues
• Some research has found eating cherries to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers