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- Safety Tips for Apple Picking With Your Dog
- Make the Most of Your Apple Picking Adventure
- Dog-friendly Apple Picking Orchards Near You
We already know your dog is the apple of your eye—but have you ever considered going apple picking with your pup? For pup parents looking for pet-friendly fall activities, a trip to a dog-friendly apple picking orchard checks all those seasonal boxes. They’ll get a day of fresh air, new smells and a spot to stretch their legs. You’ll get a fresh-picked tasty treat—a bag of your own apples—to take home, along with great memories and more than a few Insta-worthy snaps.
We searched the country for dog-friendly apple orchards with tons of extra perks for both pets and their parents. These 10 u-pick apple orchards welcome your pooch—and even provide fun pet-friendly activities at their apple farm so you can plan a full afternoon out with your dog. So, pack your dog’s to-go bag, head out apple picking at an orchard near you, and be ready to break out your family’s favorite apple pie recipe when you’re back home. Just be sure you know and follow the pet policies at your orchard of choice. Always keep your dog on a leash and don’t forget the poop bags to clean up after your pup!
Bushels and Pecks, Explained
Wondering “What even is a bushel or a peck, anyway?” You’re not alone. Use this handy guide when choosing how many apples you want to bring home.
- Bushel: 42-48 pounds of apples, or approximately 125 medium size apples
- Peck: 10-14 pounds of apples, or approximately 30 medium size apples
Deardorff Orchards
1. Deardorff Orchards & Vineyard, Minnesota
Address: 8282 Parley Lake Rd., Waconia, MN 55387
Season: August – October
Cost: 1/2 peck: $12.50* | full peck: $25* (*depends on variety; earlier season apples cost less)
Located west of Minneapolis/St. Paul in the rolling hills of Waconia, Deardorff Orchards is tucked on 125 scenic acres. The apple farm grows 10 varieties and has over 3,000 apple trees. While some of the apples are used in winemaking at nearby Parley Lake Winery, most are available for gathering during u-pick apple season.
From the rustic barn dating back to 1888 to the tractor rides around the orchard (included with a purchase from either the Apple Barn or Winery), you and your pup will feel like you’ve been whisked away to enjoy the total farm experience.
For even more dog-friendly fun, head to the Winery Tasting Room in the barn where leashed dogs are allowed to join you while you sample and shop.
The Apple Barn store also features fresh local products including apple pies, pumpkins, jams, honey, produce and other gift items.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Good news: Apples are a nutritious snack for dogs, both low on calories and high in vitamins A, C, K and more. Find out more about all the benefits of apples for dogs.
Meg Morrow
2. Cider Hill Family Orchard, Kansas
Address: 3341 N. 139th Street, Kansas City, KS 66109
Season: July – November
Cost: Kids’ bag: $6 | peck: $12 | 1/2 bushel: $22 | full bushel: $42
Cider Hill Family Orchard is all about fun traditions for the whole family—including your pup! The farm’s 38 acres are home to 1,500 apple trees and 18 different kinds of apples.
Hitch a ride on the Apple Wagon to start your adventures. Once you and your leashed pup get dropped amid the abundance of apples, you’re welcome to spend as much time as you’d like exploring and picking the perfect peck. The orchard also has lots of goodies to treat yourself to after an afternoon in the orchard, including fall favorites like kettle corn, apple cider donuts and fresh-pressed apple cider slushes.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade or buy a BBQ lunch. Your dog is welcome to join you outside, though they are not allowed in any buildings, so bring a buddy to watch them if you want to go into the Cottage Store.
Eckert’s Belleville Farm
3. Eckert’s Belleville Farm, Illinois
Address: 951 S Green Mt Rd, Belleville, IL 62220
Season: August – October
Cost: $3.49/pound (Honeycrisp apples) | $1.99/pound (all other apple varieties)
Eckert’s has been growing apples on its farms for more than 100 years and is happy to welcome furry friends at all three of its apple orchard locations. Eckert’s flagship farm in Belleville, Illinois, located right outside of St. Louis, Missouri, is the oldest dog-friendly orchard of the bunch and has over 15 varieties of apples that will get your mouth watering.
The farm also offers additional pup-friendly amenities that will have your dog’s tail wagging, too. Grab a pup custard cup from Eckert’s Frozen Custard Shop for a special treat. And for leashed dogs who love a good walk, let them stretch their legs on the Orchard Loop Trail, a scenic path near the apple orchard.
If you’re looking for even more fruit-picking fun, leashed pups are also allowed in Eckert’s peach fields. (Peach season runs from early July through late September.)
Nashoba Valley Winery and Orchard
4. Nashoba Valley Winery and Orchard, Massachusetts
Address: 100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, Massachusetts 01740
Season: August – October
Cost: $20 (allows 3 people per bag) | 1/2 bushel: $30 (allows 5 people per bag)
If you’re looking for the best dog-friendly apple picking in Massachusetts, look no further than Nashoba Valley Winery and Orchard. Your leashed dog is allowed to join you for apple picking in the picturesque orchard. Though dogs are not allowed in any buildings, you’ll find plenty of beautiful countryside to wander together.
If you’ve worked up an appetite after all your apple picking, head to the Vintner’s Knoll, the outside winery dining area that has dog-friendly seating. (Be sure to reserve a dog-friendly table in advance.) You can enjoy local wine from Nashoba’s vineyard or a refreshing beer or hard cider from Bolton Beer Works, one of the top-notch local breweries.
Looking for more pet-friendly autumn activities? The orchard also hosts a fall Taste of the Maze Festival in partnership with nearby Schartner Farms where you can enjoy beer and wine tasting, cider donuts, hayrides and a dog-friendly corn maze.
Iowa Orchard
5. Iowa Orchard, Iowa
Address: 13140 NW 102nd Avenue, Granger, Iowa 50109
Season: September – October
Cost:1/2 peck: $18 for Honeycrisp, $12 for all other varieties | 1 peck: $30 for Honeycrisp, $20 for all other varieties | 1/2 bushel: $55 for Honeycrisp, $35 for all other varieties | 1 bushel: $100 for Honeycrisp, $60 for all other varieties
Your leashed pup will love heading out with you to pick apples at Iowa Orchard. This dog-friendly farm features fan-favorite apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Golden Delicious and Pink Lady along with 10 others.
Be sure to plan enough time to slow down and take in the scenery, as your dog will enjoy an easy stroll along the shaded rows of apple trees. And if your pup is looking super cute, perhaps rocking a seasonal bandana, visit the farm’s sunflower field to snap a show-stopping Instagram pic.
If you’re hankering for some baked goods, be sure to swing by Iowa Orchard’s farm market in Urbandale where you can shop a wide variety of mouthwatering homemade pies and other apple treats. The Urbandale location also has a dog-friendly pumpkin patch which is open from late September through Halloween.
Barton Orchard
6. Barton Orchards, New York
Address: 63 Apple Tree Lane, Poughquag, NY 12570
Season: August – November
Cost: Saturday and Sunday festival weekends: $20 for a peck or $36 for a half bushel | Weekly specials: 2 pecks for $30 (Monday-Friday and non-holiday weekdays)
The apple growers at Barton Orchards clearly adore dogs—they’ve gone the extra mile for both people and pups. In addition to their 175-acre dog-friendly apple orchard, the farm has a dedicated dog park where pups are allowed to romp off-leash and make some new friends.
After an afternoon of apple picking, you can treat yourself, too. Swing by the Ice Cream Stand to order one of Barton’s famous apple cider donut sundaes or grab a bite to eat from the Farm Market. Dogs are not allowed inside the building but can join you for a picnic at the outdoor seating areas.
Barton’s on-site Tap Room does welcome pups, and you can enjoy a selection of local craft beer, wine and cider. Be sure to check out the orchard’s calendar of events for everything from live music to food trucks and a variety of annual festivals.
B.J. Reece Orchards
7. B.J. Reece Orchards, Georgia
Address: 9131 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, Georgia 30536
Season: August – October
Cost: 1/2 peck: $10 | peck: $20 | 1/2 bushel: $40 | entrance fee: $2/person on weekdays, $5/person on weekends
Escape to the serenity of the north Georgia mountains at B.J. Reece Orchards. The family-owned farm grows over 20 different apple varieties so you’re sure to find a flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth or is perfect for baking into an apple pie.
Your dog can join you in the orchard to help sniff out the best apples, though they are not allowed inside the market. Bring a friend who can watch your pup if you want to pop inside—you won’t want to miss the bakery’s famed apple cider donuts and fried pies.
Big B’s Delicious Orchards
8. Big B’s Delicious Orchards, Colorado
Address: 39126 Highway 133, Hotchkiss, CO 81419
Season: July – November
Cost: Price varies based on apple variety, ranging from $0.99 to $1.99 per pound
Located just outside of Paonia on Colorado’s western slope, family-owned Big B’s Delicious Orchards features 16 acres of organic orchards—and they’re dog-friendly too! The cozy orchard features great mountain views and tasty apple varieties like Fuji, Gala and Jonagold.
The orchard also has a campground, cafe, wine and cider tasting room and outdoor concert venue where you can enjoy free live music throughout the season.
For a unique overnight stay, book a night at one of the orchard’s three dog-friendly glamping tents. Or if you have an adventurous pup, pitch a tent at the campground and sleep out under the stars for a great way to end a day of apple picking.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards
9. Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Oregon
Address: 5625 Hutson Road, Parkdale, OR 97041
Season: August – October
Cost: Price varies based on apple variety, ranging from $0.99 to $1.99 per pound
Located in the famed Hood River Valley, Kiyokawa Family Orchards has been growing apples since 1911. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you for apple picking in the orchard, though they are not allowed in the Farm Stand.
In addition to the fabulous backdrop (on a clear day, you’ll have an outstanding view of Mt. Hood), the orchard grows over 100 distinct apple varieties and is the largest u-pick orchard in the valley.
Whether you’re looking for apples for a pie or just want some snacking treats, you’re certain to find a variety—or a few new ones—that delights your taste buds.
Justus Orchard
10. Justus Orchard, North Carolina
Address: 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Season: August – November
Cost: 1/2 bushel – $22 | peck – $15 | 1/2 peck – $10
Justus Orchard invites you and your leashed dog to sample, mix and match from their nearly 20 apple varieties. With all these delicious options to choose from, you’ll be sure to go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Dogs are allowed to join you in the orchard for your day of apple picking.
The on-site Apple House Bakery also offers pre-picked apples, honey, jams, jellies, preserves and other homemade goodies. Or if you have a sweet tooth, swing by the bakery for homemade fried apple pies, apple cider donuts, cider slushies and more.
Safety Tips for Apple Picking With Your Dog
Dog-friendly apple picking can be tons of fun for the whole family—as long as you follow a few basic rules. With a little preparation, you can ensure your trip to the orchard is a rousing success for pups and people alike.
- Obey leash requirements and other pet policies at the orchard. Your dog may not be allowed in certain areas for food safety reasons, so be sure to check with the orchard before visiting.
- Ensure your dog is well-behaved. Dogs should be well-socialized to be comfortable around other people and pets. Keep barking to a minimum.
- Keep your dog leashed. Even if the orchard doesn’t specifically require it, keeping your dog on leash is a good idea. Many orchards also have farm animals or other pets who could hurt or be hurt by your dog. Be aware and keep your dog leashed to avoid any issues.
- Bring water and a travel bowl. It’s important to keep your dog hydrated during your outing. And don’t forget water for you, too!
- Don’t let your dog eat fallen apples. Though dogs can eat appropriately prepared apples in moderation, overripe fallen fruits may give them a tummy ache.
- Keep an eye out for bugs. A sting from a bee or wasp could end your visit on a sour note (and potentially reroute you to your vet’s office).
Make the Most of Your Apple Picking Adventure
Follow these tips to turn your apple picking extravaganza into an even more memorable outing
- Dress up in seasonal sweaters or cute bandanas for A+ Instagram photos
- Play games like tug or bring treats like a stuffed frozen Kong to entertain your dog while you pick apples.
- Bring a small wagon for pups or elder dogs who might get tired while you’re strolling through the orchard. Bonus tip: The wagon also makes a great prop for photos!
- Invite your pup’s bestie for an apple-picking playdate and pack a picnic to enjoy after!
- Find some recipes for dog-friendly apple treats like this frozen apple pie to bake for your dog when you return home.
Dog-friendly Apple Picking Orchards Near You
When autumn rolls around, find the best dog-friendly apple picking near you and get picking! Note that most u-pick apple seasons run from July/August through October/November, though the specific dates will vary by location and the timing of each annual crop. Call ahead or visit the orchard’s website for more information, and be sure you’re aware of their pet policies prior to visiting.
| State | Orchard | Address | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Alabama | Orchard Isom’s Orchard | Address 24012 US Highway 72, Athens, AL 35613 | |||
| State | Orchard | Address | |||
| Alabama | Mountain View Orchards | 16045 County Road 29, Jemison, AL 35085 | |||
| State Arizona | Orchard Schnepf Farms | Address 24810 S. Rittenhouse Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142 | |||
| State California | Orchard Volcan Valley Apple Farm | Address 1284 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA 92036 | |||
| State California | Orchard Los Rios Rancho | Address 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA, 92399 | |||
| State Colorado | Orchard Happy Apple Farm | Address 1190 1st St, Penrose, CO 81240 | |||
| State Georgia | Orchard Red Apple Barn | Address 3379 Tails Creek Road, Ellijay, Georgia 30540 | |||
| State Idaho | Orchard Cabalo’s Orchard and Gardens | Address 2087 W King Rd, Kuna, ID 83634 | |||
| State Illinois | Orchard Tanners Orchard | Address 740 State Route 40, Speer, IL 61479 | |||
| State Illinois | Orchard Christ Orchard | Address 4317 North Texas Road, Elmwood, IL 61529 | |||
| State Illinois | Orchard Eckert’s Grafton Farm | Address 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd, Grafton, IL 62037 | |||
| State Indiana | Orchard Anderson Orchard | Address 369 East Greencastle Road, Mooresville, IN 46158 | |||
| State | Iowa | Orchard | Deals Orchard | Address | 1102 244th St, Jefferson, IA 50129 |
| State Kansas | Orchard Meadowlark Farms | Address 11249 SW 160th St, Rose Hill, KS 67133 | |||
| State Kentucky | Orchard Eckert’s Versailles Orchard | Address 1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 | |||
| State Maine | Orchard Kents Hill Orchard | Address 1625 Main Street, Kents Hill, ME 04349 | |||
| State Maine | Orchard Apple Acres | Address 363 Durgintown Rd, Hiram, ME 04041 | |||
| State Maine | Orchard Terison Apple Orchard | Address 8 Whitney Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021 | |||
| State Massachusetts | Orchard Doe Orchards | Address 327 Ayer Rd, Harvard, MA 01451 | |||
| State Massachusetts | Orchard Hollis Hills Farms | Address 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420 | |||
| State Michigan | Orchard Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm | Address 11025 S Jackson Rd, Cement City, MI 49233 | |||
| State Michigan | Orchard Almar Orchards & Cidery | Address 1431 Duffield Rd, Flushing, MI 48433 | |||
| State Michigan | Orchard Plymouth Orchards | Address 10685 Warren Rd, Plymouth, MI 48170 | |||
| State Minnesota | Orchard Aamodt’s Apple Farm | Address 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater, MN 55082 | |||
| State Minnesota | Orchard Fairhaven Farm | Address 13835 51st Ave, South Haven, MN 55382 | |||
| State Minnesota | Orchard Fall Harvest Orchard | Address 345 County Road 30 SE, Montrose, MN 55363 | |||
| State Minnesota | Orchard Gilby’s Nursery & Orchard | Address 30069 State Hwy 210, Aitkin, MN 56431 | |||
| State Missouri | Orchard Weston Red Barn Farm | Address 16300 Wilkerson Rd, Weston, MO 64098 | |||
| State Missouri | Orchard Alldredge Orchards | Address 10455 N Hwy, Platte City, MO 64079 | |||
| State Nebraska | Orchard Apple Acres Orchard | Address 7460 West 100th Street, Kearney, NE 68845 | |||
| State Nebraska | Orchard Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard | Address 5995 G Road, Nebraska City, NE 68410 | |||
| State Nevada | Orchard Agape Organics/Franktown Apples | Address 7425 Franktown Road, Washoe Valley, NV 89704 | |||
| State New Hampshire | Orchard DeMeritt Hill Farm | Address 20 Orchard Way, Lee, NH 03861 | |||
| State New Hampshire | Orchard Applecrest Farm Orchards | Address 133 Exeter Road (Rt. 88), Hampton Falls, NH 03844 | |||
| State New Jersey | Orchard Ferrara’s Orchards | Address 1564 Commissioners Rd, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 | |||
| State New Mexico | Orchard Nichols Ranch & Orchards | Address 236 Cottonwood Canyon Road, La Luz, NM 88337 | |||
| State New York | Orchard Masker Orchards | Address 45 Ball Rd, Warwick, NY 10990 | |||
| State New York | Orchard Wright’s Farm | Address 699 State Route 208, Gardiner, NY 12525 | |||
| State New York | Orchard Hurds Family Farm | Address 2187 State Route 32, Modena, NY 12548 | |||
| State New York | Orchard Stone Ridge Orchard | Address 3012 State Route 213, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 | |||
| State North Carolina | Orchard Sky Top Orchard | Address 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 28731 | |||
| State North Carolina | Orchard The Historic Orchard at Altapass | Address 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | |||
| State North Carolina | Orchard Devil Dog Orchard | Address 771 NC-150, Reidsville, NC 27320 | |||
| State North Carolina | Orchard Creasman Farms | Address 280 Bent Arrow Ln, Hendersonville, NC, 28792 | |||
| State Ohio | Orchard Lynd Fruit Farm | Address 9399 Morse Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062 | |||
| State Ohio | Orchard Brant’s Apple Orchard | Address 4749 Dibble Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004 | |||
| State | Orchard | Address | |||
| Ohio | Branstool Orchards | 5895 Johnstown Utica Rd NE, Utica, OH 43080 | |||
| State Oregon | Orchard True North Orchards | Address 5650 Lardon Road NE, Salem, OR 97305 | |||
| State Oregon | Orchard Mt. View Orchards & Cidery | Address 6670 Trout Creek Ridge Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041 | |||
| State Pennsylvania | Orchard Styer Orchard | Address 97 Styers Ln, Langhorne, PA 19047 | |||
| State Pennsylvania | Orchard Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market | Address 110 Ducktown Rd, Hellam Township, PA 17406 | |||
| State South Carolina | Orchard Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill | Address 1860 Black Highway, York, SC 29745 | |||
| State South Carolina | Orchard Chattooga Belle Farm | Address 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658 | |||
| State South Dakota | Orchard Hoversten Orchard | Address 25789 480th Ave., Brandon, SD 57005 | |||
| State Tennessee | Orchard Breeden’s Orchard | Address 631 Beckwith Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 | |||
| State Tennessee | Orchard Wheeler’s Orchard & Vineyard | Address 956 Wheeler Rd, Dunlap, TN 37327 | |||
| State Utah | Orchard Cherry Hill Farms Alpine at Burgess Orchards | Address 627 S. Alpine Hwy, Alpine, UT 84004 | |||
| State | Orchard | Address | |||
| Vermont | Mad Tom Orchard | 2615 Mad Tom Road, East Dorset, VT 05253 | |||
| State Virginia | Orchard Hollin Farms | Address 1524 Snowden Road, Delaplane, VA 20144 | |||
| State Virginia | Orchard Mackintosh Fruit Farm | Address 1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611 | |||
| State Washington | Orchard West Valley U-Pick | Address 11901 Zier Rd, Yakima, WA 98908 | |||
| State Washington | Orchard Sm’Apples | Address 1197 Willeys Lake Road, Ferndale, WA 98248 | |||
| State Washington | Orchard Skipley Farm | Address 7228 Skipley Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290 | |||
| State Wisconsin | Orchard Appleberry Farm | Address 8079 Maurer Road, Cross Plains, WI 53528 | |||
| State Wisconsin | Orchard Lautenbach’s Orchard Country | Address 9197 State Hwy 42, Fish Creek, WI 54212 |
There you have it—everything you need to know to turn dog-friendly apple picking into an annual autumn tradition. Happy picking!
Attributions
Kristen Arendt
Kristen is a writer, editor and lover of the great outdoors. In addition to running, hiking, backpacking, biking and skiing, she enjoys See More
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