New Fall Tradition Alert: Apple Picking at These Dog-Friendly Orchards

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.

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 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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).

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.