The Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s farm belt. Between the Appalachian ridges, the flat valley floor holds some of the richest agricultural land in the Mid-Atlantic. The region’s Pennsylvania Dutch heritage means farm markets here are not just produce stands — they are bakeries, delis, and general stores that have been feeding the valley for generations.
This route runs through the northern Lehigh Valley and the slate belt, the densest farm corridor in the region. It works any weekend from late September through mid-October. The valley is an easy drive from Philadelphia, New York, and northern New Jersey, making it a practical day trip from three metro areas.
The route
Stop 1 — Slate belt orchard u-pick (9:00 – 10:30 AM)
Start north of the valley in the slate belt, where the terrain rises and the soil changes. The mineral-rich slate soil and the rolling hills produce apples with a depth of flavor you do not get on flat ground. These orchards are family operations — many have been in the same family for a century or more.
What is ripe in late September: Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Stayman. Stayman is the Pennsylvania apple — tart, firm, and excellent for pies and sauce. It is hard to find outside the Mid-Atlantic, and the Lehigh Valley grows some of the best.
By mid-October, add Empire, Fuji, and Rome. The late-season varieties here are excellent for storage.
What to bring: Sturdy shoes (the slate belt terrain is uneven), layers (valley mornings in October are cool), and a bag. Cash is appreciated at smaller orchards.
Stop 2 — Farm market with a bakery (11:00 AM – 12:15 PM)
The Lehigh Valley’s farm markets are a category unto themselves. The Pennsylvania Dutch influence means these are not just produce stands — they are full-service markets with bakeries, delis, and general stores. The best ones have been operating for decades and the recipes have not changed.
Get:
- Shoofly pie — the Pennsylvania Dutch classic. Molasses-based, crumb-topped, and sweet.
- Apple butter — slow-cooked from local apples, sold in jars.
- Whoopie pies — chocolate cake sandwiches with cream filling. A Pennsylvania tradition.
- Fresh bread — the farm market bakeries here bake daily. Rye, whole wheat, and potato bread are standouts.
- Lunch from the deli — many farm markets have a deli counter with sandwiches, soups, and prepared foods made from their own produce.
Stop 3 — Pumpkin patch and corn maze (12:45 – 2:15 PM)
Lehigh Valley farms do fall activities well. The pumpkin patches here often include corn mazes, hayrides, apple cannons, and family activities. Budget at least 90 minutes for this stop.
The corn maze is worth doing. Lehigh Valley mazes range from 20-minute family-friendly walks to 45-minute puzzles. Some farms design new themes each year and include trivia stations throughout the maze.
The pumpkin patch has the standard range — Howden for carving, Sugar Pie for baking, decorative gourds. Pennsylvania’s growing season produces large, well-formed pumpkins.
Stop 4 — Afternoon farmers’ market (2:45 – 3:45 PM)
End in Bethlehem or Easton at the Saturday market. The Easton Farmers’ Market has been operating since 1752 — one of the oldest continuously running farmers’ markets in the country. Bethlehem’s market is newer but equally well-curated.
The markets offer:
- Pennsylvania produce — the valley grows everything, and the markets reflect it.
- Baked goods — from the same Pennsylvania Dutch tradition as the farm markets.
- Local meats — the Lehigh Valley has a strong livestock tradition. Look for grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and free-range poultry.
- Artisan products — fermented foods, honey, maple syrup, and handmade goods.
Timing notes
- Late September is the best window: apple variety is wide, the weather is ideal (60s), and the crowds are manageable.
- Early to mid-October is peak season. The Lehigh Valley’s proximity to three metro areas means popular farms get crowded on October weekends. Arrive at opening.
- Late October is still good — apple late-season varieties are going, and the pumpkin patches stay open through Halloween.
- The valley floor is warmer than the slate belt. If you are looking for a variety that has finished at lower elevations, check the hilltop orchards — they run a week behind.
Practical tips
- The farm markets are destinations, not quick stops. Budget at least an hour. You will want to browse the bakery, the deli, and the produce.
- Easton’s market runs Saturday mornings, 9 AM – 1 PM. If you want to hit the market first, reverse the itinerary.
- The slate belt roads are winding. Budget extra time for the drive between the orchards and the valley floor.
- Bring a cooler and a box. You will buy baked goods, produce, and possibly meat. A cooler keeps everything safe while you finish the loop.
Browse farms in this area
The Lehigh Valley and surrounding Pennsylvania farm country have hundreds of farms in our directory. Browse Pennsylvania farms to find orchards, farm markets, pumpkin patches, and farmers’ markets near you.