Every October, a hillside farm on the edge of Harrisburg fills up with families hunting for the right pumpkin. Some come for the corn maze, some come for the sunflowers, and plenty come back in summer for cherries and peaches.
The farm is family owned, the parking lot is roomy, and the views over the Chambers Hill area are a big part of the draw. Read on to learn what to pick, when to go, and which small details can save a trip, because a few of the rules here catch first-timers off guard.
A Family Farm on Strites Road
The farm sits at 1000 Strites Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17111, in the Chambers Hill area just outside the city. Its name is Strites Orchards, and it has been a local stop for fresh produce for years.
It is a true mom and pop operation, family owned and operated. That small-farm feel is a big reason people keep returning.
Finding it is simple. The route is easy to follow, and the parking lot is spacious enough for busy autumn weekends.
The property mixes a farm market with pick-your-own fields. Shoppers can grab groceries in a few minutes or spend an afternoon outdoors.
Officially it is listed as an orchard. In practice, it works as a market, a picking ground, and a seasonal play spot all at once.
Locals often describe it as one of central Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets. The secret is getting out, one wagon of pumpkins at a time.
Views Over Chambers Hill
Scenery is not usually the headline at a produce stand. Here, it often is.
The orchard offers some of the most attractive views in the area, with fruit trees spread across the hillside. Many families call the setting gorgeous, and it is easy to see why the photos pile up.
The landscape changes with the calendar. Summer brings berry rows and peach trees, while fall shifts the focus to apples, pumpkins, and the maze.
Small moments stand out too. A bird swooping back and forth over a pile of corn is the kind of quiet scene that makes a stop feel grounding.
Picnic tables outside give groups a place to sit and take it all in. Bringing a lunch turns a quick errand into a relaxed outing.
For city dwellers, the appeal is the short drive. Open farmland sits just a stone’s throw from Harrisburg.
The October Pumpkin Patch
October is the month when the farm’s busiest corner turns orange. The pumpkin patch is the main event for many families.
Pick-your-own pumpkins let kids wander the field and choose their own. Some spend a long time debating size, shape, and stem.
Many families use the patch as a backdrop for Halloween photos. The open field and orchard behind it make an easy, natural setting.
The patch also pairs well with the other fall activities nearby. Apples, sunflowers, and the corn maze are all part of the same visit.
Season timing matters. It is wise to check the farm’s website at stritesorchard.com before heading out, since availability shifts as the weeks go by.
A pumpkin picked by hand tends to mean more than one grabbed off a store shelf. That small difference is exactly what keeps the gourds rolling out the gate.
Twists in the Corn Maze
Some people treat a corn maze like a puzzle. Others treat it like a roller coaster, with suspense at every turn.
The maze here is a fun, quick stop rather than an all-day challenge. It fits neatly between apple picking and a walk to the sunflowers.
Opinions vary on how tough it is. Some fans love the thrill of guessing their way out, while others call it just okay.
That modest size is actually helpful for families with small children. Little legs can finish it without a meltdown.
- Best for: younger kids and short visits
- Pairs with: pumpkins, apples, sunflowers
- Season: early fall into October
Treat the maze as one piece of a bigger day. Expectations set right make the exit feel like a small victory.
Apples by the Bag
Apple season brings its own set of rules, and knowing them ahead of time helps.
Pick-your-own apples are sold as a flat price per bag, which was $27 last fall. The cost stays the same whether the bag holds six apples or is filled to the top.
That setup rewards those who plan to fill the bag. Smaller households may want to share a bag or shop the market instead.
Location in the orchard matters too. Some trees hold better fruit than others, so walking a bit further can pay off before filling up.
Asking staff where the best apples are currently ripening is a smart first move. It saves time and leaves room for the good ones.
Families who go in prepared tend to leave happy. The orchard rows are pleasant, and kids enjoy the hunt for a perfect apple.
Summer Picking Before Fall
October may draw the crowds, but the picking calendar starts months earlier.
Strawberries come first, with picking starting around mid-May. Cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches follow through the warm months.
Each crop has its own price. Cherry picking was once $16, while blueberries have run about $20 and raspberries about $25 per container.
Payment comes before picking, even if the rows are thin. Late in a season, some berries can be hard to find, so going early in each crop’s window helps.
Children love the freedom of picking and running between rows. Many parents call it a very educational outing.
Staff members like Maria have earned praise for being kind and helpful with kids. A friendly guide can make a small picker’s day.
Inside the Farm Market
Plenty of shoppers never set foot in the fields at all. The market alone is worth the trip.
Shelves hold a wide range of seasonal items. Expect fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, ice cream, pickles, canned goods, and baked goods.
Honey is a standout, with bees kept right on site. Jam, soups, and sausages round out the selection.
Fall brings cider, including a cider slushie that has a loyal following. Pie fans also rave about the strawberry rhubarb pie.
Many locals treat the market as a spot for quick groceries. Some say prices beat nearby farms, while others find certain items costly, so checking before buying is wise.
The variety shifts with every season. Something new tends to show up each visit.
Sunflowers, Crowds, and Who Fits Best
A field of sunflowers adds a cheerful bonus to late-summer and fall visits.
The sunflower field is a favorite photo stop. Paired with the pumpkins and maze, it rounds out an easy family loop.
Families with young kids are the core crowd. Open space, picnic tables, and bathrooms make longer stays manageable.
Timing changes the experience. Locals suggest mid-week trips for calmer fields, and one parent’s weekday routine with a toddler is a common pattern.
Those wanting a quick shop are also well served. The market moves fast, and the parking lot rarely feels cramped.
Not every moment is perfect. Some have found staff curt or rules strict, so a little patience goes a long way.
Hours, Costs, and a Friendly Verdict
A little planning makes the trip smoother.
Hours run 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday. Saturday is 8 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday is 11 AM to 4 PM.
Check the website before going, since picking crops change quickly. Bring a plan for flat-rate bags and pay-first containers.
- Weekdays: longest hours, lighter crowds
- Sunday: short window, arrive early
- Fall extras: pumpkins, maze, sunflowers, cider
Overall, the farm holds a strong 4.5-star standing across more than 400 opinions. Most families leave with full bags and good photos.
It may not be the biggest or cheapest orchard in central Pennsylvania. Still, its views, honey, and October patch make it a fine fall tradition worth starting.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.