Four Spooktacular Pumpkin Patches in Pittsburgh
The leaves are officially changing colors, and Pittsburgh’s temperamental weather patterns have finally started to cool down…so that must mean it’s finally fall, right? And if it’s finally fall, does that mean we can start celebrating spooky season?
Personally, I started prepping for Halloween the minute that I could get my hands on a pumpkin-spice latte and went to the pumpkin patch the first weekend of October. But for those of you who need a little advice on how best to celebrate this spooky season, let me be your guide.
Pittsburgh has several good options for those searching for the place to find their perfect pumpkin, and there are several places listed in this article for students with a variety of transportation needs.
Soergel Orchards
My favorite pumpkin patch in Pittsburgh has always been Soergel’s. Situated in Wexford, north of downtown Pittsburgh, this patch has everything a fall-loving person could ask for: u-pick apples, a sprawling pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides, markets for a variety of local goods, and even a petting zoo! Soergel’s Fall Festival runs every weekend through October 29th, so catch it while it’s still happening.
On a transportation note, this spooktacular orchard is unfortunately only accessible via car. There are no public transit options available from downtown Pittsburgh, so an economically-feasible solution to this problem would be to go with a friend who has a car, or to Uber out there with several people.
Trax Farms
Trax Farms is another great option for all of your Halloween needs. This farm is located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, close to Finleyville. While their fall festival wrapped up on the 22nd of October, no need to fret! Trax Farms is hosting a Hops & Hayrides event on October 27th, so you scan still get your hayride fix before the season ends. For those under 21, they have non-festival hayrides as well, where ticket price includes access to the pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and more! Make sure to buy your tickets online, in advance.
As far as getting there goes, Trax Farms is quite accessible for students who do not have access to a car. You can take Commuter Bus A from the Smithfield and Forbes stop to the Route 88 and Trax Farm stop. The ride in there is only about an hour!
Simmons Farm
Simmons Farm is harder to access via public transit, but is well worth the 45 minute drive if you can make your way down there. Out in McMurray, PA, this farm is a great choice if you want to pick a variety of produce, as well as enjoy fall activities 7-days per week. Included in the hayride price are several slides, an Apple Rock Labyrinth, petting zoo, and a hay maze. Night hayrides are also available during their fall season if you are for a bonfire experience with marshmallows and fresh apples.
Shenot Farms
Another popular farm out in Wexford is Shenot Farms. Their fall activities last until October 29th, and include a variety of things to do, such as hayrides, a scenic walking trail, and hayrides to the pumpkin patch if you don’t want to hike it. Additionally, the weekend after Halloween, Shenot Farms has a pumpkin smash, where you can roll ‘em and wreck ‘em in their terrain. That happens November 4th and 5th this year!
Shenot also does not have any options for public transportation from downtown, so, similar to Soergel’s, we recommend that you grab a friend and carpool out there.
That’s a wrap for Consumer Sense’s pumpkin patch recommendations! Feel free to comment below if there are any other farms in the area you recommend.
