For many Northern California families (dogs included, of course) autumn wouldn’t be autumn without a trip to the Apple Hill region of El Dorado County, where pie shops, u-pick orchards, pumpkin patches, wineries, hay rides and all sorts of other activities await. Most of the 55 or so family-owned “ranches” between Placerville and Pollock Pines extend a friendly paw to DogTrekkers, and that goes for 17 Apple Hill wineries, too. (Read about some of our favorites here.)
But Apple Hill isn’t all there is when it comes to harvest season in Gold Country. Amador County also publishes a Farm Trails map featuring many properties open to the public. The 49er Fruit Trail in Placer and Nevada Counties offers more possibilities and includes a harvest calendar so you’ll know exactly when produce like kiwis, persimmons and pomegranates are ripe for harvest. The El Dorado County Farm Trails Guide designates dog-friendly farms, wineries and lodging establishments with a paw-print icon, saving you a phone call to determine if dogs are welcome.
In the winery department, DogTrekker.com lists dozens of dog-friendly places in Gold Country where you can sip and stare at the pageant of color presented by vineyards in full fall dress. Want to spend the night, enjoy a patio meal with Trixie by your side or poke around historic attractions? Our listings for lodging, chow, hikes and attractions in the nine foothill counties belonging to the Gold Country Visitors Association will inspire you to fall into fall in a memorable way.
