Top Foraging Destinations Across the United States

Our ancestors foraged to survive, but harvesting wild food became less common after the advent of the grocery store. Fast forward to today: Americans are increasingly motivated by sustainable travel and a desire to understand what’s in their food and where it comes from. Nothing is more sustainable than finding your own food!

It’s time to embrace picking dandelions in your backyard (they’re edible!) and foraging for raspberries in the woods. Foraging excursions in cities and the countryside provide opportunities to gather food, dine, and forge new friendships. For the latest tracking of local foraging, check out Falling Fruit, a handy resource for eating local food.

Greens, Berries, and Mushrooms in Asheville, North Carolina

How about pairing some wild berries with your local lager? Discover the origins of the country’s first forage-to-table experience in the Asheville countryside. Localvore pioneer Alan Muskat founded the first forage-to-table company back in 1995 along with the first wild foods public education program. The business has been thriving ever since! Join a tour to forage alongside Muskat and plan to drop off your finds at several Asheville restaurants. The chefs will transform your bounty into a one-of-a-kind dish, complimentary with the purchase of one entree per person.

Nuts, Berries, and Mushrooms in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin

When starting your foraging journey, having a mentor is immensely beneficial. Many common plants are toxic, including some varieties of magic mushrooms. Travel to the quaint town of Weyerhaeuser, population 238, to meet Samuel Thayer, founder of The Forager’s Harvest. This wild food expert leads foraging classes from May to October, with events and discussions throughout the winter.

Experiences range from an introduction to foraging to mushroom-specific foraging. Depending on the season, a variety of nuts, root vegetables, fruits, and seeds can be found. The classes typically span a weekend and include shared lodging and some meals for around $300.

Foraging in New York City, New York

Have you considered foraging in the Big Apple? It’s entirely possible! Join “Wildman” Steve Brill in Central Park for a family-friendly foraging day. Discover native and introduced plant species right in the heart of the city that never sleeps. Foraging tours occur from March to December, showcasing different finds each season such as ginkgo biloba, American persimmon, and Kentucky coffee tree pods for making caffeine-free coffee. The suggested donation is $20 for a four-hour excursion. Steve also conducts tours in other parts of New York State if you need a break from the city.

Mushrooms, Acorns, and Onions in Ithaca, New York

Elevate your camping experience to glamping (glamorous camping) at Firelight Camps in the Finger Lakes. Enjoy a safari-style tent outfitted with a comfortable queen bed, a private tented porch, and battery-powered lanterns. Sleep beneath the stars and embark on a guided foraging hike through breathtaking waterfall trails in Buttermilk Falls State Park, accompanied by Sarah Kelsen from FLX Wild.

During this 90-minute walk, you will learn to identify various plants including mushrooms, acorns, and onions. Sarah encourages participants to taste nature’s medicinal treasures found around Firelight, and she is available to answer any questions throughout the journey. Guided hikes are priced at $40 and run from April to November.

Mushrooms in Chesterfield, Missouri

In Missouri, many mushrooms are edible, but it’s crucial to proceed cautiously to avoid ingesting toxic varieties. Seek guidance from local experts at Missouri’s Mycological Society, who can navigate you through the mushroom-rich terrains of the Mark Twain National Forest. Explore the state’s mushroom varieties with the society’s comprehensive calendar of guided hikes and seminars, unveiling the enchanting world of fungi.

Truffles in Willamette Valley, Oregon

The Willamette Valley is renowned as Oregon’s wine country, celebrated for wine tastings and gourmet food. Nevertheless, foraging for the elusive truffle is emerging as a popular attraction for visitors. These gourmet fungi thrive throughout the forests in Willamette Valley, fetching prices of $500 or more per pound!

Truffle foraging occurs in winter through spring. Prestige Wine Tours provides guided excursions led by professional hunters accompanied by their truffle-hunting dogs. Following the hunt, you can participate in a delightful wine and food pairing event at a winery tasting room. After an exciting day of truffle hunting (and tasting), consider staying in a charming vintage trailer.

Seaweed in California’s Central Coast

Did you know there are over 10,000 types of seaweed in the ocean? Experience the diversity and health benefits of seaweed on a foraging beach tour with Marley Family Seaweeds along California’s Central Coast, following the Highway 1 Discovery Route.

This 90-minute tour, set against stunning coastal views, involves walking on the beach and wading in the water. The adventure culminates with ramen noodles for lunch, crafted from freshly harvested seaweed and served right on the beach. Explore cooking with seaweed through delicious recipes like Irish Seaweed Bread or a Korean Seaweed Omelette.

Mushrooms in McCloud, California

Prepare for a weekend focusing on mushrooms at the McCloud Mushroom and Music Festival, occurring every Memorial Day weekend in this charming lumber town. The festival celebrates wild mushroom hunting during spring. Immerse yourself in mushroom foraging with Todd Spanier, the “King of Mushrooms,” participate in educational workshops, and savor a multi-course gourmet mushroom dinner.

Stay in downtown McCloud and indulge in locally sourced mushroom-based delights from various food vendors. Local restaurants feature mushrooms in special menus for the event, even including mushroom ice cream called candy cap, which tastes like molasses!

This article was first published on February 19, 2020, and updated on April 29, 2022.