Fall has a flavor, and in Maryland and Virginia, it usually tastes like a fresh-picked apple straight off the branch. This year, that tradition is a little more fragile. A brutal late-spring freeze hit the region while trees were already in bloom — the result of an unusually warm March that pushed buds and blossoms ahead of schedule, then left them exposed when temperatures dropped into the mid-20s for hours.
Key Takeaways
This isn’t a season to skip the orchard — it’s a season to show up anyway. Here’s what to know about each available stop this year.
Apple picking in Maryland
Maryland is home to various apple orchards, from family run farms to bustling orchards that offer hayrides, cider and baked goods. These top three apple picking destinations in Maryland are sure to provide a bright, memorable time.
Larriland Farm
Open to visitors through November, Larriland’s fall season is filled with apple-picking, pumpkin patches and festive activities. Larriland Farm has over 25 varieties of apples to choose from, as well as delicious festive snacks like apple fritters and popcorn. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday. A field ticket is required for everyone age 3 and older. The fall festival runs Sept. 8-Oct. 31.
- Location: 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine
- Contact: contactus@pickyourown.com
Homestead Farm
Homestead Farm has been celebrated for its fresh produce and sweet treats. The farm carries the most popular apple varieties, including Fuji, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and Gala. Perfect for kids, the farm also features hayrides, a petting zoo and a play area. Entry is $4 per person, and children under age 1 are admitted free.
- Location: 15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville
- Contact: HomesteadFarmEmail@gmail.com
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Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
Located in Parkville, Weber’s Cider Mill Farm is celebrated as the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the state, run by the Weber family since 1908. This family-owned gem offers freshly pressed apple cider, pies, doughnuts, pick-your-own fruit, hayrides, and barnyard fun. Visitors can also explore their PeachBerry Farm, where much of the farm’s produce is grown and pick-your-own options await.
- Location: 2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville
- Contact: (410) 668-4488
Apple picking in Virginia
Fall in Virginia is all about crisp air, colorful leaves and baskets full of freshly picked apples. Since apple picking is a popular tradition that many Virginians love to take part in each year, there’s no doubt that Virginia is home to some amazing orchards.
Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store
Visit the Carter Mountain Orchard for a combination of juicy apple picking and sweeping views of surrounding vineyards. The orchard’s apples are available for picking from mid-August through the end of November. The orchard’s country store features delicious apple desserts like apple pies and apple cider donuts. Entry passes are required on designated weekends from Sept. 12-Nov. 15. Picking and fruit are not included in the admission price. Advance reservations are recommended because walk-ins can be turned away at capacity.
- Location: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville
- Contact: Reach out to the orchard via online form at Venues | Chiles Family Orchards
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Mackintosh Fruit Farm is a family-owned farm that has been satisfying visitors since 1988. The rustic farm is home to abundant orchards of apples, peaches, berries and vegetables. Beyond fruit-picking, the farm features a market showcasing seasonal produce, homemade jams, baked cider donuts and honey. PYO is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The market remains open until 6 p.m. The farm specifically asks visitors to call before coming for PYO because availability is seasonal and limited.
- Location: 1608 Russell Road, Berryville
- Contact: lori@mackintoshfruitfarm.com
Marker-Miller Orchards
Marker-Miller Orchards offers an amazing apple-picking experience that’s enjoyable for all ages. Some apple varieties are available in early August, while others are only available starting in September through October. It’s recommended to check the Pick-Your-Own page for the latest availability. In addition to apples, the orchard is recognized for its peaches and homemade treats. The orchard is open year-round with specific seasonal hours that vary. For the most current hours and updates, check their official website.
- Location: 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester
- Contact: info@markermillerorchards.com
Crooked Run Orchard
Crooked Run Orchard is a historic, family-owned u-pick farm in Purcellville maintained by the Brown family for over 250 years as the last remaining active farm in town. The 94-acre orchard offers a wide range of seasonal produce — from apples, pears and plums to pumpkins, vegetables and herbs — alongside farm-stand goods like jams, eggs and honey.
- Location: 37883 E Main St., Purcellville
- Contact: crookedrunorchardpyo@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
When is apple picking season in Maryland and Virginia?
Most orchards in Maryland and Virginia open for apple picking in mid August and run through late October or early November. Early season varieties such as Gala and Ginger Gold ripen first, and Honeycrisp and Fuji usually follow in September. Exact dates shift with the weather, so check the farm website or call the morning of your visit.
Do you need a reservation to go apple picking?
Some of the busiest farms, including Butler’s Orchard, recommend or require reservations on fall weekends. Smaller orchards typically welcome walk ins. Booking a weekday morning is the easiest way to avoid crowds if you are bringing young children.
How much does apple picking cost?
Costs vary by farm. Some orchards charge admission per person, others charge only for the fruit you pick, and many sell picking bags or baskets by size. Homestead Farm, for example, charges $4 per person for entry. Confirm current pricing on each farm website before you go.
Which orchards are closest to Washington, DC?
Butler’s Orchard in Germantown and Homestead Farm in Poolesville are the closest picks for families in the District and Montgomery County, both roughly an hour or less from downtown in light traffic. From Northern Virginia, Crooked Run Orchard in Purcellville and Stribling Orchard in Markham are the shortest drives.
What should families bring to an orchard?
Closed toe shoes, sunscreen, water and a wagon or stroller that can handle gravel. Most farms supply picking bags or baskets. Bring cash as a backup, since cell service can be spotty in rural orchards, and pack a change of clothes for younger kids.
Plan the rest of your fall
Pair the orchard trip with a pumpkin patch, a corn maze or a fall festival. Check the Washington Parent events calendar for what is happening across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia the weekend you are heading out.
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
