From now until late October, the DMV is ripe with opportunities for your family to take a trip and (quite literally) taste the best that fall has to offer. Though apple picking may be the primary focus for these orchards, many offer other fun fall activities such as pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and more.
Read on for the definitive list of the closest and sweetest spots for apple picking near D.C. As always, it’s recommended you visit each location’s website for the most up-to-date information on hours, admission and prices before you arrive. Many locations require online reservations.
Maryland
Butler’s Orchard
Don’t wait too long to make your family’s reservation for Butler’s Orchard, Montgomery County’s beloved fruit-and-vegetable-picking farm and orchard, as their apple-picking spots can fill up quickly. All reservations require the purchase of one of their containers which allows you to prepay for the fruit you pick. Apple picking is only available on weekends. 22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, Md.
Homestead Farm
Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., rain or shine, Homestead Farm is ready to receive your family for your apple-picking adventure. Homestead Farm is known for its variety of apples, which ripen at different points during the season, and its love for educating visitors on all things apples. Combine that with farm animals and haystacks for climbing and you’ve got one of the sweetest spots for apple picking near D.C.! 15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, Md.
Larriland Farm
Larriland Farm is serious about the growing season and not just with their sustainable farming practices. With over 25 different varieties of apples to pick from August to November, there’s an apple (or two!) for everyone in your family. 2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, Md.
Milburn Orchards
Now celebrating over 120 years of family tradition, Milburn Orchards goes the extra mile to make all families welcome. For one, all their trees are dwarf trees, meaning the little ones can pick their own apples here. They’re also credit-card-friendly and offer a free wagon ride to their orchards. 1495 Appleton Rd., Elkton, Md.
Gaver Farm
After your free hayride to their orchard, you’ll find a beautifully curated orchard filled with trellised apple trees that provide an easier picking experience. 5501 Detrick Rd., Mount Airy, Md.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
What makes apple picking even sweeter? Delicious apple cider, of course! In addition to their sweet apple-picking adventures, families can shop at their authentic country bakery and farm market. But you can’t let your family leave before tasting their fresh cider from Maryland’s oldest continuously in-use cider mill. Yum! 2526 Proctor Ln., Parkville, Md.
Rock Hill Orchard
There are literally thousands of trees to pick apples from at Rock Hill Orchard. Families will need to make reservations for weekend picking excursions. Before you leave Rock Hill, visit their Woodbourne Creamery for “Montgomery County’s only Cow-to-Cone creamery.” 28600 Ridge Rd., Mount Airy, Md.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard
This 60-year-old orchard and farm market is a Maryland staple, offering over a dozen apple varieties to pick from. What really defines Catoctin Mountain Orchard as one of the sweetest apple-picking spots near D.C. is its on-site kitchen and bakery. Whether your family loves cakes, cookies, or pie (they carry two dozen kinds!), there’s something for everyone in your family at Catoctin. 15036 North Franklinville Rd., Thurmont, Md.
Baugher’s Orchard
For over 100 years, family-owned Baugher’s Orchard has been providing delicious apples and apple-picking adventures for the families of Carroll County. Families are asked to leave strollers and bags behind at their visitor center before entering the orchards. After picking your fill of apples, visit their restaurant or bakery for more delicious treats. 1015 Baugher Rd., Westminster, Md.
Virginia
Crooked Run Orchard
The oldest orchard on our list, Crooked Run has been operating for over 250 years! You won’t find any other frills at this family-owned farm, just good ole apple picking. Admission is free, no reservations are required and pets are allowed to roam with you while you pick. Don’t miss a chance to visit one of Virginia’s oldest and sweetest spots for apple picking near D.C. 37883 E Main St., Purcellville, Va.
Great Country Farms
Great Country Farms offers more than just apples; they offer a full-blown apple-picking experience for the whole family. For the price of admission, your family can hitch a wagon ride to the orchard and pick to your heart’s content (apples are purchased by the pound), all before enjoying the many attractions available at their Farm Play Area; Cow Pie Putt Putt, Farm Ninja Obstacle Course and more! Be sure to grab a few apple cider doughnuts on your way out. 34345 Snickersville Tpke., Bluemont, Va.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Nestled in the beautiful Northern Shenandoah Valley, this family-owned farm waives its entry fee for children 4 and younger. You can bring the dog, too, making sure they’re leashed and kept away from growing crops. There are breakfast specials on most weekends served by their farm-fresh kitchen, including a huge selection of apple-infused baked goods and desserts. 1608 Russell Rd., Berryville, Va.
Marker-Miller Orchards
Marker-Miller boasts 325 acres of apples to pick from. Fido is welcome as well, as long as they remain leashed at all times. 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, Va.
Hollin Farms
Hollin Farms is a fourth-generation family-run plot situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 90 minutes from D.C. In addition to apple picking, families can take home a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, dig for potatoes and peanuts, and even pick fresh greens like arugula or kale. Dog-friendly and offering a plethora of fresh desserts. 1524 Snowden Rd., Delaplane, Va.
Hartland Orchard
Hartland Orchard takes pride in offering families the freshest, juiciest apples possible. Containers and bags will be provided for you upon entering the orchard, so all you need to do is focus on the beautiful countryside and picking apples. Cash only. 3064 Hartland Ln., Markham, Va.
Rinker Orchards
Some orchards grow a variety of apples (there are over 7,500 cultured varieties of apples in the world, you know), testing different varieties as the years go by. At Rinker Orchards, they focus on just 10! Pack a picnic and bring the family to one of the most picturesque spots for apple picking — and 100% natural apple cider–near us. Cash, checks and all major credit cards accepted. 1156 Marlboro Rd., Stephens City, Va.
Stribling Orchard
A sixth-generation family-run farm with gorgeous views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, Stribling Orchard offers a historic apple-picking experience. Be sure to check their website for the season’s most up-to-date schedule as their hours can change year to year. After you finish picking apples, head over to the bakery (opened on weekends only) for another tasty treat. 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln., Markham, Va.
