The Best Apple Picking Orchards Near DC
No matter where you are in DC, perfect apples are within reach.
Apple picking through verdant orchards is one of fall’s finest pursuits, along with savoring apple cider donuts and picking out pumpkins. Luckily, many of the DMV’s apple orchards let you do all three and some even turn their red and green harvest into delectable fruit pies and hard cider sold on site, while others host fall activities like live music, hayrides, and festivals to engage the whole crew. No matter what your ideal fall afternoon looks like, these eight apple orchards in Maryland and Virginia have you covered for apple picking and beyond.
Germantown, Maryland
Distance from DC: 40 minutes
Located on 300 acres, Butler’s Orchard offers pick-your-own apples during September and October. Reserve a time on the website and select the fruit and vegetables you plan on picking. They also allow walk-ins based on availability or if you purchase a season pass. Get your fill of fresh-based fruit pies, seasonal produce, local cheeses, and festive fall decor at the orchard’s market. For more fun, plan your trip to coincide with the pumpkin festival, which runs from September 24 to October 30 and features hayrides, corn hole, live music, and pony rides.
Woodbine, Maryland
Distance from DC: 1 hour
Drive through scenic Western Howard County to Larriland Farm, where you’ll find nearly two dozen varieties of apples, including Braeburn, Golden Delicious, and Magnolia Gold from August to early November. The family-owned farm features a daily harvest page on its website so visitors know what to expect before arriving. Stop in the Red Barn Farm Market, where you can pick up local free range eggs, cheeses, Larriland honey, and Fisher’s popcorn and peanuts. Weekend hayrides, a straw maze, and Halloween decorations also make it a festive destination.
Purcellville, Virginia
Distance from DC: 1 hour
This no-frills, family-owned farm in Western Loudoun County only accepts cash or check. Bring your own basket or use theirs to pick apples and stop by the farm stand to pick up eggs, honey, and hand-made soaps before kicking back to enjoy your bounty at one of the picnic tables.
Thurmont, Maryland
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Catoctin Mountain welcomes apple pickers every Saturday and Sunday in September and October, when guests can choose from Blondee, Cameo, Cortland, Mountain Honey, and a dozen other varieties in the pick-your-own orchard. More apples can be found in the market through the end of January, along with fresh and frozen fruit pies, jams, pickles, apple cider donuts, and assorted snacks.
Bluemont, Virginia
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Apple season begins late August and lasts through September at Great Country Farms, featuring Honey Crisp, Gala, Jona Free, and other varieties. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended on weekends, which includes admission to the farm play area and numerous weekend festivals. Attend the Corn Maze and Apple Harvest Festival in September, and if you miss apple season, you can pick pumpkins and roast marshmallows at the Fall Pumpkin Farm Festival. Grab some peach or rose cider afterward at the adjacent Henway Hard Cider.
Berryville, Virginia
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Visitors no longer need to make a reservation to pick Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji and Pink Lady apples at Mackintosh Fruit Farm. Don’t miss the farm market, which sells honey from its own apiary, apple cider donuts, apple butter, and a full dessert and lunch menu. After lunch, swing by the new cider room where you can sip rose, wine slushies, IPAs, and local hard cider.
Winchester, Virginia
Distance from DC: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Pick-your-own baskets at the Marker-Miller Orchards Farm come in three sizes and cost $6, $10, and $16. Bring the kids to enjoy the vast playground with wagon rides, castle, climbing wall, and a cow train. Apple picking is the main draw, but you can also plan your trip around the orchard’s October festivals. The Apple Harvest Festival runs October 8 and 9 and features food trucks, live music, and all things apple, including pies, donuts, cobbler, and cider, while the Pumpkin Festival on October 22 will offer pumpkin pies, bars, and rolls.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Distance from DC: 3 hours
Pick-your-own apple season lasts until mid-November, but check the website for the latest fruit availability at this dog-friendly orchard down the road from Monticello. The owners also harvest wine grapes and sell nine wine varietals and wine slushies in their wine shop. Swing by the extensive country store and bakery to pick up the fresh-baked apple cider donuts, produce, pies and ice cream. Make a day of it and visit Bold Rock Tap Room to taste the hard ciders made with local apples while drinking in the view.