Rows of apple trees at Homestead Farms.
The apple picking season has begun! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. And with so many apple varieties that ripen at different times, the pickings often last through October, sometimes even into November. Here’s a selection of farms and orchards where you can pick your own. My disclaimer: I haven’t been to every one of these places, but they all come recommended through local sources. If you have feedback on any of them, feel free to add it to the comments section. Happy picking!
Homestead Farms
Where: Poolesville, MD
When: Open daily, 9am – 5pm
Seasonal scoop: The apple picking season has begun and is expected to last through October. Bring your own container for collecting your fruits or purchase one there. You can also visit farm animals, and their seasonal festival begins in late September.
Larriland Farms
Where: Woodbine, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm, Tuesday-Friday 9am-6pm, closed Mondays in September, but open Mondays in October 9am-5pm.
Seasonal scoop: A few varieties are already ripe for picking and many more will be harvested in September and October. See the list here to find out when you can snag your favorites.
Butler’s Orchard
Where: Germantown, MD
When: Tuesday – Friday 8:30am – 6pm, Saturday & Sunday 8:30am -5pm
Seasonal scoop: The orchard is expected to open soon with a variety of apples available. The picking season should last through September. (And a heads-up: their Annual Pumpkin Festival runs every weekend in October.)
Rock Hill Orchard
Where: Mount Airy, MD
When: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday, 10am – 5pm, closed Monday
Seasonal scoop: The apple picking season begins in September. Be sure to call ahead, as the picking is not open every day.
Stribling Orchard
Where: Markham, VA
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 9am-5pm, closed the Tuesday after Columbus Day
Seasonal scoop: The picking season is in full swing with Gala, McIntosh, Empire, Jonathan, Cortland, Ginger Gold, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious ripe and ready. While you’re there, see their historic buildings, visit farm animals, and enjoy scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Baugher’s Orchard & Farm
Where: Westminster, MD
When: Pick-your-own is 9am-5pm Friday-Sunday, but the farm is open daily 8am-6pm
Seasonal scoop: Early harvest apples are ready to pick and there will be more varieties to come. You can also enjoy a petting zoo, playground, and wagon rides there.
Hartland Orchard
Where: Markham, VA
When: Open daily 8am–6pm
Seasonal scoop: A huge variety of apples grow in the orchard, and some should be available to pick now. Their Fall Festival weekends begin September 6 –see what that includes here.
Marker-Miller Orchards
Where: Winchester, VA
When: Monday – Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm
Seasonal scoop: A couple of varieties are ripe for picking and more will be ready soon. Their Apple Harvest Festival is October 11-12. Other days, family fun includes a playground, wagon rides, and a cow train.
Here in MA the apple picking season started early due to the unusually warm winter/spring. March was particularly unusual and resulted in an early crop. The picking season typically starts the end of August, but we’ve had apples ready about 10 days or so earlier than that.
Also try Crooked Run in Purcellville, VA. It’s a no-frills orchard that often makes and sells cider later in the season. This 200 year old Virginia Century Farm continues to please despite continued assaults from the town’s council to pave it over.
Thanks for the recommendation, Bob!