The best places to go apple picking near Washington, D.C.

Bluemont, VA

Apple picking at Great Country Farm feels like a world-class event. There’s something here for everyone. Aside from orchards, the farm hosts over 10 festivals year-round. Participate in Pumpkin Chuckin' (exactly as it sounds) or take the dad in your life to the Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama. The apples here among an assortment of fresh fruits and veggies are an added bonus.

Poolesville, MD

From late August to late October, Homestead Farm offers a selection of seasonal apples including favorites such as Honeycrisps. But act quickly, as this popular destination frequently runs out of specific apple varieties early in the season.  While there, don’t miss the chance to explore the farm’s petting zoo and peruse their storefront where homemade honey is available for purchase.

Germantown, MD

Make a reservation before heading to Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland. The more than 300-acre farm sells over 20 varieties of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Even so, from late September to early October, the orchard hosts a pumpkin festival perfect for the family complete with hayrides, live music and a corn maze.

Markham, VA

Drive through the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains to Hartland Orchard, a family farm operated for over two decades. Visitors can choose from a wide range of fruits and vegetables prime for picking, including seasonal apples. In fact, Hartland’s apples are highly sought after and are a vital ingredient in their homemade pasteurized cider available for purchase on the grounds.

Thurmont, MD

Every Saturday and Sunday, this cash-only orchard opens its door to eagerly awaiting apple pickers. Purchase by the bushel or the pound and fill up on some of the 15 apples grown at Catoctin Mountain Orchard. And for some well-needed inspiration on what to do with your apples once home, explore the orchard’s bakery and fill up on freshly baked slices of pie, apple cider donuts, and pound cake available for purchase.

Woodbine, MD

Apple picking marks the end of the harvesting season at Larriland Farm where you can find over 25 acres of land dedicated to the fruit. The season starts in late May with strawberries and goes to November. In addition to apples and strawberries, the farm offers the opportunity to harvest various fruit including gooseberries, cherries, blueberries and peaches. It’s recommended that guests call beforehand to know what’s available for picking.

Berryville, VA

Some of the very first plants harvested on Mackintosh Farm were apples. The family-owned farm in the beautiful Northern Shenandoah Valley has operated since 1988. Since then, the farm has added a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as over 20 varieties of peaches, but its apples still remain a tried and true treasure. While there, try the “Farm Special Drinks,” including the apple cider float and basil lemonade.

Markham, VA

The apples at this Virginia farm are a part of history: its apples have played a crucial role in supporting the country through multiple wars, including World War II. Today, the orchard proudly features trees from the 1930s and hosts over 2,500 trees on its property.

Airy, MD

Walk through the trellised apple trees at Gaver Farm and take your pick from a variety of apples, such as Blondee, Ultra Gold and Crimson Crisp. The orchard is open on the weekends and offers free daily hayrides. Shop preserves and local ciders at the farm’s on-site market or enjoy fresh farm fudge to your heart's content.

Delaplane, VA

Aside from being an award-winning cattle ranch, Hollins Farms boasts an impressive selection of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. The farm, located an hour's drive from D.C., hosts over 40 acres of apples, cherries, peaches and nectarines, among other fruit. You can cut your own flowers or dig your own potatoes.

Winchester, VA

Some buildings on the family-owned Marker-Miller Orchard date back to 1811 and have been privately managed for over five generations. Aside from picking fruits, don’t miss the Apple Harvest Festival in early October when the orchard celebrates with homemade apple cobbler, fresh apple cider, apple pies, apple turnovers, apple pie ice cream and, of course, apple cider donuts.