Apple Picking Near DC | Daycation DC

As the leaves begin to change and summer humidity leaves the city, there is nothing quite like a day of apple picking near Washington, DC. Whether you are looking for family fun or a fall day out with friends, there is an orchard waiting for you. This list includes 10 options within 90 minutes of City Center.

Apple picking season runs from late August through October. If you’re local to the area, you might be tempted to put off apple picking until the weather cools off closer to October. But this could mean you’ll miss out on a big part of the harvest season. Availability varies throughout the season, so it’s important to check each farm’s website or call ahead before you go. Popular farms can run out of ripe fruit and weather can also affect availability. Additionally, most farms do not allow dogs (except for service animals) in the orchards, so be sure to leave your pups at home.

Some farms strictly focus on pick-your-own but this list includes some options with fall festivals, food specialties (ice cream and a cidery!), and a special Cider Fest. Many are open beyond the fall season for the summer and the winter holiday season.

Apple Orchards in Northern Virginia

Hollin Farm: Hollin Farm invites guests to pick produce from May to October. Apples, pumpkins, potatoes, and peanuts are available for harvest in September and October. Enjoy picking fall favorites against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains without driving too far from the city.
Where: Delaplane, VA about 1 hour and 20 minutes from City Center
Why Go: Pick-your-own beyond apples

Hartland Orchard: This family farm is open for pick-your-own produce from mid-May to November plus Christmas trees in December. Hartland Orchard features strawberries, blueberries, peaches, and more in the summer with a long fall apple season. Lodi apples appear in early July with Summer Rambo, Gala, and McIntosh in mid to late August. Other varieties of apples and pumpkins continue to grow in September and October. Cider (starting mid-September) and honey (year-round) are available. Cash only.
Where: Markham, VA about 1 hour and 5 minutes from City Center
Why Go: A long apple season

Stribling Orchard: This historic spot for apple picking near DC is open for summer and fall pick-your-own. Apple season begins in August and runs through October. The main house opens Labor Day weekend and sells jams, jellies, apple butter, pumpkin butter, honey, fall bakery items, and more. Check the website to see what is available in the orchard on the day of your visit.
Where: Markham, VA about 1 hour and 10 minutes from City Center
Why Go: A 6th-generation family-owned spot with a cute country store

Apple Picking in Maryland

The Orchard at Doc Waters Cidery: Doc Waters Cidery is open year-round from Friday to Sunday but apple picking at The Orchard is only open in September and October. Apple varieties vary throughout the season but you can get a general sense on the website. Prices are based on 2, 4, or 6 guests. Dogs are allowed at the cidery but not the orchard. Reservations for both The Orchard and the Cidery are highly recommended in the fall.
Where: Germantown, MD about 1 hour from City Center.
Why Go: Apple picking followed by drinks

Apple Picking in Virginia with Fall Festivals

Great Country Farms: Apple season begins in late August at Great Country Farms. Plus, join them for two fall festivals: Apple Gala and Cider Fest (September) and Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival (October). Enjoy cider pressing demonstrations, hayrides, goats, a corn maze, and apple cider donuts. Open daily with discounts on weekdays.
Where: Bluemont, VA about 1 hour and 10 minutes from City Center
Why Go: Cider Fest in September

Valley View Farm: Valley View Farm is open for pick-your-own from late June through October with apples in September to October and pumpkins in October. The farm also features a taproom with hard cider, a wine vineyard on site, and select wines from Philip Carter Winery. Beverages can be purchased to take home or enjoyed in the taproom. Valley View Farm does not have a dedicated fall festival but look out for fall events like their kid-friendly Halloween party on October 26.
Where: Delaplane, VA about 1 hour and 20 minutes from City Center
Why Go: Special event weekends, hard cider, and wine

Apple Picking in Maryland with Fall Festivals

Butler’s Orchard: The pick-your-own season at Butler’s Orchard runs from May to October with Christmas Trees available in November and December. September offers apples, potatoes, flowers, tomatoes, and more, while October brings more apples and pumpkins. Reservations are highly recommended. While you’re there, check out the pumpkin festival that runs from late September to Halloween. Enjoy a hayride, farm games, music, a corn maze, and farm animal friends. Purchase tickets online to save. The private bonfires truely set Butler’s Orchard apart. Rent these spaces with a large group from Thursday to Sunday evenings from April to November. This is best for a large group as prices are for groups of up to 25 or 50 people.
Where: Germantown, MD about 1 hour from City Center.
Why Go: Great fall festival and large group bonfires

Gaver Farm: Gaver Farm is only open for apple picking and a fall festival in October and for Christmas Tree sales in December. Enjoy this short but fun-filled season starting September 1. Pick-you-own includes a free hayride to the fields with a pre-paid bag for apples limited to 4 people (children under 2 not included in the headcount.) Pumpkins are sold by the pound. Apple picking is only open on the weekends, but join Gaver Farm for Fall Fun Fest daily from August 30 to November 5. Enjoy a corn maze, farm animals, mini-games, photo opportunities, and more. This farm offers great activities for small children and apple picking near Washington, DC.
Where: Frederick, MD about 1 hour and 15 minutes from City Center.
Why Go: Great for families, especially with small children

Rock Hill Orchard: Rock Hill Orchard invites guests to pick fruits and berries from June to October. In the warmer months, you’ll find peaches, blackberries, blueberries, and more, but apples and pumpkins are the stars starting in September. Plus, don’t miss special fall activities like hayrides, a pumpkin cannon, a corn maze, and ice cream made right on the farm. The market is open Wednesday to Sunday but pick-your-own and fall activities are limited to weekends.
Where: Mount Airy, MD about 1 hour and 10 minutes from City Center
Why Go: The Creamery with ice cream made on the farm

Larriland Farm: Larriland Farm is open from strawberry season beginning mid-May through the apple harvest ending in early November. In the fall, you’ll find both pears and apples available for picking every day except Mondays. On weekends in October, Larriland offers fall activities that are advertised as a large fall festival but still a fun afternoon of Halloween fun. Enjoy food trucks, apple fritters, hayrides, a straw maze, and a Boo Barn for children 4 to 6. Book a weekday or evening hayride (reservation only) designed with large groups and children’s birthday parties in mind.
Where: Woodbine, MD about 1 hour and 10 minutes from City Center
Why Go: Pick both pears and apples plus activities especially for little kids