The 15 best places to go apple picking near Washington, D.C.

Winchester, Va.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 37 minutes

Some buildings on the family-owned Marker-Miller Orchards 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.

Time Out tip: Marker-Miller makes perhaps the tastiest apple cider donut in the area. Don't leave without grabbing a clamshell to take home, and be sure to enjoy one while it's fresh and hot. 

Bluemont, Va.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 10 minutes

Apple picking at Great Country Farms is a staple of fall in the DMV. This is the place to go for a quintissential autumn experience— a wagon ride transports would-be pickers to the orchards and fields stocked with apples and pumpkins. Once the work is done, the farm has plenty of activities visitors entertained and a well-stocked farmstand to shop.

Aside from orchards, the farm hosts over 10 festivals year-round. Participate in Pumpkin Chuckin' (which is exactly what it sounds like) or take the dad in your life to the Father’s Day Fish-a-Rama.

Time Out tip: Great Country Farms gets extremely crowded on fall weekends. Be sure to make a reservation to snag a spot, or consider visiting on a weekday.

Germantown, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 53 minutes

Perhaps the most popular pick-your-own spot on this list, it's wise to make a reservation before heading to Butler’s Orchard in Germantown. The more than 300-acre farm sells over 20 varieties of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers; it also has a well-stocked farm store that sells preapred goods like fresh apple cider jugs, apple cider donuts and preserves. 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.

Time Out tip: Butler's Orchard is also a great place to pick your own pumpkins. 

Mt. Airy, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 11 minutes

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.

Poolesville, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 55 minutes

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.

Mt. Airy, Md. 

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 12 minutes

Apple picking at this cozy orchard is easy and fun; ticket bundles include pick your own fees plus activities like petting farm animals and wagon rides. The orchard is laid out with ease of picking in mind; the 2,500 trees are pruned, which means no picking from ladders, and trees are held up with wires like you'd find in a vineyard. Reward yourself for your hard work with ice cream, which is made in small batches on site with local ingredients, at the "cow to cone" creamery. There's a cute red farmstand that's well-stocked, too.

Time Out tip: Woodbourne Creamery is Maryland's only dairy that sells milk for public consumption. Grab a bottle of cream-lined milk, which comes from the farm's small herd of grass-fed Golden Guernsey cows, at the market. 

Markham, Va.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and six minutes

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, visitors to Stribling Orchard can pick apples from those very same trees—the orchard has more than 2,500 apple trees on its property, some of which date back to the 1930s.

Time Out tip: The orchard also sells Angus beef, which comes from grass-fed cows the farmers raise from birth. 

Germantown, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 57 minutes

The Orchard at Doc Waters Cidery is a the place to go to combine apple picking and apple drinking (in the form of cider). Take a scenic ride up a hill to orchards that stock about 17 different apple varieties throughout September and October.

Sometimes pick-your-own operations end up being quite expensive, the prices here are quite reasonable (one-half peck of apples, about five to six pounds, costs $20 to pick). Once you've harvested your own bounty, head back down the hill to the cidery for some freshly-pressed cider.

Time Out tip: The orchard and cidery host various food trucks that serve snacks and lunch, like tacos and barbecue. Check the cidery's Facebook, Instagram and website for specific schedules.

Thurmont, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 21 minutes

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.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 11 minutes

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. Picking season begins in May with strawberries, and goes to November with apples. In addition to apples and strawberries, the farm offers the opportunity to harvest various fruit including gooseberries, cherries, blueberries and peaches.

Time Out tip: Call ahead before your visit to learn what's available for picking.

Markham, Va.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and eight minutes

Hartland Orchard, a family farm that's been operated for over more than two decades, is nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains (a great spot for fall leaf peeping). 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.

Time Out tip: Hartland Orchard is cash only, so hit an ATM before picking.

Berryville, Va.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 22 minutes

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.

Time Out tip: Try the “Farm Special Drinks,” including the apple cider float and basil lemonade.

Delaplane, Va.

Drive time from D.C.: about 1 hour

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

Glen Arm, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 1 hour and 42 minutes

Weber's Farm offers hour-long berry, peach, flower and apple picking sessions at its Peachberry Farm location. Fill your bucket with seven varieties of apples and various cut flowers. Apple picking runs from September to early November, and flowers are available mid July to October. 

Time Out tip: PYO apple picking is by online reservation only, so be sure to book in advance. 

Elkton, Md.

Drive time from D.C.: About 2 hours and five minutes

Milburn Orchards has all sorts of fun fall activities on offer, including u-pick cherries, berries, peaches, grapes and apples. Apple season runs from late August to late October. When you're done apple picking, fuel up at The Deck, the orchard's restaurant, with lunch fare that's not exactly typical of what you'd find on a farm (the menu includes pizzas, loaded pretzels and apple cider slushies).

Time Out tip: Love picking your own fruits? Milburn offers season passes that are valid for one year and grant access and discounts to special events.