Few activities usher in fall like apple picking. Whether you’re making hot cider, baking a pie, or simply want to enjoy the cooler weather, these apple-picking spots will give you a fun afternoon out on the farm and a delicious takeaway to bring home.
Weber’s Farm in Parkville offers u-pick options for many crops, including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, pumpkins, and apples. The approximate harvest time for apples is September through early November, although Weber is careful not to give exact dates, as it is subject to change depending on the harvest season-to-season.
Garden Hour Orchards in Smithsburg harvest apples, peaches, corn, strawberries, and raspberries. They have a wide range of apple varieties, including Gala, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, Red and Golden Delicious, Empire, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady. U-picking begins mid-September. It is suggested that you call for availability and times.
The White Marsh Orchard in Centreville has over 50 fruit tree varieties for u-picking. Fruit options include peaches, plums, pears, apples, nectarines, and blackberries. Don't forget to stop by to select and cut your next Christmas tree during the Christmas season.
Milburn Orchards in Elkton has u-pick for apples, blackberries, raspberries, and grapes. Apples go on the U-pick market starting Labor Day weekend with Royal Gala Apples. While you're there, pick up a few apple cider donuts, too.
Blades Orchard in Federalsburg, Maryland, has u-pick starting on September 16. Stop by every weekend from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. until October 31 to pick apples and pumpkins.
Lewis Orchards in Dickerson has existed in one form or another since 1888. Starting in September, Lewis Orchards will offer pick-your-own apples again through the fall season.
Butler's Orchard in Germantown has been in the same family for 65 years. You can visit the farm and have full access to the Pick Your Own Fields, Farm Park Picnic area, the Natural Trail, and Giant Slides. Gala Apples and Early Fuji are available at the time of writing, with more apple varieties coming later in the fall.
Larriland Farm in Woodbine is open to the public during the growing season (May through November). They recommend calling ahead of time instead of simply driving up to ensure enough ripe fruit is left to pick. Their website is updated daily with information regarding which fruits are available for U-pick, so check in regularly.
Close to the Mason-Dixon line, Shaw Orchards has been in the family since 1841, producing and selling fruits since 1909. U-pick options include strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Check the website regularly, as it is updated weekly with the latest information regarding what's available.
Homestead Farm in Poolesville offers u-pick apples at a fair price per pound. Varieties include Crimson Crisp and Fuji. Strawberries and other produce are available seasonally for u-pick, whereas pre-picked options include apples, tomatoes, sweet corn, onions, eggplant, peppers, green beans, watermelon, and squash.