Baugher’s Orchard
1015 Baugher Rd., Westminster
Distance from DC: About 70 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday in September through October, 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday in November.
Apples: $13 for a half peck, $25 for a peck, $50 for a half bushel.
What else: Pair apple picking with a visit to the petting zoo’s donkeys, chickens, and goats. You can also visit the Fruit Market and Baugher’s Restaurant. Plan to leave the backpacks and strollers at the visitor area: They aren’t allowed in the orchard.
Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876
Distance from DC: About 30 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday (The whole orchard is open Tuesday through Sunday.)
Apples: $10 for a quarter peck, $17 for a half-peck, $28 for a peck
What else: Admission is $3 online and $4 in-person (free for kids under two years old). While you’re there, enjoy the Pumpkin Festival or bring a group to make s’mores and hot dogs at the daytime campfires.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard
15036 North Franklinville Rd.,Thurmont
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: 10 AM to 3 PM every Saturday and Sunday in September and October.
Apples: $13 for a half peck, $23 for a peck, $32 for a half bushel.
What else: Snag a pick-your-own bag and pay the $3-per-person entry fee (ages three and under are free) before heading into the trees for fall apples. Sales are cash only and there is an ATM on site. There’s also a produce market and a bakery stocked with apple treats.
Gaver Farms
5501 Detrick Rd., Mount Airy
Hours: 12 to 6PM on Friday and 10 AM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday in September and October
Apples: $25 for a peck, $40 for a half bushel.
What else: Break out the flannel and turn apple picking into a day of autumnal activities for their Fall Fun Fest ($20 per person September weekends, $23 per person October weekends, $14.50 per person weekdays): visit the pumpkin patch, catch a hayride, meet some barnyard animals, take a selfie in the sunflower fields (including photo props such as a swing and tractor), or nosh on an apple cider donut. The farm is also home to pedal karts, jump pillows, a 7-acre corn maze, and a mini version for kids.
Great Country Farms
18780 Foggy Bottom Rd, Bluemont, VA
Distance from DC: About 58 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM daily. (The market is open until 5 PM daily.)
Apples: $1.99 per pound.
What else: This orchard features apple trees planted in the past 20 years, considered “dwarf” trees. Check the farm’s guide in advance to find out which apples are ripe for picking. Admission is $14 for ages 14 and up and $16 for adults. In addition to apple picking, solve giant mazes, jump on the giant pumpkin pillows, play putt-putt golf, meet goats, and more.
Hartland Orchard
3064 Hartland Ln., Markham
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 2 PM daily in September and October.
Apples: $20 for a half bushel.
What else: Embrace fall vibes near the Blue Ridge Mountains and pluck different types of apples throughout the season. Pumpkin picking is also available at the Virginia spot, as well as cider and honey from the orchard.
Hollin Farms
1524 Snowden Rd., Delaplane
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: Hours and days change weekly, check their current availability before you go.
Apples: $20 per peck.
What else: Don’t worry about bringing bags and baskets: Containers are provided, and large backpacks or purses are not allowed. In addition to apples, visitors can also pick their own fall greens ($5 per pound) and dig potatoes ($1 per pound). Their bakery is open on weekends.
Homestead Farm
15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville
Distance from DC: About 30 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Apples: $2.19 per pound.
What else: Entry to the Maryland farm costs $4 per person (free for kids one and under) and includes access to pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, as well as face time with the animals and access to the picnic tables, grassy area and haystack by the pond. If you’re looking to bring home more than apples, the market also offers honey, flowers, and cider.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm
1608 Russell Rd., Berryville
Distance from DC: About 70 miles.
Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM on Thursday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. (Fields close at 5 PM for picking.)
Apples: $2.99 per pound.
What else: The admission fee for the pick-your-own experience is $2 per person. Shopping in the market, having lunch, or visiting on reading days is free. Adults can stop by the Cider Room for local hard ciders, wine, brews, and charcuterie boards. (No, you cannot take drinks with you during apple picking.)
Milburn Orchards
1495 Appleton Rd., Elkton
Distance from DC: About 100 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday in September; 9 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and Sunday in October.
Apples: $7 for a kiddie container, $12 for a small container, $20 for a medium container, $36 for a large container.
What else: Pre-registration is required for people ages two and older, so make sure to reserve tickets in advance ($3 per person). Admission includes a scenic wagon ride to the orchard. The “pedestrian orchard” features shorter trees that can be picked from the ground with a range of apple varietals.
Rock Hill Orchard
28600 Ridge Rd., Mount Airy
Distance from DC: About 40 miles.
Hours: 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Apples: $10 for a quarter peck, $16.75 for a quarter peck and admission to the corn maze, or $26 for a half peck and admission to the corn maze.
What else: More than 2,500 trees dot the reservation-only orchard, which requires tickets for visitors three and older. The passes also allow for wagon rides and a chance to pet the calves. Stop by the farm’s Woodbourne Creamery for pumpkin and apple cinnamon ice cream made on-site.
Stribling Orchard
115587 Poverty Hollow Ln., Markham
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM on Wednesday through Sunday.
Apples: $2 per pound, $20 for a peck.
What else: This family-run orchard features 23 types of apples to pick throughout the season. There are plenty of picnic spots, and weekend visitors can sip Virginia wines and ciders while listening to live music.
Weber’s Farm
11409 Harford Rd., Glen Arm
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM daily.
Apples: $14 for a half peck, $24 for a peck, $34 for a half bushel.
What else: This farm and cider mill offers a pick-your-own experience at its PeachBerry Farm, a 10-minute drive from the main grounds. Head to the Country Bakery for fall sweets such as apple pie, pumpkin crème rolls, and apple cider donuts. Fall Harvest Days at the main grounds include activities like hayrides, a “boo barn,” seeing barnyard animals, duck races, and on weekends, live music and food trucks. (Admission is $13 per person.)
Keely recently graduated with her master’s in journalism from American University and has reported on local DC, national politics, and business. She has previously written for The Capitol Forum.
