A dual crisis of freezing temperatures and prolonged drought in late April devastated peach crops ahead of pick-your-own season. The Maryland Farm Service Agency reports some counties lost 99 percent of peach crop. Meanwhile, in Northern Virginia, an orchard owner told the Prince Williams Times this year’s damage is “unheard of.” As a result, many farms near DC were not able to produce enough peaches for picking. However, these four orchards are still offering pick-your-own days this summer. Be sure to check conditions before you visit—fruit season is fickle.
Larriland Farm
2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD
Distance from DC: About 40 miles.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM.
Prices: $3 wristband for admission. Ages 2 and under are free. Pay for peaches by the container.
Peach-picking days will be sporadic throughout the summer. As of July 16, Red Haven peaches are available in the orchard on Peach Hill. Check the daily harvest report for updates.
Great Country Farms
34345 Snickersville Tpke., Bluemont, VA
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
Prices: $5.99 per pound, plus an admission ticket ($11 for children, $13 for adults online; $12 if you buy them at the gate).
Wagon and RTVs take visitors to the orchard from 9:15 AM to 4 PM. Reusable containers are provided. Great County is also hosting a Peach Fuzztival on August 1 and 2 with a pie-eating contest, water balloon toss, and a range of peach drinks such as wine slushies and cider. (Tickets are $12 per child, $14 per adult online and $16 per person at the gate.)
Hartland Orchard
3064 Hartland Ln., Markham, VA
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: Weekdays from 9 AM to 2 PM.
Prices: $25 per peck.
Due to the limited crop this summer, the orchard does not have enough peaches to host weekend picking sessions. However, fruit collectors are welcome Monday through Friday. Red Haven and Ernie’s Choice peaches are currently in season. The orchard only accepts cash or checks.
Hollin Farms
1524 Snowden Rd., Delaplane, VA
Distance from DC: About 60 miles.
Hours: Wednesday to Friday 9 AM to 12:30 PM, Saturday to Sunday 9 AM to 1:30 PM.
Prices: TBA.
Starfire, Red Haven, and Blazingstar peaches are available as of July 16. Orchards are only accessible by foot. Check the website for daily updates.
