Picture a crisp fall day. The air smells of fresh apples, and your basket fills with the juiciest fruit you’ve ever tasted. Apple picking in Maryland isn’t just a seasonal outing. It’s a tradition that brings families together and creates memories that last a lifetime.
From wandering through colorful orchards to hopping on a hayride or indulging in warm cider donuts, Maryland’s apple farms are full of charm you can’t miss.
Every year, I take my kids to a new orchard. What starts as a simple outing always turns into a day of laughter, fresh produce, and sweet homemade treats. Maryland has no shortage of orchards to explore. You’ll find farms close to Washington DC, scenic spots near Baltimore, and hidden gems in the mountains that make the perfect fall getaway.
If you’re craving even more autumn fun, check out our guides: Apple Picking in Virginia and Apple Picking Festival Blog for more nearby experiences.
When is Apple Picking Season in Maryland?
Apple picking in Maryland is a fall tradition that spans from late August to October, with peak season typically occurring in September and early October. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the changing leaves and cooler weather while picking fresh, juicy apples straight from the trees.
Apple Picking Season Breakdown:
- Early Season (Late August to Early September): Gala, Honeycrisp, and McIntosh apples
- Mid-Season (Mid-September to Early October): Fuji, Empire, and Cortland apples
- Late Season (Mid-October): Rome, Stayman, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith apples
Tip: It’s always a good idea to check with the orchard beforehand to find out which varieties are available when you visit.
Apple Picking Near DC & Baltimore
Butler’s Orchard – Germantown, MD
📍 Address: 22222 Davis Mill Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
🌐 Website: butlersorchard.com
Butler’s Orchard is a cherished family destination in Germantown, Maryland, offering a delightful mix of seasonal activities and farm-fresh produce. Spanning 300 acres, the orchard provides a variety of pick-your-own options, including apples, pumpkins, and flowers, depending on the season. Visitors can also enjoy tractor-pulled hayrides, pedal tractors, and giant slides, making it a perfect spot for family outings.
The orchard’s Farm Market is a must-visit, featuring an array of local products such as jams, honey, maple syrup, and gourmet condiments. The on-site bakery offers a selection of baked goods, including pies and cider donuts, which are popular among visitors.
During the fall season, Butler’s Orchard hosts the Pumpkin Festival, a beloved event that runs from late September through early November. The festival includes activities like pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes, and live music, providing fun for all ages.
Rock Hill Orchard & Woodbourne Creamery – Mount Airy, MD
- 📍 Address: 28600 Ridge Rd, Mount Airy, MD 21771
- 🍦 Website: rockhillorchard.com
Rock Hill Orchard in Mount Airy, Maryland, offers a true taste of fall in the countryside. In 2025, the orchard will not offer pick-your-own. Instead, all fruits and vegetables will be donated to local food banks and farms. Families can still enjoy Woodbourne Creamery on the farm. This “cow to cone” creamery makes rich, creamy ice cream from milk produced by grass-fed Guernsey cows. Seasonal favorites like Apple Cinnamon and Pumpkin join classics such as Cuppa Joe and Cake Batter. In past years, the farm has also featured a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and chances to meet the cows. Be sure to check their website for the latest fall activities.
The Orchard at Doc Waters Cidery – Germantown, MD
📍 Address: 22711 Wildcat Rd, Germantown, MD 20876
🌐 Website: docwaterscidery.com/pick-your-own/
Located in the heart of Montgomery County, The Orchard at Doc Waters Cidery offers a unique blend of agricultural charm and craft beverage enjoyment. This family-owned orchard and cidery provides visitors with the opportunity to pick from over 30 different apple varieties, including Joy, Fuji, and Pink varieties, ideal for both cider production and fresh consumption.
The orchard is open for apple picking from late August through early November, with specific dates and times available on their website. Guests can purchase small, medium, and large bags to fill with freshly picked apples, making it a perfect outing for families and groups.
After a day of apple picking, visitors can relax at the adjacent Doc Waters Cidery, Montgomery County’s first cidery, where they can enjoy a variety of hard ciders made from the orchard’s apples. The cidery offers tastings, flights, and a selection of small-batch ciders, providing a delightful experience for cider enthusiasts.
The cidery also hosts food trucks and live music on weekends, creating a vibrant atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Leashed pets are welcome at the cidery, making it a family-friendly destination.
Larriland Farm – Woodbine, MD
📍 Address: 2415 Woodbine Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797
🌐 Website: pickyourown.com
Larriland Farm offers a quintessential fall experience in the heart of Maryland. With over 25 apple varieties available for picking, visitors can enjoy a delightful harvest amidst the scenic countryside. The orchard is open for apple picking from late August through early November, with hours typically from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday through Sunday; the farm is closed on Mondays.
Beyond apple picking, Larriland Farm hosts a variety of autumn activities. The Boo Barn, a favorite among families, is open daily during late September and October, offering a fun and spooky experience for all ages. Additionally, visitors can enjoy hayrides and navigate the challenging straw maze, both available on weekends.
No visit to Larriland is complete without sampling their renowned apple fritters, made from a cherished family recipe. These delectable treats are available on Saturdays and Sundays during the fall season.
Baugher’s Orchard & Farm – Westminster, MD
📍 Address: 1015 Baugher Rd, Westminster, MD 21158
🌐 Website: baughers.com
Baugher’s Orchard & Farm in Westminster, Maryland, is a family favorite with over 1,200 acres of fun. Visitors can pick apples, peaches, nectarines, and blackberries in season. Families love the free petting zoo, home to goats, chickens, emus, and peacocks, with food available for feeding the animals. The Orchard Market sells fresh produce, baked goods, and local treats, while Mrs. B’s Ice Cream Window serves seasonal flavors like peach and blackberry. In fall, the farm comes alive with hayrides, pumpkin picking, and live music during the Fall Harvest Festival.
Weber’s Peachberry Farm – Glen Arm, MD
📍 Address: 11409 Harford Road, Glen Arm, MD 21057
🌐 Website: pyo-at-webers-peachberry-farm.square.site
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm, also known as Peachberry Farm, offers a delightful autumn experience just outside Baltimore. During the fall season, visitors can enjoy pick-your-own apples, with sessions typically starting in September and running through early November. It’s advisable to check their Pick Your page or their Facebook page for the most current information on available crops and picking schedules.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm – Parkville, MD
📍 Address: 2526 Proctor Ln, Parkville, MD 21234
🌐 Website: weberscidermillfarm.com
Weber’s Farm has been welcoming families for generations and is best known for its apple cider, donuts, and fall festivities. Visitors can enjoy pick-your-own apples during the season, with wagon rides out to the orchards adding to the experience.
The farm market is a highlight, offering fresh produce, baked goods, homemade fudge, and their famous apple cider donuts. Guests can also sip refreshing cider slushies or take home seasonal treats like pies, jams, and preserves.
In autumn, Weber’s comes alive with pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and kid-friendly attractions that make it one of the top fall destinations in Maryland. Whether you’re there for apples, baked goods, or festive fun, Weber’s Farm delivers a true taste of the season.
Central & Western Maryland Orchards
Gaver Farm – Mt. Airy, M
📍 Address: 5501 Detrick Rd, Mt. Airy, MD 21771
🌐 Website: gaverfarm.com
Gaver Farm is a fall favorite in Maryland, offering classic pick-your-own apple experiences along with plenty of family fun. Visitors can head to the orchard to harvest crisp apples in season, then explore the large farm market filled with fresh produce, baked goods, apple cider donuts, and other local treats.
The real highlight for families is the Fall Fun Festival, featuring over 60 attractions. Kids and adults alike can enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, giant slides, jumping pillows, mini ziplines, and a petting zoo with friendly farm animals. Seasonal favorites like pumpkin picking and apple cider slushies make this a must-visit destination for anyone looking to celebrate autumn in Maryland.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard – Thurmont, MD
📍 Address: 15036 N Franklinville Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
🌐 Website: catoctinmountainorchard.com
Located in the picturesque foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, Catoctin Mountain Orchard offers a quintessential farm experience. Visitors can enjoy a pick-your-own adventure with a variety of fruits, including apples, peaches, and berries, depending on the season. The orchard provides tractor-pulled wagon rides to the fields, adding a touch of rustic charm to the outing.
The on-site farm market is a treasure trove of local delights, featuring freshly baked goods such as fruit pies, apple cider donuts, and whoopie pies. For those seeking unique flavors, the market also offers a selection of jams, jellies, and pickles made from locally sourced ingredients. Seasonal items like slushies and ice cream floats provide refreshing treats during warmer months
Gardenhour Orchards – Smithsburg, MD
📍 Address: 22511 Gardenhour Rd, Smithsburg, MD 21783
🌐 Website: gardenhourorchards.com
Gardenhour Orchards, a family-owned farm in Smithsburg, MD, offers a serene, no-frills apple picking experience amidst the scenic beauty of Washington County. Established in the late 1800s, this orchard provides a variety of seasonal fruits, including apples, peaches, strawberries, and raspberries. Visitors can enjoy picking their own produce directly from the fields, ensuring the freshest selections.
The orchard is committed to sustainable farming practices, providing high-quality fruits grown with care. While the farm doesn’t feature additional attractions like corn mazes or petting zoos, its charm lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to connect with nature. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful, authentic farm experience.
Milburn Orchards – Elkton, MD
📍 Address: 1495 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921
🌐 Website: milburnorchards.com
Milburn Orchards, a family-owned farm since 1902, offers a vibrant fall experience for all ages. Located in Elkton, MD, this orchard is renowned for its weekend Fall Festivals, featuring hayrides through the orchard, a corn maze adventure, and the popular Boo Barn. Children can enjoy the Barnyard Buddies and Bale Trail, while families can capture memories with various photo opportunities.
Beyond the festivities, Milburn Orchards boasts a farm market offering fresh produce, baked pies, jams, jellies, and their famous apple cider donuts and caramel apples.
Shaw’s Orchard – White Hall, MD
📍 Address: 5594 Norrisville Rd, White Hall, MD 21161
🌐 Website: shaworchards.com
Shaw’s Orchard, a cherished family-owned farm situated on the historic Mason-Dixon line, has been delighting visitors with its fresh produce since 1909. This orchard offers a hands-on experience where guests can pick their own strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, pumpkins, and apples, depending on the season. The orchard is open for pick-your-own fruits on Saturdays from September through October, providing a delightful way to enjoy the harvest season.
In addition to the pick-your-own experience, Shaw’s Orchard features a farm market stocked with a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, and flowers. Visitors can also enjoy hayrides to the pumpkin patch, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Kingsbury Orchard – Dickerson, MD
📍 Address: 19415 Peach Tree Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842
🌐 Website: kingsburysorchard.com
Kingsbury Orchard, a fifth-generation family farm in Dickerson, MD, has been cultivating fruit since 1907. The orchard specializes in heirloom apple varieties, offering a unique selection of apples, peaches, and pears. Visitors can explore the orchard and enjoy the scenic rural landscape. The farm stand at Kingsbury Orchard provides fresh fruit, cider, and homemade goods, allowing guests to take a piece of the orchard’s harvest home.
M & C Vessey Farm – Westover, MD (Eastern Shore)
📍 Address: 31783 Vessey Orchard Rd, Westover, MD 21871
🌐 Facebook: M & C Vessey Farm
M & C Vessey Farm, a family-owned orchard since 1930, offers a charming and authentic farm experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With over 1,300 fruit trees spanning 15 acres, the farm provides a variety of pick-your-own fruits, including peaches, apples, nectarines, plums, and pears. The orchard is open seasonally, with specific picking times for each fruit.
In addition to fruit picking, visitors can enjoy the farm’s market, which sells fresh produce, homemade apple cider, local honey, and handcrafted gifts. The farm also hosts seasonal events, such as pumpkin painting sessions in the fall, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Located along the scenic Pocomoke River, M & C Vessey Farm offers a picturesque setting for a family outing, complete with picnic areas and the opportunity to arrive by boat.
More Must-Visit Maryland Orchards
Homestead Farm – Poolesville, MD
📍 Address: 15604 Sugarland Rd, Poolesville, MD 20837
🌐 Website: homestead-farm.net
Homestead Farm in Poolesville, Maryland, is a local favorite for pick-your-own adventures. Depending on the season, families can harvest apples, peaches, strawberries, and blackberries. Kids love the petting zoo with goats, pigs, and chickens, and hayrides add to the fun. With picnic areas and a farm market stocked with honey, preserves, and fresh produce, it’s the perfect spot for a full day outdoors.
Lewis Orchards – Dickerson, MD
📍 Address: 18901 Peach Tree Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842
🌐 Website: lewisorchardfarmmarket.net
Lewis Orchards in Dickerson, Maryland, has been family-run since 1888 and is known for its high-quality produce. The farm market sells apples, peaches, nectarines, plums, vegetables, and local specialties like jams, jellies, and fruit butters. Freshly baked pies in apple, peach, and pumpkin are available Thursday through Sunday, with no sugar added options as well. Visitors love the welcoming atmosphere and say the produce tastes fresher than anything from the grocery store.
Lohr’s Orchard – Churchville, MD
📍 Address: 3212 Snake Lane, Churchville, MD 21028
🌐 Website: lohrsorchard.com
Lohr’s Orchard in Churchville, Maryland, has been family-owned since 1928 and remains a favorite fall destination. Visitors can pick apples, peaches, strawberries, and blackberries in season, enjoy hayrides, and meet farm animals at the petting zoo. The market sells fresh produce, honey, and preserves, while picnic areas make it easy to spend the day. Lohr’s offers a classic Maryland farm experience for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Are you planning a weekend adventure with the Family this Fall?
Apple picking in Maryland is the perfect way to celebrate fall with family and friends. Whether you are searching for Apple Picking Places Near Me, exploring Apple Picking Orchards, or planning a seasonal day trip, Maryland has it all. You can spend the day picking apples, enjoying hayrides, or indulging in warm cider donuts. Each orchard offers its own charm, from the scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains to the cozy atmosphere of local farm markets.
With a wide variety of apples, seasonal treats, and fun activities, Maryland’s orchards are a must-visit for anyone who loves fall. Grab a basket, head to one of these amazing Apple Picking Orchards, and make the most of apple picking in Maryland in 2025.
🍂 Don’t forget to check out our guides on Apple Picking in Virginia for even more fantastic fall adventures nearby.