Cooler temperatures, school shopping, pumpkin spiced everything and the arrival of apple picking season are a few signs that summer is nearing an end and fall is just around the corner. Much like the taste of biting into a Granny Smith apple, the arrival of apple season in Northern Virginia can be bitter sweet. As it marks the beginning of a fresh, new season that includes tons of fun fall activities, there is also a bit of sadness knowing that we are saying good-bye to summer. But cheer up! Our list of orchards, just a short drive from Fairfax County, will get you geared up for a fall (or end of summer) road trip to some great orchards and farms where you can enjoy the thrill of picking your own apples fresh off the trees. Apple picking is a fun, family-friendly activity and a great way to welcome a brand new season here in Virginia!
Some of the apples you will find at Virginia farms and orchards include: Honey Crisp, Macintosh, Empire, Gala, Golden Delicious, Jonathans, Fuji, Pink Lady, Gold Rush, Granny Smith, Ginger Gold, Red Delicious, Ida Red, Nittany, York, Rome, and more!
Please visit the websites or social media pages of the orchards listed here for all the details about their apple harvest and hours of operation. Apple season usually begins in mid to late August with some of the earlier varieties and runs through October, but can vary due to weather conditions and other factors. It’s a good idea to call the farm/orchard for updates before making the drive to the country.
Hollin Farms: 1436 Snowden Road, Delaplane, VA 20144 Phone: 540-592-3574
Hollin Farms is a four-generation family farm next to Sky Meadows State Park in Fauquier County, northern Virginia, about 45 minutes from the Washington, DC beltway. They offer pick-your-own fruits, vegetables, flowers and dig-your-own potatoes and peanuts as well as a pumpkin patch in the fall.
Hartland Orchard: 3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643 Phone: 540-364-2316
Hartland Orchard is located in the scenic hills near Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Mountains. They offer pick-your-own summer, fall and winter apples and pumpkins. Cider and locally made honey is also available.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm: 1608 Russel Road, Berryville, VA 22611 Phone: 540-955-6225
Mackintosh Fruit Farm is a family owned pick-your-own farm nestled in the beautiful Northern Shenandoah Valley in Clarke County, Virginia, 15 minutes from Winchester and a little over an hour from D.C. They have pick-your-own apples, zinnias and sunflowers. They also have a market where you can purchase fruit, vegetables, lunch and desserts.
Stribling Orchard: 11587 Poverty Hollow Lane, Markham, VA 22643 Phone: 540-364-3040
Come and enjoy a day in the country at the orchard. Relax, bring a picnic, and enjoy the breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Apples are available from mid-August through early November. Beginning in September, they offer fresh cider and all sizes and shapes of pumpkins. Visit the Harvest House where they have cider, honey, jams, jellies, salsas, hot sauces, local cheese, local eggs, Virginia peanuts, cookbooks, fresh baked goods and more.
Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market: 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602 Phone: 540-662-1391
Enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery while you pick apples. Visit their market to purchase fruits, vegetables, cider, jams, jellies and baked goods. Bring lunch or purchase it from their food building and enjoy a picnic at their picnic tables. They also have a playground, a cow train, wagon rides and seasonal festivals.
Rinker Orchards: 1156 Marlboro Road, Stephens City, VA 22655 Phone: 540-869-1499
Rinker Orchards, Inc. is a third generation apple orchard nestled in Frederick County, Virginia. The 2019 apple picking season opens on September 6, 2019 and will be open weekends (Friday-Monday) through Columbus Day. They produce ten types of apples that are grown in this region and also produce 100% natural Rinker’s Apple Cider: no sugar, no added water, no preservatives.
Crooked Run Orchard: 37883 W Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132 Phone: 540-338-6642
Crooked Run Orchard is a small family farm on the outskirts of Purcellville, Virginia in Western Loudoun County. They offer summer and fall pick-your-own apples or you can purchase them from the fruit stand.
Great Country Farms: 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135 Phone: 540-554-2073
Great Country Farms is a 400 acre working farm with pick your own produce, a Farm Market and more, situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside the village of Bluemont, VA. This fall they offer pick-your-own apples. greens and pumpkins. You can purchase food and baked goods at their Roosteraunt and celebrate the season at their upcoming festivals: Apple Gala and Cider Fest each weekend in September and Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival during the month of October.