Fall is almost here, which means D.C. residents will soon be trading rooftop bars and beach weekends for crisp orchard air, freshly pressed cider and bags filled with apples picked straight from the tree.
And the good news is that you don’t have to travel far from the District to make a day of it.
Some of the region’s best orchards are less than an hour away, while a few longer drives are worth the trip for their mountain views, festivals, farm animals, bakeries and seriously good apple cider donuts.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic early fall date or simply want an excuse to stock up on Honeycrisp apples, these destinations offer much more than a quick trip to the orchard.
Several are already opening their apple-picking seasons in late August or early September, making them ideal for getting a head start on fall.
Here are 10 fun destinations near Washington, D.C. where you can go apple picking this fall:
Great Country Farms is one of the best options if you’re looking for far more than just apple picking.
The Bluemont farm’s 2026 Apple Harvest + Corn Maze season runs in September, with the farm open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
Apple availability can change with the harvest, so visitors should check the farm’s current picking updates before heading out.
There are also giant jumping pillows, mini-golf, slides, farm animals and an obstacle course spread across the farm’s 15-acre play area.
Come hungry, because the farm market sells apple cider donuts, fresh apple pies, cider slushies, ice cream, local honey and other seasonal treats.
For an adults’ day out, nearby Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing and the Henway Cider Barn make it easy to extend the trip.
If your ideal apple-picking trip involves finishing the day with a glass of hard cider, put Doc Waters Cidery near the top of your list.
The orchard has announced that apple picking will return in late August 2026, giving D.C. residents one of the earliest opportunities to get into the fall spirit.
During the apple-picking season, the orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm, with no reservations necessary.
After filling your bag with fresh apples, head over to the cidery, which serves its own hard cider and is open Fridays through Sundays.
Keep in mind that picking conditions and available varieties can change throughout the season, so it’s worth checking the farm’s updates before making the drive.
Baugher’s is a classic countryside destination where apple picking can easily become an all-day excursion.
The family-friendly farm in Westminster offers pick-your-own fruit, though specific apple availability and field hours change according to crop and weather conditions.
Beyond the orchard, Baugher’s has plenty to keep visitors busy.
There’s an orchard market, bakery, petting zoo and Mrs. B’s ice cream window, plus the farm’s wider operation includes a fruit market and restaurant in Westminster.
It’s the kind of place where you can pick apples, meet goats and other animals, browse local produce and then sit down for a meal.
The Orchard Market is generally open 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday through Sunday, while pick-your-own hours vary by crop and season.
Because field access can change quickly, Baugher’s recommends checking current conditions or calling ahead before visiting.
That flexibility makes it a great option for a spontaneous early fall road trip—as long as you confirm the apples are ready before you leave D.C.
Larriland Farm is a particularly good pick for anyone who wants their apple-picking trip to feel like a genuine pick-your-own adventure.
The family-owned Howard County farm grows more than 20 crops and over 90 varieties throughout its season, which runs from late May into early November.
That means the experience doesn’t necessarily end with apples.
Depending on when you visit, there may be other fruits and vegetables available to pick or buy, and the farm’s Red Barn market stocks produce grown on the property along with products from more than 25 local vendors.
For 2026, Larriland requires a field ticket or pass for pick-your-own crops, while the farm market can be visited without a field ticket.
The farm recommends checking its “Today’s Harvest” updates before your trip because availability changes throughout the season.
For D.C. residents, Larriland is one of the easiest countryside escapes on this list: close enough for a half-day outing but large enough to make the drive feel like a real seasonal adventure.
Butler’s Orchard is one of the area’s most popular farm destinations, especially for families looking to pack several fall activities into one trip.
Its Farm Market and Farm Park move into fall hours beginning September 8th, 2026, operating Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entry to the farm and fields at 5 pm.
Apple-picking availability varies with the harvest, so visitors should always check current crop conditions before heading out.
But even when you’re planning your trip around apples, Butler’s has plenty of other reasons to stay awhile.
The farm is known for its seasonal activities and family-friendly atmosphere, while the market gives visitors a chance to take home fresh produce and other farm treats.
Its convenient location also makes it one of the better options for a quick weekend escape from the District without committing to a long road trip.
Pro tip: Go earlier in the day if you’re visiting on a busy fall weekend so you have more time to explore the farm before the final field entry.
For a true orchard road trip, Marker-Miller Orchards in Winchester is well worth the extra driving time.
The family-owned orchard has roots stretching back generations and combines apple picking with the kind of old-fashioned fall treats that make you want to bring a cooler for the ride home.
The biggest draw beyond the orchard is its annual Apple Harvest Festival, traditionally held in early October, when visitors can enjoy homemade apple cobbler, fresh cider, pies, turnovers and the orchard’s beloved apple cider donuts.
That makes Marker-Miller an especially good choice if you’re looking for a destination that feels more like a special occasion than a quick stop at a farm.
The Winchester area itself can also turn the trip into a full day or weekend getaway.
Because exact 2026 picking dates and conditions can vary by weather and crop, check Marker-Miller’s latest orchard updates before making the drive.
But if hot, fresh cider donuts are high on your fall priority list, this is one destination you may want to plan around.
Mackintosh Fruit Farm is a great option for D.C. residents who want a more relaxed orchard experience in Virginia’s countryside.
Located near Berryville, the farm has historically offered pick-your-own apples including varieties such as Golden Delicious, Criterion, Crimson Crisp and Honeycrisp, depending on seasonal availability.
Berryville’s scenic setting is another reason to make the drive, particularly in early fall when the countryside starts to transition into peak foliage season.
It’s a solid choice for couples or groups who want the orchard experience without the crowds and large-scale festival atmosphere of some bigger farms.
As always with pick-your-own destinations, apple varieties and field access depend on the season, so check current conditions before you go.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm is an excellent destination for anyone who believes fresh-pressed apple cider is just as important as the apples themselves.
The farm in Glen Arm, Maryland is home to the state’s oldest cider mill in continuous use, producing cider since 1947.
That history gives the experience a little extra charm.
Visitors can come for pick-your-own apples and other seasonal crops, then make sure to leave time for a taste of the farm’s cider and a visit to the market.
It’s a particularly appealing option for a leisurely weekend drive through Maryland, and the farm’s focus on cider makes it stand out from orchards that are primarily about filling a bag and heading home.
The trip can feel like a small seasonal pilgrimage for anyone who waits all year for that first taste of fresh fall cider.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard has long been a favorite destination for apple picking, fresh-baked goods and a scenic drive toward the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains.
Its market is another major reason to visit, with treats including freshly made apple pies, popcorn, jams and other seasonal goodies.
However, 2026 is an unusual season at the orchard.
A record-breaking freeze in April caused catastrophic damage to a large portion of Catoctin’s apple crop, and the farm says it expects to hold only two special pick-your-own apple events, with dates to be announced.
That makes this one worth watching closely rather than simply showing up on a typical weekend.
If the special apple-picking dates work with your schedule, they could offer a particularly memorable early fall outing.
The orchard’s usual mix of country scenery and farm-market treats still makes Thurmont a fun destination, but visitors should check the farm’s official updates carefully before planning a trip specifically around apple picking in 2026.
If you’re looking for an apple-picking destination that feels like a genuine escape into the Virginia countryside, Hollin Farms is an excellent replacement.
The family-run farm is located in Delaplane near Sky Meadows State Park, surrounded by scenic views that make the drive especially worthwhile as early fall approaches.
Even better for this roundup, Hollin Farms says its apple-picking season begins in late August with Honeycrisp apples and continues throughout October.
The farm is open from late May through October, although its specific days and hours can change weekly depending on the harvest, so visitors should check current availability before heading out.
Apple picking is only part of the experience.
Depending on what’s in season, visitors can also pick other fruits and vegetables, including fall greens, and even dig their own potatoes.
Hollin Farms also raises Natural Angus beef, which can be ordered directly from the farm.
The combination of early Honeycrisp season, wide-open countryside and pick-your-own options beyond apples makes this one of the best destinations for anyone hoping to kick off fall before the busiest October crowds arrive.
