While Virginia isn’t one of the United States’ top apple producers, it still has plenty of orchards spread out over its hills and valleys. According to the Virginia Apple Board, the state produces about 700 bushels of apples per acre, and exported apples reach 15 states.
Virginia’s climate is slightly more moderate than that of its northern neighbors, but the state still sees cool fall weather. When the air turns crisp, heading to an orchard is a great way to spend time with loved ones, get outside, and collect ripe apples for baking or enjoying fresh off the tree. Many orchards offer additional fall activities for both kids and adults, meaning you can spend all day celebrating the season.
1. Fruit Hill Orchard
Address: 2745 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Palmyra, VA 22963
Only half an hour outside of Charlottesville, Fruit Hill Orchard makes a seamless day trip from the city. Family run, the orchard offers apple picking when in season, accompanied by sunflower and zinnia picking. Visitors can choose from Daybreak Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, and Golden Delicious apples. Stop by the small but charming apple museum to learn more about the orchard’s history, and don’t forget to pick up a Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwich on your way out. The orchard’s flower garden is open for picnicking.
The orchard sells locally baked goods, jars of honey dairy products, and fresh meats, meaning you can stock up on groceries while enjoying your day out.
If you find that you just can’t get enough of Fruit Hill, consider booking a longer getaway at the orchard- cozy Farm Stay experiences are available through AirBnB.
2. Henley’s Orchard
Address: 2192 Holly Hill Farm, Crozet, VA 22932
Also sitting about half an hour away from Charlottesville, Henley’s Orchard has been family-owned since the 1930s. Over a century of experience has filled the orchard with about twenty delicious varieties of apples. Apple picking is available when the season begins, and it’s best to call ahead to confirm. If you’re looking for a specific apple variety, you can view a full list here.
The Orchard’s Estate Cidery offers tastings Thursday through Sunday, and you can preview available ciders here.
3. Drumheller’s Orchard
Address: 1130 Drumheller Orchard Ln, Lovingston, VA 22949
Located in the small community of Lovingston southwest of Charlottesville, Drumheller’s Orchard is a local mainstay. Founded in 1937, and expanding year by year, the farm has remained in the Drumheller family.
Apple varieties grown at the orchard range from Lodi and Summer Rambo to Black Twig and Pink Lady. A complete list of varieties and flavor profiles can be found here.
The orchard hosts two yearly apple festivals, which include everything from kids’ activities to hayrides, food vendors, and more. The festivals take place on the last weekend of September and the third weekend of October, so mark your calendar.
4. Dickie Brothers Orchard
Address: 2685 Dickie Rd, Roseland, VA 22967
Tucked into the hills about an hour southwest of Charlottesville, Dickie Brothers Orchard has a local legacy dating back to the 18th century and has been cared for by nine generations of one family. The orchard grows 14 classic apple varieties, and an approximate harvest schedule can be found at this link. However, for more accurate daily updates, be sure to check out the orchard’s home page or give the staff a call.
The farm store sells local produce and goods, and you’ll also find Dickie Brothers at the nearby Lexington and Staunton farmers’ markets. Fresh-pressed apple cider becomes available about halfway through September.
5. Jenkins Orchards
Address: 355 Yancy Rd, Woodville, VA 22749
Located in the northern part of the state, Jenkins Orchards is a family-owned orchard dating back to the 1950s. Apples are among the many crops grown here, which include watermelons, cantaloupes, nectarines and so much more. It’s best to call ahead for apple-picking details and be sure to keep an eye on the orchard’s Facebook Page for the latest updates. The property is just under two hours from the Washington D.C. area.
6. Hartland Orchard
Address: 3064 Hartland Ln, Markham, VA 22643
Just over an hour from the Washington D.C. Metro area, Hartland Orchards offers Hartland honey, fresh apple cider, and plenty of opportunities for visitors to pick their own cherries, blueberries, apples, and peaches. Peaches are available alongside summer and some fall apples.
Apple picking lasts until October, and you can view a monthly schedule of available varieties here.
The orchard is located in a beautiful part of Virginia, so consider stopping by on your way to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
7. Crooked Run Orchard
Address: 37883 E Main St, Purcellville, VA 20132
Located just northwest of Washington D.C., Crooked Run Orchard is also easy to reach from Baltimore. The orchard offers several different fruits including blackberries, cherries, and more. When it comes to apple picking, it’s best to keep an eye on the Crooked Run Facebook Page for the latest updates.
8. Mackintosh Fruit Farm
Address: 1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611
Perched just south of the state’s border with West Virginia, Mackintosh Fruit Farm invites visitors to an on-site market, kitchen, and plenty of picking space Thursday through Sunday. Apples join herbs, peaches, zinnias, veggies, and more, meaning you’ll likely leave with a host of delicacies to try at home. It’s easy to spend a whole day enjoying the farm- be sure to grab a bite to eat in the kitchen before relaxing at one of the outdoor seating areas.
The farm offers a convenient Pick Your Own e-mail newsletter, and you can sign up here to have the latest news sent directly to your inbox. The Mackintosh Facebook Page is also a good resource for news and other info.
The farm’s cider room offers a chance to try hard ciders, wines, and craft beers on the outdoor patio. The cider room hosts Friday happy hours and live music.
9. Paugh’s Orchard
Address: 5591 Senedo Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847
Located in the small community of Quicksburg, Paugh’s Orchard begins the apple-picking season in early September, counting Honeycrisp, Gala, and Golden Supreme among their classics. Open Wednesday through Monday, the orchard is a local favorite. The orchard’s Facebook Page is the best way to stay up to date on current conditions and crops.
10. Graves Mountain Farm
Address: 141 Apple Tree Ln, Syria, VA 22743
Located minutes from Shenandoah National Park, Graves Mountain Farm offers lodging, live music, outdoor excursions, wellness activities, horseback riding and so much more. Apple picking is one of the farm’s beloved autumn activities, and there are nearly twenty varieties available for you to choose from, depending on when they ripen.
While you can absolutely visit the farm on a day trip, consider planning a longer trip around the farm and the nearby national park. Together, these two destinations make a well-rounded introduction to Virginia’s natural areas.
11. Ayers Orchard
Address: 6178 Wards Gap Rd, Cana, VA 24317
Sitting just north of Virginia’s border with North Carolina, Ayers Orchard is your gateway to the state’s Blue Ridge. Family-owned, the orchard is over a century old and offers several varieties of apples (a list can be found here, along with estimated harvest dates). It’s best to call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
12. Morris Orchard
Address: 226 Tobacco Row Ln, Monroe, VA 24574
Located a two-hour drive west of Richmond, Morris Orchard offers apples starting in mid-August and lasting until October. The orchard offers seven pick-your-own apple varieties, and you can refer to a full schedule/crop list here. The orchard is also known for its cider, which incorporates both sweet and tart apple flavors to create a refreshing fall-tinged drink. Cider is pressed fresh every week between September and December.
For those looking to extend their visit, the orchard offers farmhouse and cabin stays.
13. Hollin Farms
Address: 1584 Snowden Rd, Delaplane, VA 20144
Located just west of Washington D.C., Hollin Farms offers a rural retreat from city life, even if just for a day. The farm website’s Availability section is updated regularly and has the latest information on what to expect. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
Apple varieties available for picking include September Wonder Fuji, Wolf River, and Golden Delicious. If you’re craving a sweet snack after a busy morning, the farm bakery has you covered with fresh apple cider donuts. Be sure to check out this handy seasonal picking guide to plan future visits to the farm and see what apple season coincides with!
14. Stribling Orchard
Address: 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln, Markham, VA 22643
Just over an hour away from Washington D.C., Stribling Orchard has plenty of apple varieties available for picking starting in late August and lasting until October. You can find a full list of what’s available, complete with flavor profiles here. Open only on weekends, the orchard bakery is a must- try the apple-cinnamon raisin bread, peach pie, apple pie, or all three! Honey from the orchard’s beehives is also available along with apple cider throughout apple season.
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