14 Best Apple Picking Orchards in Maryland (2023)

Christine Johnson

By Christine Johnson

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Embrace autumn with a visit to Maryland’s apple orchards. As the season unfolds, indulge in the fresh crunch of locally grown apples across the state, especially from the heartlands of Washington, Frederick, and adjoining counties. These orchards not only offer a wide range of apple varieties but also feature roadside stands with fresh cider and seasonal produce.

A wicker basket filled with apples outside.
Marina Demidiuk/Bigstock

Apple orchards in Maryland are plentiful and offer diverse apple varieties like the sweet and tart Cortland, the crunchy Crispin, and wine-like Stayman Winesap. When you visit, you’ll also be treated to delicious items like hand-pressed cider and homemade pies. As autumn graces Maryland, immerse yourself in seasonal festivities, from vibrant festivals to nostalgic hayrides.

For the perfect apple-picking experience, explore our curated list of orchards below. Each offers a unique blend of apple varieties and autumnal activities, perfect for creating cherished memories with your family.

1. Rock Hill Orchard

Address: 28600 Ridge Road Mount Airy, MD

This incredible orchard has much to offer when you visit in the fall. With about thirty acres to peruse, you can pick over thirty different varieties of apples at this location. They also offer pick-your-own peaches seasonally! 

Don’t forget to check out their on-site creamery and farmers market with grass-fed beef, Golden Guernsey Milk, and specialty ice cream! When you visit in the fall, they offer a corn maze, hayrides, and a pumpkin cannon as well so you won’t want to miss out on this one. 

2. Larriland Farm

Address: 2415 Woodbine Road Woodbine, MD 

Visit Woodbine, Maryland for a fun fall experience you won’t soon forget. This adorable farm offers over twenty-five different varieties of apples. Expect to find types such as Rosalee, Suncrisp, Sansa, and more starting as early as late August and going through to the end of October.

The great thing about this local orchard? They have a plethora of fall activities you will love experiencing. In addition to regular hayrides, they have a Boo Barn which is great for children around Halloween! The straw maze is also fun for all ages. 

3. Baugher’s Orchard & Farm

Address: 1015 Baugher Road Westminster, MD

Nestled just outside of the city of Baltimore, this apple orchard has been deemed one of the best in the area. You can expect to enjoy apple varieties such as Honeycrisp and Evercrisp starting in late August.

With over 600 acres of fruits and veggies, you simply can’t go wrong in visiting this beautiful orchard. Take a wagon ride to the desired fields and stop by the petting zoo on the way. If you’ve got children in tow, there are two convenient playgrounds to hang out at. 

This orchard boasts an on-site bakery with delicious baked goods to take home. Additionally, you can experience the fall festival every weekend in the autumn months. There is always something happening at this massive, picturesque farm!

4. Weber’s Cider Mill Farm

Address: 2526 Proctor Lane Parkville, MD

This local farm, sitting just outside of Baltimore, is locally famous for its freshly pressed apple cider. In addition to their delicious on-site bakery which offers amazing goodies such as breads, pies, and ice cream, you can find a great assortment of you-pick varieties.

Expect to find Crimson Gold, Grannysmith, and Crispin among over twenty other types starting in early September. Their farm market also provides you with options such as farm-fresh turkey, locally-made cheese and honey, and more! 

5. Butler’s Orchard

Address: 22222 Germantown Road Davisville, MD

This exciting local orchard not only offers you a wide variety of you-pick apples but it’s widely known for its annual pumpkin festival. This month-long event offers a slew of activities for the whole family including mazes, hayrides, and more. Discover all the most incredible locally grown food and delicacies or opt for a fun pony ride! 

With an onsite playground and petting zoo, this farm is the perfect family trip. Grab some farm fresh food or pumpkin pick when you visit in the fall. Apple picking starts in early September so plan accordingly!

6. Water’s Orchard

Address: 22529 Wildcat Road Germantown, MD

This orchard-turned-cidery offers two separate experiences in one! Known for its vast amount of apple varieties, you can visit the orchard starting in September for a classic you-pick experience. They are also a well-known cidery so you can additionally plan a visit to the mill and learn about the process. 

They have six delicious flavors of cider and you can visit the mill with reservations so plan accordingly! If you choose to apply pick only, you can easily find your perfect peck at this adorable, scenic orchard.

7. Milburn Orchards

Address: 1495 Appleton Road Elkton, MD

This well-known orchard is in the running for the number-one orchard in the United States! With so much to offer such as the on-site restaurant, creamery, and a great variety of you-pick fruits you simply can’t go wrong by visiting this beautiful farm. You won’t want to miss the Big Backyard experience which includes massive playgrounds and friendly farm animals as well!

Starting in early September, apple types begin to harvest so plan accordingly by making reservations online before you visit. If you’re looking for a family fun experience, Milburn Orchards is definitely a great option!

8. Cactoctin Mountain Orchard

Address: 15036 N Franklinville Road Thurmont, MD

Boasting over ten different varieties of you-pick apples, you can’t go wrong with this straightforward picking experience. You can visit starting in early August to pick your apples and the season ends in late October.

Expect to find varieties such as Autumn Gala, Honeycrisp, and Summerset when you visit. They also have a pick-your-own flower field and bakery on site to indulge in some delicious treats. 

9. Shaw Orchards

Address: 5594 Norrisville Rd, White Hall, MD

Enjoy roughly twenty different types of apples during the months of September and October when you visit Shaw Orchards. You can find Early Gold, Honeycrisp, Gala, and more at this adorable orchard, offering a plethora of pick-your-own produce throughout the season, including pumpkins!

Be sure to try their famous cider when you embark on an apple-picking adventure at this plentiful orchard. Hayrides are their go-to activity in the fall during pumpkin picking season as well!

10. Kingsbury Orchard

Address: 19415 Peach Tree Road Dickerson, MD

Starting as early as mid-August, you can pick the juiciest apples at Kingsbury Orchard. This local, rural orchard offers a plethora of apple types like Jonagold, Candycrisp, and Aztec Fuji. 

They are also infamous for their incredible variety of peaches which go into the fall season as well so you can pick both together if you wish. This straightforward approach to apple picking is great if you’re looking for a wide variety and a long stroll through acres of scenic land. 

11. M&C Vessey Farm

Address: 31841 Vessey Orchard Road Westover, MD

If you’re in the mood to sip on fresh-pressed cider while perusing the apple varieties, you will love this spot located in Westover. They are known for offering several types of apples such as Honeycrisp. 

This simple take on apple picking will be the perfect fall activity with picturesque views of the Pocomoke River. Check out their on-site farm fresh produce before you go!  

12. Homestead Farm

Address: 15604 Sugarland Road Poolesville, MD

Starting in mid-August, apple season has commenced! Start your apple-picking adventure at Homestead Farm. This adorable orchard offers a petting zoo, picnic tables, a refreshment stand, and a scenic pond to sit by as you enjoy your ideal Fall day.

In addition to a wide variety of apples, you can pick your own pumpkins and peaches during the fall months. You will simply adore this quaint farm, complete with scenic views and plenty of pecks to be picked!

13. Lohr’s Orchard

Address: 3301 Churchville Road Aberdeen, MD

If you’re in the mood for pie, you will find your match in Lohr’s Orchard. In addition to a variety of pick-your-own apples, you can find a selection of beautiful, homemade pies in their farm store. 

Check out their calendar in the fall for special happenings and indulge in some of their other delicious produce when they host farm stand events. They are also locally known for their fresh pressed cider that you can enjoy on-site as you stroll through the pick-your-own fields!

14. Lewis Orchards

Address: 18901 Peach Tree Rd, Dickerson, MD 

This family-owned orchard offers a great variety of pick-your-own apples including Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Empire, and more. Starting as early as July, apple picking begins. In addition to apples, they have a wide selection of other fresh produce that you can hand-pick at their farm store.

In the fall months, you can also hand-select your ideal pumpkin. Their farm store also includes a lot of local goodies, baked goods, and a deli so you’re sure to find something delicious to snack on when you visit!