(Photo by Andrew Apperley from Burst)

Fall is one of the most wonderful times in Northern Virginia when the weather turns crisp and families turn to the region’s farms and orchards to enjoy time together outdoors to pick your own apples in NoVa.

Unfortunately for Springfield and Burke residents, there are farmer’s markets, but no “you pick” apple orchards right in Fairfax County. There are plenty nearby, however, and the drive — with its leaf-peeping — may be part of the day’s pleasure.

Here are all of the best places we found within a short drive of Northern Virginia where you and your family and friends can spend a day in the outdoors picking apples, sipping apple cider, and maybe even bobbing a bit… Because it’s the season for apples! 

Top Places to Pick Your Own Apples in NoVa

Great Country Farms – 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont

Great Country Farms usually hosts its Apple gala and corn maze through September. Visitors can enjoy pick your own apples, pumpkins, and even grapes (when available) while also enjoying access to the farm’s playgrounds, kid-friendly activities, and animals. 

Weekday admission is $8/child and $10/adult and weekend admission is $10/child & $12/adult; admission includes all the farm activities (playground, slides, farm animals, wagon rides, and more). Apples are $1.29/lb.

Hartland Farm/Orchard/Green Truck Farm – 3205 Hartland Ln., Markham
All of these farms are under a single family, so there is much to be delighted with at Hartland and Green Truck. Each autumn, Hartland Orchard has apple and other tree-fruit picking, while the farm focuses on pumpkins in the Fall, and Green Truck Farm features pick-your-own berries (plus pumpkins and winter squashes).

Hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Cox Farms – 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville

Cox is definitely a local favorite, offering gourds, kettle corn pies, and of course apples and apple cider at its Festival Market. In addition to picking up eats and treats, guests should also check out Cox Farms’ hayrides, cornfield, petting animals, and other kids’ activities and family entertainment. 

Hours are 10 am to 6 pm.

Stribling Orchard – 11587 Poverty Hollow Ln., Markham

Not only does this orchard have apples, it also has stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy as well. Through early November, visit Stribling to pick Honeycrisp, Gala, Jonathan, Empire, Red Delicious, McIntosh, and Grimes Golden apples.  Also, be sure to say hello to the farm animals and pick your own pumpkins later in the season.

Prices are $1.50/lb. for up to 20 pounds, which then decreases for larger amounts. You also can buy them by the peck, half-bushel, and bushel. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm.

Crooked Run Orchard – 37883 E. Main St., Purcellville

Pick your own Gala and Golden Delicious apples — alongside delicious pears and blackberries at this exceptional orchard through October. At $1 per pound, these apples are a steal and will be great for all of your autumn apple recipes. There are also farm animals, a nature trail, and picnic tables.

Hours are usually 9 am – 5 pm.

Buckland Farm Market – 4484 Lee Hwy., New Baltimore

Buckland’s is a traditional pick-your-own farm that offers most of the seasonal offerings: apples, pumpkins, gourds, and other vegetables and fruits. Here you can also get your fresh-pressed apple cider, hot pumpkin cider, and apple cider doughnuts. And the whole family can enjoy hayrides and other activities. 

Open daily, Monday-Sunday 9 am – 6 pm

Mackintosh Fruit Farm – 1608 Russell Road, Berryville, VA 22611
Pick your own apples — usually a variety including Ginger Gold, Gala, Honeycrisp, Blondee, Golden Delicious, York, and Fuji — through late October and bring that fresh-picked flavor home for your whole family to enjoy.

Hours are 8 am – 6 pm Thursday through Sunday

Rinker Orchards – 1156 Marlboro Road, Stephens City, Virginia 22655

Rinker is a third-generation apple orchard that has produced 10 types of apples — including Ida Reds and Golden Delicious — that have been grown in the region since 1972. And with the orchard’s “pick-your-own” operation, visitors get their own personal taste of life on the farm.

Visitors also love autumn at Rinker for its 100% natural Rinker’s Apple Cider: no sugar, no added water, and no preservatives.

Hours Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm

Burnside Farms – 4905 James Madison Hwy., Haymarket

At Burnside Farms’ Fall Market, visitors can find pre-picked apples and fresh apple cider. Kids will love the activity area which is packed with a jump pad, moon bounce, two-story slide, and games, as well as the barnyard, where they will find goats, chickens, and pigs. 

Fridays-Mondays, 10 am – 6 pm

Hollin Farms – 1524 Snowden Rd., Delaplane

Head to Hollin Farms from September through October for pick your own apples and so much more. This is also the place to get your fall greens (lettuce, kale, broccoli, arugula, bok choy, mustards, turnips, and radishes), as well as dig-your-own potatoes and peanuts.

Apple varietals and availability vary greatly from season to season, so if you’re looking for specific apples, make sure to call ahead. Each farm also has its own policies on admission, ticketing, children, and pets. If you want to enjoy pick your own apples in NoVa, these are the top spots to head to this year.