Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and the smell of cider in the air. Fall in Maryland practically begs you to grab a sweater and head outside. One of the best ways to soak it all in is apple picking. Even though Annapolis doesn’t have orchards of its own, there are plenty of farms just a short drive away where you can fill a basket with all your favorite apples. It is the perfect family outing and you’ll love coming home with apples for pies, cider, or just a crunchy snack straight from the tree.
Check out a list of some of our favorite spots to pick apples!
Baugher’s Orchards (Westminster, MD)
A trip to Baugher’s is as much about the experience as it is about the apples. After grabbing your picking containers and riding the wagon out to the fields, you’ll be guided to the ripest spots for filling your bags. Once you’ve had your fill of apples, the fun doesn’t stop! Baugher’s also has a free petting zoo that’s loaded with everything from donkeys and lambs to peacocks, emus, and plenty of goats (they’ll happily come running to greet you if you bring snacks). Don’t skip the Orchard Market, where shelves are stacked with fresh produce, homemade pies, pastries, apple butter, jams, and their famous fresh-pressed cider.
Butler’s Orchard (Germantown, MD)
If you want the ultimate fall day trip, Butler’s Orchard has it all. Apple picking is open on weekends while supplies last, but here’s the catch: you’ll need Pumpkin Festival admission to get to the orchard. Trust us, you won’t mind. Once you’re in, the festival feels like fall on overdrive. Think hayrides, corn mazes, barnyard animals, giant slides, live music, and even a pumpkin cannon for the thrill seekers. When everyone’s ready for a break, head to The Farmer’s Porch for sandwiches, pizzas, and seasonal bites made with farm fresh ingredients. Butler’s crams one trip into a full day of memories.
Catoctin Orchard (Thurmont, MD)
With more than 20 apple varieties to pick from, Catoctin Orchard is a classic fall stop. U-Pick is open on weekends, and entry is $3 per person, which includes a wagon ride to the fields. Pro tip: bring cash, since cards aren’t accepted in the orchard, and check their site or call ahead for weather updates. After apple picking, swing by the market for fresh produce, baked goods, and even cut-your-own flowers.
Doc Waters Cidery (Germantown, MD)
Doc Waters is where apple picking meets craft cider, making it a win for both kids and grown-ups. The orchard is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and once you’ve filled your bags, you can swing by the cidery next door. There you’ll find a rotating lineup of ciders made from apples grown right on the property, plus cozy extras like igloos and fire pits for chilly afternoons. Weekends bring live music and a lineup of food trucks (check their site or socials for who’s serving), so it’s easy to turn your apple haul into a relaxed, all-day hangout. Pro tip: plan to linger — this stop is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the apples.
Homestead Farm (Poolesville, MD)
If you’re looking for a simple, laid-back apple picking experience, Homestead Farm is the spot. Apple season usually runs through October. Admission is $4 per person (kids under one are free) and gets you into the orchard, plus access to farm animals, picnic areas, and a haystack play zone by the pond. Insider tip: check their website before you go, since some apple varieties sell out fast.
Larriland Farm (Woodbine, MD)
Larriland feels like the definition of fall: bright leaves, fields of pumpkins, and orchards full of apples ready to be picked. Apple season brings favorites like Autumn Crisp and Crimson Crisp, but keep in mind you’ll need to purchase farm containers before you enter the fields and everything you pick has to fit inside. Pro tip: arrive early — fields can close once the ripe fruit is gone.
Beyond the apples, Larriland packs in all the classic fall fun. Families can get lost in the straw maze, giggle through the not-too-scary Boo Barn, or hop on a hayride that crosses streams and rolls through Halloween-decorated woods. On weekends, food trucks and hot apple fritters sweeten the day. With plenty of photo-worthy spots and a mix of cozy, spooky, and just plain fun activities, Larriland is a must for anyone chasing that true fall festival vibe.
Milburn Orchards (Elkton, MD)
At Milburn Orchards, apple picking comes with a little extra adventure. U-Pick is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission ($11–13) includes a scenic tractor ride and a quarter-peck bag that holds about eight apples. Serious pickers can always buy larger bags once they’re inside, crop permitting. Pro tip: you can’t bring your own bags, so plan to use the farm’s containers.
Once your basket is full, the real fun kicks in with Milburn’s Fall Festival in the BIG BackYard. Kids can conquer the corn maze, race around the Milburn 500, dig in the giant sand pit, or meet BarnYard Buddies, while parents snap photos and refuel with cider and fall treats. With hayrides, pony rides, and even a paintball shooting gallery, Milburn makes apple picking feel like a full-on fall carnival.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm & PeachBerry Farm (Parkville & Glen Arm, MD)
Weber’s is a fall tradition for so many Maryland families, and for good reason. Apple picking happens at PeachBerry Farm in Glen Arm, but here’s the important part: you’ll need to pre-purchase a reservation online and show up at your scheduled time. Once your bags are filled, the real party kicks off at Weber’s Fall Harvest Days in Parkville. Kids can race ducks, climb Tire Mountain, ride the hillside slide, or visit the farm animals, while grown-ups can grab an apple cider slush or those famous cider donuts. With live music, food trucks, hayrides, a family-friendly spooky walk, and plenty of kid-approved extras like gem mining and barrel train rides, you’ll easily make a whole day of it. Pro tip: reserve early because apple picking slots go fast.
Before you load everyone in the car, take a minute to check the farm’s website or socials. Apples can sell out fast, and weather sometimes changes things at the last minute. A quick peek online will save you from any surprises and make sure your family gets the most out of your day apple picking. See you at the orchard! It’s going to be a core-geous fall.
