Orchards Near Me
When Is Apple Picking Season in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a special claim in apple history: Golden Delicious, one of the most widely planted apple varieties in the world, was discovered on a farm in Clay County, West Virginia in the early 1900s. The state has honored this heritage with a Golden Delicious Festival in Clay each fall. The Eastern Panhandle is commercially the most active apple-growing area, sharing the soil and climate of the Virginia-Maryland apple belt, but the Greenbrier Valley and central highlands also have productive orchards.
Where to Pick Apples in West Virginia
The best apple picking in West Virginia is concentrated in the Eastern Panhandle near Martinsburg and Shepherdstown (adjacent to the Virginia/Maryland apple belt), Berkeley and Morgan counties, and the Greenbrier Valley. These areas combine the climate, soil, and agricultural tradition that makes pick-your-own orchards viable and worthwhile as a destination.
Use the map on our apple picking near Charleston, West Virginia page to find specific orchards by ZIP code and read visitor reviews before you go.
Best Apple Varieties in West Virginia
West Virginia orchards commonly grow Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious (native to WV), and York Imperial. Availability varies by farm and time of season — earlier varieties like Gala and Zestar kick things off, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, and later-ripening types extend the season toward its close. When you arrive, ask the farm staff which rows are currently at peak — that guidance is worth more than any printed list.
Tips for Apple Picking in West Virginia
Look for the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival in late September — it is a West Virginia tradition that celebrates the state's genuine contribution to American apple genetics.
General tips that apply everywhere: bring a bag or use the farm's containers, wear closed-toe shoes (fallen apples make the ground soft and uneven), dress in layers since orchard mornings can be cool even in September, and bring cash — many smaller farms are not set up for card payments at the stand.
Find Apple Orchards Near You in West Virginia
Our interactive map pulls from hundreds of orchards across the state. Search apple picking near Charleston to see what is closest to you, or browse the full Apple Picking Near Me directory for the whole country.