Orchards Near Me
Apple Picking in Virginia: What You Need to Know
Virginia is home to a range of spots for apple picking, spread across the state's different growing regions. This page rounds up every apple picking location listed in Virginia so you can compare distance, ratings, and reviews before deciding where to go.
Mid-Atlantic Orchard Heritage
The mid-Atlantic states occupy a sweet spot for apple growing: far enough north for cold winters that the trees need to rest and set fruit, but warm enough that a long growing season produces apples with good size and sugar content. The Appalachian highlands that run through this region—from the Catskills and Poconos in the north through the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley—create ideal orchard country, with the valley soils and mountain air circulation keeping both frost pests and disease pressure in check. The orchard culture here ranges from the organized commercial operations of the Pennsylvania Dutch country to the small farm-to-table orchards of the Hudson Valley, but all of them share a commitment to producing apples that reflect the specific character of their place.
Best Time for Apple Picking in Virginia
Late August through October in the Shenandoah Valley, with the Winchester-area orchards known for their extended season and variety of both heritage and modern cultivars.
Tips for Apple Picking in Virginia
Call ahead or check a location's website before visiting, since hours and availability for apple picking can change with the weather and time of year. Weekday visits are usually less crowded than weekends.