Apple Picking Near Aldie, VA: 6 Orchards to Visit This Fall

Fall in Northern Virginia has its rituals: cooler mornings, football weekends, pumpkin everything and, of course, apple picking.

And one of the perks of living in Aldie is that some of Northern Virginia's prettiest farm country is an easy drive away. Head west from our corner of Loudoun County and before long you're surrounded by rolling hills, orchards and Blue Ridge views.

If you're looking for apple picking near Aldie, VA, there are several farms worth putting on your fall list. But there's an important caveat this year: the 2026 growing season has been a difficult one for Virginia apple growers, with spring weather affecting crops at a number of local orchards.

That means this is definitely the year to check an orchard's current picking conditions before you head out.

Where to Go Apple Picking Near Aldie, VA

Whether you're looking for a full day of activities with the kids or simply want to pick a bag of apples and enjoy the scenery, here are six Northern Virginia orchards to consider this fall.

Great Country Farms | Bluemont

For Loudoun County families, Great Country Farms is an easy place to start.

Located in Bluemont, the farm turns apple picking into a full fall outing, with its farm play area, animals and seasonal activities in addition to pick-your-own produce.

And let's address the important part: apple cider doughnuts.

Great Country Farms is especially good if you're bringing younger kids and want enough activities to make an afternoon of it rather than simply picking apples and heading home.

Because picking conditions and apple varieties change throughout the season, check the farm's current harvest information before making the drive.

Best for: Families who want a full fall-festival experience along with their apples.

Hartland Orchard | Markham

If your ideal apple-picking trip is a little more old-school, Hartland Orchard in Markham deserves a spot on the list.

This family-run orchard offers pick-your-own apples during the season, with varieties changing as different apples ripen.

The setting is part of the appeal here. Once you're heading toward Markham, you've officially left suburban Northern Virginia behind and entered beautiful Virginia farm country.

One thing to know before you go: Hartland is decidedly traditional, including its payment policy. Check its website for the latest picking information, hours and payment options before visiting.

Best for: A traditional, no-frills apple orchard experience.

Hollin Farms | Delaplane

Hollin Farms sits on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Delaplane, so you're getting scenery along with your produce.

The farm grows multiple apple varieties as well as seasonal vegetables and other crops, making it a fun choice if you'd like to come home with more than apples.

Hollin Farms updates what's currently available for picking, and that's particularly important this year. Check its same-day or recent harvest update before leaving Aldie because availability can change quickly.

Best for: Beautiful views and people who genuinely enjoy the picking part of pick-your-own.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm | Berryville

For a slightly longer fall excursion, head to Berryville and Mackintosh Fruit Farm.

Mackintosh typically combines pick-your-own produce with a farm market, food and other goodies, so it works well when you want the orchard to be the destination rather than simply a quick stop.

Berryville also makes this one feel more like a mini road trip from Aldie — which isn't necessarily a bad thing on a gorgeous fall Saturday.

As with the other farms, check current 2026 apple availability before you go.

Best for: Turning apple picking into a leisurely fall day trip.

Stribling Orchard | Markham

Stribling Orchard has been part of the Virginia orchard landscape for generations and is usually a classic fall destination.

But 2026 has been a particularly challenging year here.

The orchard reported that the spring freeze devastated its apple and peach crops, meaning visitors shouldn't expect the traditional pick-your-own apple experience this season. The family has still been welcoming visitors on select dates with other fall offerings, including Virginia-grown apples and farm activities.

I'd actually keep Stribling on this list for that reason. Supporting a local orchard doesn't have to mean picking an apple directly from a tree.

Best for: Supporting a longtime Virginia family farm during a difficult growing year.

Marker-Miller Orchards | Winchester

The farthest destination on this list, Marker-Miller Orchards in Winchester, is another well-known Northern Virginia fall destination.

Its usual appeal includes pick-your-own fruit, a farm market, play areas and — yes — more opportunities for cider and baked goods.

However, the 2026 growing season has also affected pick-your-own availability here. Check directly with the orchard before making the longer drive from Aldie to see what's available and what activities are being offered.

Best for: A Winchester-area fall day trip when you don't mind venturing farther from Loudoun.

What to Know About Apple Picking Near Aldie, VA in 2026

This is not a normal apple season in Virginia.

A damaging spring freeze affected orchards throughout the region, and the impact varies significantly from farm to farm. Some orchards have apples available for picking, while others lost much or even most of their crop.

So if there's one rule for apple picking near Aldie, VA in 2026, it's this:

Check before you drive.

Don't assume that because you picked Honeycrisp apples somewhere last September they'll be waiting for you this September. Look at the orchard's website or social media the morning of your visit for current varieties, picking conditions, hours and admission requirements.

And if your favorite farm doesn't have pick-your-own apples this year, consider stopping by anyway. Buying pre-picked apples, cider, doughnuts, pumpkins or other farm-market goodies is another way to support these local growers after a tough season.

Which Northern Virginia Apple Orchard Should You Choose?

It really depends on the kind of fall day you're after.

Bringing younger kids? Great Country Farms would be high on my list because apple picking is only one part of the experience.

Want something quieter and more traditional? Look toward Hartland Orchard or Hollin Farms.

Want to make a day of it? Mackintosh or a drive toward Winchester gives you an excuse to wander a little farther west.

And honestly, sometimes the best choice is simply whichever farm reports that your favorite apple is ripe and ready to pick.

Make It a Fall Day Trip From Aldie

One of my favorite things about living in this part of Loudoun County is how quickly the landscape changes.

You can leave Aldie, head west and within a relatively short drive find yourself surrounded by farmland, mountain views and some of Virginia's prettiest countryside.

So grab an apple bag. Wear shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty. Take the obligatory orchard photos.

And under no circumstances should you leave without an apple cider doughnut.

Fall doesn't last nearly long enough around here.

Janelle Brevard is an Aldie, Virginia real estate agent with Hunt Country Sotheby’s International Realty and an Aldie resident. She shares local market insights, neighborhood guides and the people, places and happenings that make Aldie and the surrounding Loudoun County community a great place to call home.