Where To Pick Apples, Enjoy Autumn Around McLean: 2025 Guide

MCLEAN, VA — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Monday, Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at McLean area apple orchards and farmers markets.

There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.

Patch has compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around McLean. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.

Reston Farm Garden Market

• Address: 10800 Baron Cameron Ave, Great Falls Crossing, VA 20190
• Hours: Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Fallfest 2025: Held on weekends (and Columbus Day) from Sept. 27 through Oct. 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Store hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m .
• Admission: Kids (ages 3+): ~$20 per child. Includes unlimited access to bounce houses, games, train rides, petting zoo, and a 1 free pumpkin per child. Toddlers (2 and under): Free admission. Adults: $5 per adult accompanying kids
• Activities and Attractions: Five big inflatables, petting zoo & farm animals – pigs and goats; inflatable connect 4 basketball; four-wall ball mazes; train ride – loops twice around the market; cutest fall decor; Pumpkins of all sizes; market goods, including honey, plants, and gardening goods. Face painting. balloons, and balloon art are available for an extra fee.
• Food options: Donuts, apple cider, snacks, food trucks, market produce, and pumpkins available to purchase. Leo’s food truck is available for purchase.

Great Country Farms

• Address: 34345 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, VA 20135
• Hours: Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m, with extended Family Flashlight Corn Maze Nights on Sept.20 and 27 when the farm will remain open until 8:30 p.m. for an after-dark adventure.
• Apples Available To Pick Through September: Gala, Jona Gold, Jona Free, Candy Crisp, Ruby Jon and Fuji varieties. Apples are sold separately and are not included in admission.
• No Weekend Apple Picking: Due to "100-Year Freeze" in April that destroyed most of Great Country Farms' apple crop, pick your own apples won't be available this year.
• Pumpkins Available Last Week Of September Through October: All sorts of shapes, colors, sizes, and textures are in the pumpkin patch. Enjoy picking in late September for the best selection, and the treasure hunt quality the vines provide before the frost.
• Fall Harvest Festival is fun for the whole family with great food, cider, and music. Pumpkins are $.59/lb
• Admission: Weekdays $10/child, $12/adult plus $1 ticketing fee (advance). At-the-gate: $14/guest (adults & kids). Kids 2 and under plus military families (weekdays) no charge.
• Admission Weekends: $12/child, $14/adult plus $1 fee (advance, highly recommended). At-the-gate: $16/guest. Kids 2 and under free.
• Quarterly Season Pass: $119 for your immediate Family = Unlimited visits for September’s Corn Maze, Family Flashlight Nights, October’s Pumpkin Picking and Pumpkin Smashing Fun in November! Renews quarterly from purchase date.

This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.

That estimate is based on USDA data from the top seven apple-producing states — respectively, Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Virginia. When other states are considered, total production could be as much as 290 million bushels, the industry trade group said.