2024 Northern Virginia Cherry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Cherry U-Pick Orchards in Northern Virginia in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for cherries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have cherries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Clarke County

• Mackintosh Fruit Farm - apples, asparagus, apricots, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, cherries, cucumbers, eggplant, flowers, grapes, herbs or spices, nectarines, onions, peaches, peppers, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked, farm market, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1608 Russell Rd, Berryville, VA 22611. Phone: 540-955-6225. Email: lori@mackintoshfruitfarm.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm, May to October 31 and on Memorial Day, July 4 Thursday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Halloween . Directions: Route 7 West Take right onto Russell Road 1.5 miles on the right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Mackintosh Fruit Farm Facebook page. . . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Events: Peach Festival, Honey Bee Day, Honey Crisp Day, Apple Butter Day, monthly farm dinners, and cider pressing; Calendar-May-strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and greens; June - strawberries, sweet cherries, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, onions, and flowers; July-blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, donut peaches, peaches, corn, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes; August-apples, Asian pears, yellow and white peaches, plums, grapes, and honey; September-apples, pawpaws, honey crisp apples, Asian pears, and potatoes; October -apples, pumpkins, fall squash, sweet potatoes, and cider. All pick your own fruit and vegetables are also available as pre-picked in the market for purchase. Events: We can also host your events including: group meetings, school tours, weddings, and rehearsals. Call for more details. (UPDATED: January 19, 2020 JBS) (UPDATED: June 22, 2016)

Fauquier County

• Hartland Orchard - apples, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), peaches, pumpkins, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (black), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm
  3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA 22643. Phone: 540-316-7715. Open: every day from 8 am to 6 pm, strawberries usually start in early May, cherries in mid June. Directions: From Northern Virginia, take I-66 to exit 18. At the end of the exit take a right, and then take an immediate left. Then just follow the signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate phone: 540-364-2316. Typical harvest dates are Cherries Late June; Blueberries July; Peaches August and Apples in August, September, October. It is always a good idea to call before you visit us for daily changes in crop availability., Hartland Farm and Green Truck Farm are three family businesses operated on the Green family farm. Call for tree fruit information at 540.364.2316. For pick your own strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry information, call Green Truck Farm at 540.316.7715. Hartland O
• Valley View Farm - apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, flowers, peaches, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  1550 Leeds Manor Road, Delaplane, VA 20144. Phone: (540) 592-1021. Email: staff@valleyviewva.com. Open: Friday and Saturday, Noon - 6pm Sunday, Noon - 5pm Closed Monday - Thursday. Directions: From Washington, DC: I-66 W to Exit 23 \(Delaplane\). Follow Route 17 north for 7.5 scenic miles. Turn left on Leeds Manor Road \(Route 688\). We are located only 1 mile from Sky Meadows State Park. Follow the signs! From Paris, Virginia: 2.5 scenic miles south on Route 17. Turn right on Leeds Manor Road \(Route 688\). Follow the signs. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
  Valley View Farm Facebook page. . From Washington, DC: I-66 W to Exit 23 (Delaplane). Follow Route 17 north for 7.5 scenic miles. Turn left on Leeds Manor Road (Route 688). We are located only 1 mile from Sky Meadows State Park. Follow the signs! From Paris, Virginia: 2.5 scenic miles south on Route 17. Turn right on Leeds Manor Road (Route 688). Follow the signs. We are Certified naturally grown for all crops. The Pick Your Own Orchard at boasts some the finest peaches, apples, cherries, blueberries, and blackberries in northern Virginia. It doesn't get any more "locally grown" or "farm fresh" than this! Located in the very scenic northern end of Fauquier County, we are less than an hour from Washington, D.C.Typical Crops and SeasonsLATE JUNE: Blueberries & CherriesJULY & AUGUST: Peaches & Blackberries SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER: Apples, Pears, & Pumpkins. (UPDATED: February 08, 2021)

Loudoun County

• Crooked Run Orchard - blackberries, peaches, sour cherries, pears, plums, gooseberries, raspberries, herbs, apples, tomatoes, peppers
  37883 E. Main Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Phone: 540-338-6642. Open: Stand - 8 am to dark, daily. Directions: REMEMBER: Google maps directions are incorrect and they have been notified to make the change. From Rt 287 make the first right in the traffic circle and proceed West on Main St. We\'re the second driveway on the left. On Business Route 7 at Route 287, between Purcellville and Hamilton. 32 miles west of Tysons Corner on Route 7. Turn left at Purcellville exit onto Route 287. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Business Route 7 \(E. Main Street\). Turn immediately left at first driveway for stand. Turn left at second driveway for PYO . Click here for a map and directions. . REMEMBER: Google maps directions are incorrect and they have been notified to make the change. From Rt 287 make the first right in the traffic circle and proceed West on Main St. We're the second driveway on the left. On Business Route 7 at Route 287, between Purcellville and Hamilton. 32 miles west of Tysons Corner on Route 7. Turn left at Purcellville exit onto Route 287. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Business Route 7 (E. Main Street). Turn immediately left at first driveway for stand. Turn left at second driveway for PYO crops. PYO - weekends only - 8 am to 6 pm, Saturday and 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday. Hayrides for school groups by appointment only during September and October. The small fruits and vegetables are grown without, or with a minimum of, chemicals. We use mineral fertilizers on all crops. Apples and pumpkins available in quantity amounts. We have farm animals, a nature trail, and picnic tables. Please, no dogs. Call before visiting the farm about pick-your-own information. Fresh picked asparagus - April 20-June 20; red raspberries and sour cherries - June 20-July 20; gooseberries - July; thornless blackberries and peaches - July-August; summer apples - Tydeman Red and Paula Red - August; fall apples - Red and Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Law Rome, Gala, Jonagold, Braeburn, York - September 15- December 31 or until supply runs out. Seasonal vegetables - tomatoes, salad mixes, sweet corn, squash, green beans, pumpkins and gourds. Christmas wreaths - Scotch and white pine and cedar mix. PYO - strawberries - Memorial Day-June 10; blackberries and peaches - July & August; sour cherries - late June-early July; apples and pears - September 15-October 15. Picking dates vary from year to year. Please call ahead for picking information. (UPDATED: June 03, 2020, JBS)
• Great Country Farms - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cherries, grapes, other berries, peaches, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (black), summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, jumping pillow, pedal kart track, mining for gems, mini-golf, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
  18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135. Phone: 540 554 2073. Email: social@greatcountryfarms.com. Open: Monday - Sunday, 10am to 5pm, March 19th - May 20th; Monday - Sunday, 9am to 6pm, May 21st - October 30th. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
  Great Country Farms Facebook page. . . We use integrated pest management practices. Strawberries: May Blackberries: July Peaches: August Apples: September Pumpkins: Pumpkins Please visit our web page for other U-Pick items and confirmed dates. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard. From strawberries and asparagus in the spring to corn and tomatoes all summer then pumpkins and gourds in the fall, offers a farm experience your whole family will enjoy. Help your children understand how food is grown and how fresh and full of flavor it can be. It is amazing how children will eat produce if they have picked it themselves! Pick your own fruit and veggie farm featuring Non-GMO produce grown using regenerative farming practices, an award-winning CSA program, and seasonal festivals! is a 400 acre working farm with pick your own produce, a Farm Market, CSA, and so much more! UPDATE for 2022: Potatoes ~ AugustDon't miss The Big Dig Potato Harvest. This is the once a year chance to dig potatoes and taste the smoothness and rich flavor of a fresh potato compared to typical store bought options that have been in storage for months. We grow Kenebec White, Pontiac Reds, Yukon Golds and a few Fingerlings.
  Comments from a visitor on November 03, 2010: "We've been CSA members at this farm for 3 years. We are moving and are very sad we won't be able to visit and get our produce from here in the future. We've driven one hour each way once a week because we love it so much. There is so much to do that you can make each visit a day trip and most of the time the u-pick options are great. Like any farm, there are times when weather conditions affect the crops negatively and b/c of that you don't always get as much produce as you may have expected, but for the most part we've always been happy with the CSA and u-pick. My boys (now 7 and 4.5) and I have learned a lot through the farmers and picking our own veggies and fruit. The "playarea" has several slides, rope swings, HUGE "bouncy", corn bin, roller racers, mini gulf course, and more. They seem to add more each year. One negative, since it's gotten so popular the "special" weekends are normally really packed. We enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt there in 2009, but this last year 2010 it was publisized and was way to busy to be enjoyable. "
  Comments from a visitor on May 17, 2009: "We LOVED it! My mother-in-law did as well:)"UPDATE October 2, 2007: a visitor reports they had to replant their apple orchards in 2006 and will not have apples available for a few years (2009?).

Rappahannock County

• High Places Orchards - Cherries, raspberries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apples.
  121 Winesap Lane, Flint Hill-Huntly, VA . Phone: 540-635-5537. Open: Sunday from 12:30 till dark, Saturday from 10 to dark, call for other days; best to call in advance to see what is available. Click here for a map and directions. . From Front Royal, follow Route 522 eight miles south, turn left on Route 662 east and go a half-mile, then turn left on Winesap Lane and follow it to the orchards. Monday through Saturday dawn to dusk, Sundays noon to dusk through early November; call for hours. (UPDATED: September 22, 2013, by phone)

 

Cherry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

If you are about to pick cherries either directly from a tree, or from a local orchard or market, here's what you need to know to pick the best cherries.

Cherries are a fairly early crop, flowering soon after the last frosts in April and May, setting fruit in June, usually at the same time as strawberries in most areas (but check your area's harvest calendar and call the farm or orchard you are planning to go to a few weeks ahead).

Types of Cherries

There are two types of cherries: sweet cherries and sour cherries (also called tart or pie cherries). The difference is simple: sweet cherries taste sweeter and are eaten fresh. Pie cherries are very tart and most people prefer to use them in pies, jams, preserves, jellies and butters, adding sugar to sweeten them. See further down this page for a list of common cherry varieties and their uses. Washington State, California and Oregon are the primary sweet cherry growing states; they produce almost 90 percent the U.S.'s cherry crop. Michigan produces about 74 percent of tart cherry production. We have a master table of cherry varieties, sweet and sour (pie) in the order in which they ripen.

Cherry picking tips

• Pick ripe: Cherries, like peaches, continue to increase in size until they are ripe. They should be picked when they are of maximum size and full-flavored.
• But not under-ripe: Cherries picked before they are fully mature will not ripen off the tree.
• And not over-ripe: when they become soft, mushy or discolored.
• Pie or sweet: There are 2 main types of cherries: sweet cherries that taste sweet and tart when you eat them fresh, and sour (also called pie cherries) which are too tart for most people to want to eat fresh.
• For all varieties of sweet cherries, the darker the cherry is the sweeter it will be. If you like more sour cherries the lighter red and less ripe, the more tart it will be.
• Stem separation: Sweet cherries become firm when ripe (the stems usually stay attached when you pick a sweet cherry), and sour cherries part easily from the stem.
• Leave the stems on sweet cherries: Cherries that are to be shipped will keep longer if the stems are left attached. They will store in the refrigerator for two to three days.
• Appearance: Look for heavy, firm cherries with a shiny skin and fresh stem.
• But for immediate use, they can be picked with or without the stems.

How to pick the cherries from the tree

1. Gently grasp the berry with your fingers and thumb, and
2. tug gently.
3. If it is ripe, it will easily come off in your hand, with the stem attached.
4. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 cherries.
5. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
6. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the cherries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Cherries from your own trees, a market or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1.  Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden cherries ready for harvest.
2. Avoid placing the picked cherries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat.
3. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Cherries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three days, depending upon the initial quality of the berry.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first! Always call before you go to the farm - Cherries are affected by weather (especially rain and cooler temperatures) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Cherries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Cherries more than 3 inches deep will smush the lower cherries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the cherries until you are ready to use them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Cherries are more perishable than blueberries or strawberries, so make a point of refrigerating them as immediately as possible after purchase. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze cherries! (Fresh cherries are highly prone to freeze damage).
3. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting cherries
4. Even under ideal conditions cherries will only keep for a few days in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, consume or freeze them as soon as possible after purchase.
5. See my How to freeze berries page. (Unless you're going to make jam right away)
6. Now, get ready to make Cherry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy or cherry pie filling

Cherry Recipes, Canning, Jam, Jelly, and related resources

• Cherry preserves instructions - illustrated and easy
• Cherry jelly
• Cherry pie filling
• Cherry butter
• Cherry festivals
• Cherry pitters - reviews and where to get them
• How to pit cherries - several methods

Cherry varieties

For a master table of cherry varieties in the order in which they ripen, click here.

Sweet cherries:

• Bing cherries are deep red in color and sweet.
• Blackgold - very late mid-season. Good for eating fresh. Self-fertile.
• Brooks - a large, firm red cherry that tolerates hot climates. Sweet with both complex flavors and a sweet tart blackberry-like taste.
• Chelan - deep, mahogany red, heart-shaped, medium sized, sweet fruits, like Bing.  Sweet, between 16 and 18 % sugar.
• Coral Champagne - very large, red, super sweet fruit that is often preferred to Bing. Firm, but juicy flesh with a coral pink color center.
• Emperor Francis are White or Blush Sweet Cherries, Early season, perfect for canning, making jellies and jams, or making homemade maraschinos.
• Hartland, an early season dark cherry. A Windsor cross, it was developed in New York
• Hedelfingen is a later season sweet cherry. It has large, black fruit.
• Kristin cherries are a a mid-season cherry developed in New York.
• Lambert Cherry is a large, black, late harvest cherry of very good quality, compared to Bing.
• Lapins Cherry is a self-fruitful, large, dark red sweet cherry from Canada with firm, good flavor. Ripens a few days after Bing and needs only 400 chilling hours or less to produce fruit.
• Orondo Ruby - A ruby red color with some gold coloring, this is a sweeter, brighter variant of the Rainier cherry. Marcus Griggs of G&C farms found this in his Rainier cherry orchard. They have a brighter red color to them and a sweeter and a bit more acidic.
• Rainier cherries are golden yellow with a pink or red blush. Rainier cherries are large and sweet.
• Royalton cherries are large, dark cherry mid-season cherries
• Sam - early ripening, large, black sweet cherry. Ripens 11 days after Vista.
• Skeena cherries are a late ripening variety. They are dark red, firm and juicy.
• Somerset cherries are medium sized, later season cherries that are dark and firm.
• Sonata - Very large, black, and moderately sweet fruit. Self-fertile.
• Staccato cherries are a deep purple-red and also a late season variety. Staccato cherries are large and one of the sweetest varieties.
• Stella are a large, sweet, dark-red fruit that ripens in mid-season
• Sweetheart cherries are a large, bright red late-season variety, medium sweetness
• Sunburst - large, firm fruit. Old productive variety. Self-fertile.
• Symphony - bright red, medium-sweet very large fruit. Late season. Self-fertile.
• Tehranivee - mid-season cherry developed in Ontario, Canada. Cracking can be a problem. Self-fertile.
• Ulster - medium-sized, firm, dark cherry, Ripens about 2 days after Vista.
• Vandalay - Large, red fruit with an unusual kidney shape. From Canada. Self-fertile.
• Viscount - medium-large, firm, good, dark red cherries. Late season ripening.
• Vista - the cherries are very dark, almost black. Large excellent-quality fruit. Mid season, ripens around the last week in June.
• Viva - dark red, 3/4 inch fruit from Canada. Ripens around July 4.
• White Gold are a blush cherry of moderate to large size.

Pie, Sour or Tart Cherries (all different names for the same thing!)

• Balaton Ujfeherto Furtos is a Hungarian sour cherry with firm fruit that is suited to picking by hand and eating fresh. Red skin and flesh. Ripens about 7 to 10 days after Montmorency
• Danube Erdi Botermo has dark red fruit with a unique sweet-tart flavor. Delicious eaten fresh or in baked goods. Ripens about 1 week before Montmorency.
• Dark-juice-tarts has juice that is red rather than clear in color.
• Jubileum - new, from Hungary. Very large with a dark red flesh. Sweet for a tart cherry, not quite as tart as Montmorency.
• Meteor - Medium-sized fruit with an odd shaped pit. Ripen s3 to 7 days after Northstar.
• Montmorency, the most commonly grown, traditional cherry for pies, baking and canning. Ripens around the last week of June to the first week of July.
• Morello Sour Cherry is a late-ripening tart dark red to nearly black cherry used for cooking, and sometimes eaten fresh when fully ripe. Fruits in warm climates ( 500 hours or fewer chilling hours below 45 F) Self-fruitful. USDA
• Northstar - Medium-sized, dark red fruit.
• Surefire - A new late blooming variety from Cornell. Bright red, medium sized fruit.

Cherry Facts and Tips

• Cherries come in many colors besides red: there are also dark red (almost black), yellow, blush (mixed) and gold cherries.
• Cherries are a very healthy food; they are high Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. They are also a good source of ivitamin A, calcium, protein, and iron.
• Cherries are an antioxidant-rich foods.
•  One cup of cherries is less than 90 calories and 3 grams of fiber.
• One cup of cherries has 260 mg of potassium which plays a key role in muscle, heart, kidney, and nerve cell functions.
• Cherries are high in fiber. Half to one pound of cherry fruit per day can provide twenty to thirty grams of fiber which is adequate for an adult daily nutrition requirement.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Cherries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze cherries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The cherries will keep for many months frozen without air. See my How to freeze berries page
• Anthocyanins in cherries are what give the fruit its red color and help protect the heart and surrounding tissues
• Some research has found eating cherries to reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and gout

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers