Maryland Apple Picking in 2026: Where to Go After the Spring Freeze

Fall in Maryland means cooler evenings, changing leaves, Ravens football, pumpkin patches, apple cider and, for many families, a trip to a local apple orchard.

But apple picking in Maryland looks a little different in 2026.

A damaging late-spring freeze hit Maryland farms on April 21, sending temperatures into the low 20s after several weeks of warmer weather. The Maryland Department of Agriculture described the event as catastrophic for some specialty crop growers, with certain fruit crops suffering enormous losses.

That doesn't mean Maryland's fall traditions are canceled.

Several orchards are still welcoming visitors, farm markets remain open, fall festivals are underway, and apples are still available throughout the region. The key in 2026 is simple:

Check before you go.

Apple varieties, pick-your-own availability and hours can change quickly this year.

What Happened to Maryland's Apple Crop in 2026?

On April 21, 2026, Maryland experienced a significant late-season freeze after fruit trees and other crops had already responded to warmer spring temperatures.

The timing was especially damaging.

Fruit blossoms and developing fruit are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures, and some Maryland farms reported losses approaching 100% for certain crops.

The weather challenges haven't been limited to Maryland.

USApple forecasts approximately 263 million bushels of apples nationwide for the 2026/27 crop year, about 7% below last year and approximately 3% below the five-year average.

For Maryland families, that means some orchards have reduced apple availability, limited pick-your-own dates or, in a few cases, no apple harvest at all.

But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy fall.

Apple Picking Near Bel Air and Harford County in 2026

Living in Harford County gives us access to something that isn't always easy to put a price on when you're shopping for a home: local experiences and traditions.

At McArtor & Co., we believe knowing a community means knowing much more than its home prices and school districts. It's knowing where families spend Saturday mornings, where you can grab fresh cider in October and where generations of local residents have created memories.

And when it comes to orchards, Harford County has some terrific local traditions.

Lohr's Orchard – Churchville and Aberdeen

One of Harford County's best-known agricultural destinations is Lohr's Orchard, located on Snake Lane in Churchville, with a retail stand along Churchville Road in Aberdeen.

The family-owned orchard dates back to 1928 and normally offers pick-your-own produce, including apples when available. You'll also find seasonal produce, baked pies, locally sourced products and fresh-pressed apple cider.

Because of changing crop conditions in 2026, visitors should check Lohr's latest updates before heading out to pick apples.

Location: 3212 Snake Lane, Churchville, MD
Retail Stand: 3301 Churchville Road, Aberdeen, MD
Phone: 410-734-0446

For anyone searching online for apple picking near Bel Air, MD, Lohr's is one of the first local farms worth checking.

Shaw Orchards – White Hall

Another Northern Maryland favorite is Shaw Orchards in White Hall.

Shaw's 2026 apple crop was hit particularly hard by the April freeze. The orchard was able to offer a short period of pick-your-own Gala apples around Labor Day, but availability for additional pick-your-own apples is extremely limited.

The good news is that the farm market continues to offer apple varieties as available throughout the season.

Location: 5594 Norrisville Road, White Hall, MD
Phone: 410-692-2429

Because availability can change rapidly, check directly with Shaw Orchards before making the drive.

More Maryland Orchards and Fall Destinations to Consider

If you're willing to venture outside Harford County, several Maryland farms and orchards continue to offer apples, pumpkins, farm markets and fall activities in 2026.

Weber's Cider Mill Farm – Parkville

For Baltimore County families, Weber's Cider Mill Farm in Parkville remains a popular fall destination.

Weber's grows numerous apple varieties that ripen at different times from summer through fall, traditionally including Gala, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Stayman Winesap and others.

The farm is also well known for its cider mill, farm market and fall activities.

Location: 2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville, MD
Phone: 410-668-4488

Larriland Farm – Woodbine

Larriland Farm in Woodbine combines apple picking with a larger fall-festival experience.

Its 2026 fall activities include seasonal pick-your-own produce, pumpkins, hayrides, mazes, live music, food trucks and other attractions. Apple availability varies depending on current harvest conditions.

Location: 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD

Mary's Land Farm – Ellicott City

Mary's Land Farm offers another family-friendly option in Howard County.

The farm operates year-round and hosts seasonal activities, with its 2026 Barnyard Fall Festival beginning September 19. Visitors can enjoy farm experiences, animals and other seasonal attractions even when specific pick-your-own crops are limited.

Location: 4979 Sheppard Lane, Ellicott City, MD

Butler's Orchard – Germantown

The apple crop at Butler's Orchard was also affected by the April freeze.

Butler's remains a longtime Maryland destination for pick-your-own produce, its farm market, Farm Park and seasonal festivals. Apple and other pick-your-own availability should be confirmed before visiting.

Location: 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD

Homestead Farm – Poolesville

The spring freeze was especially severe at Homestead Farm, where almost the entire 2026 apple crop was lost.

A small amount of CrimsonCrisp fruit survived earlier in the season, while the farm market has supplemented its selection with pre-picked apples from Pennsylvania. Pumpkin picking is expected during the fall season.

Location: 15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, MD

Kingsbury's Orchard – Dickerson

Unfortunately, Kingsbury's Orchard was hit hard enough by the April freeze that the family made the decision to close its farm market for the entire 2026 season.

The positive news is that the fruit trees themselves were not destroyed, and the orchard plans to reopen in 2027.

Before You Go Apple Picking in Maryland This Fall

2026 isn't the year to simply load everyone into the car and assume your favorite orchard has apples available.

Before leaving home, check the orchard's website, social media page or phone line for current information about apple varieties, pick-your-own availability, admission requirements and hours.

Availability could change from one weekend to the next.

And remember: even if pick-your-own apples aren't available, many farms still have farm markets, pumpkins, cider, baked goods, hayrides, corn mazes and fall festivals.

Supporting these farms matters even more after a challenging growing season.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has specifically encouraged Marylanders to support local farms and agricultural businesses affected by this year's weather.

Why Local Places Like These Make Maryland Home

When people talk with us at McArtor & Co. about buying a home in Harford County, Baltimore County, Cecil County or the surrounding Maryland communities, we often tell them that real estate is about more than square footage.

It's about the life you get to live once you walk out the front door.

Maybe that's taking the kids apple picking in Churchville.

Maybe it's a Saturday drive through the rolling countryside around White Hall.

Maybe it's grabbing fresh cider, visiting a pumpkin patch or watching the leaves change along a country road.

These are the things that turn an address into a community.

And they're one of the reasons Robert B. McArtor and McArtor & Co. believe local knowledge matters so much when choosing a real estate professional.

Online home-search sites can show you bedrooms, bathrooms and asking prices.

A true local real estate professional can help you understand the community you're actually buying into.

If you're considering buying, selling or relocating anywhere in Harford County, Baltimore County, Cecil County or the surrounding Baltimore region, McArtor & Co. would love to be your local resource—not just for real estate, but for everything that makes Maryland a great place to call home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Apple Picking in 2026

Are Maryland apple orchards open in 2026?

Yes. Many Maryland orchards and farm markets remain open in fall 2026, although apple availability varies significantly because of the April freeze. Some farms have limited pick-your-own apples, while others are focusing on farm markets, pumpkins and other fall activities.

Why are there fewer apples in Maryland this year?

A major freeze struck Maryland on April 21, 2026, after warmer spring weather had already encouraged fruit trees to develop. Temperatures fell into the low 20s in some areas, severely damaging blossoms and developing fruit.

Where can I go apple picking near Bel Air, Maryland?

Lohr's Orchard in Churchville is one of the closest options to Bel Air and traditionally offers pick-your-own apples depending on availability. Shaw Orchards in White Hall is another nearby Northern Maryland destination, although its pick-your-own apple supply has been extremely limited in 2026 because of freeze damage.

Are there apples available at Lohr's Orchard in Harford County?

Lohr's Orchard continues to operate, but specific pick-your-own apple varieties and availability can change daily. Visitors should check the orchard's latest updates before traveling.

Is Shaw Orchards open in 2026?

Yes. Shaw Orchards remains open, although its apple crop sustained significant damage during the April freeze. Apple and pick-your-own availability should be confirmed directly with the orchard before visiting.

Did the 2026 Maryland freeze destroy every apple crop?

No. Damage varied considerably by location and orchard. Some farms experienced nearly total losses, while other orchards retained enough fruit for limited picking or farm-market sales.

Will Maryland apple orchards recover in 2027?

The April freeze primarily affected the 2026 crop rather than destroying Maryland's fruit trees. Barring another damaging weather event, affected orchards should have the opportunity to produce new crops during the 2027 growing season.

What other fall activities are available if apple picking is sold out?

Many Maryland farms offer pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, cider, baked goods, farm animals, festivals, food vendors and farm markets. Check each farm's current schedule before visiting.

What are some of the best fall activities in Harford County, Maryland?

Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, farm markets, scenic drives, local festivals and outdoor activities are some of the traditions that make fall in Harford County special. Communities including Bel Air, Churchville, Aberdeen, Fallston and northern Harford County provide easy access to rural areas while remaining convenient to Baltimore and surrounding employment centers.

Thinking About Making Harford County Home?

There's a reason people fall in love with this part of Maryland.

You can enjoy restaurants and shopping in Bel Air, waterfront communities around Havre de Grace and Abingdon, countryside around Fallston and Churchville, and local farms and orchards just minutes from home.

If you're wondering where to live in Harford County, thinking about moving to Baltimore County or Cecil County, or simply want to know what your current Maryland home may be worth, start with someone who knows the area.

McArtor & Co. isn't just here to help you find a house. We're here to help you find the community and lifestyle that fits the next chapter of your story.

Robert B. McArtor | McArtor & Co.
Local Knowledge. Real Estate Experience. A Better Way Home.

Information regarding orchard schedules and crop availability is current as of September 2026 and can change due to weather and harvest conditions. Always contact the farm or check its current website/social media information before visiting.