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Pick-Your-Own Fruits

Catoctin Mt. Orchard U-Pick 2026 Season Update

On April 21, 2026 catoctin experienced a record breaking freeze reaching into the low 20s. Weeks before were unusually warm that encouraged early budding resulting in catastrophic damage, wiping out a large portion of our apple crop. Due to this we will only be holding 2 special events to pick your own apples, dates are TBD. Black Raspberries were unable to form completely making our u-pick fields  more scattered picking but also allowing the berries that are good to grow larger.  We are experiencing our fields being picked out much sooner that in previous years. Apples are showing signs of a frost ring (imagine wrapping a rubber band around a baby apple and letting it grow around it). 95% loss on sweet and sour cherries from the frost. Our blueberry fields have a good crop, so you can expect easy picking. 

View the guidelines before your visit

This place is great, especially for children. You can literally pick off the trees and choose your fresh fruit! The general store is beyond amazing with pies, breads, butters and cider galore. Everything we purchased was delicious beyond measure!

Drea Y.

Apples

The best fall activity to do with your family. Throughout the u-pick season we offer over 20 varieties of apples for you to pick.
View the guidelines before your visit
Apple Varieties Guide

Schedule

Next picking day: 

Due to the frost this spring we will NOT be having u-pick apples every weekend in September and October. Instead we will have 2 special event picking days for apples, dates are still TBD

Varieties Available to U-Pick:

TBD

Picking time:

TBD

Prices & sizes

CASH ONLY. ATM on Site. All SALES FINAL

Half Peck Bag: 5 to 6 lbs of apples 

Peck Bag: 11 to 12 lbs of apples 

Half Bushel Bag: 20 to 22 lbs of apples

Entrance Fee: $3 per person (3 yrs & under are free)

Includes wagon ride to and from apple field

Blueberries

Fun Summer family activity. U-Pick blueberries are available from late June to mid July.

Schedule

Next picking day:

Coming Soon!

Picking Steps

  1. Check-in with one of our employees at the white trailer located on your way up to the playground to purchase your containers before picking. You must purchase one of our containers to pick. NO outside containers allowed.
  2. CASH ONLY sales. ATM located at our market.
  3. Please follow employees guidelines on where you can and cant not pick at.
  4. Once you are finished picking in your paid container you are free to leave. Please do not bring your picked and paid fruit inside the market.
  5. Happy Picking and stay hydrated.

Black Raspberries

Black Raspberries are a unique find around this area. Their flavor is out of this world. Available to pick from mid June to early July.

Schedule

Next Picking Date:

DONE FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Still available for purchase in the market.

Prices & sizes

  1. Check-in at the PYO white Trailer on the way to the playground to purchase your container. You MUST purchase one of our containers to pick. NO outside containers allowed.
  2. CASH ONLY sales. ATM on site
  3. You must ride the PYO wagon/Bus to and from the picking field, NO WALKING. Entrance fee $3 per person (under 3 free) wagon/bus ride included.
  4. Board the PYO wagon/bus located past the market entrance towards the playground.
  5. Happy Picking and stay hydrated.

Dark Sweet Cherries

Dark Sweet Cherries are best for eating, sweet and juicy. Bring the family by for a fun morning and pick your own cherries. Available from mid June to early July.

Schedule

Next picking day:

No Sweet Cherry Picking for 2026 Due to Frost Damage

Prices & sizes

  1. Check-in at the PYO white building on the way to the playground to purchase your container. You MUST purchase one of our containers to pick. NO outside containers allowed.
  2. CASH ONLY sales. ATM on site
  3. You must ride the PYO wagon to and from the picking field, NO WALKING. Entrance fee $3 per person (under 3 free) wagon/bus ride included.
  4. Board the PYO wagon/bus located past the market entrance towards the playground.
  5. Happy Picking and stay hydrated.

Tart Pie Cherries

They are called tart cherries for reason. Used best when making a pie or preserves. Available from late June to mid July.

Schedule

Next picking day:

No Sour Cherry Picking for 2026 Due to Frost Damage

Prices & sizes

  1. Check-in at the PYO blue building on the way to the playground to purchase your container. You MUST purchase one of our containers to pick. NO outside containers allowed.
  2. CASH ONLY sales. ATM on site.
  3. Wait for further instructions from one of our employees and they will instruct you where to pick.
  4. Once you are finished picking in your paid container you are free to leave. Please do not bring your picked and paid fruit inside the market.
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Guidelines for Pick-Your-Own Fruit

  1. You must purchase your Pick Your Own bags at the check-in building located above the market on your way to the playground. You will see apple signs on the building indicating the check in for pick your own apples.
  2. Park your strollers and leave your pets, containers, bags, backpacks, coolers & blankets at home or in your car. These items are prohibited inside the orchard.
  3. You must take the wagon ride to and from the field. The wagons run continuously. There is an entrance fee of $3 per person to enter the u-pick apple field. Wagon ride is included. 
  4. All Apples picked must fit inside the bag you purchased. You cannot carry any apples out of the orchard. If you do, you will have to buy an additional Bag for them.
  5. Before leaving home, please check back on this page or call 301-271-2737
  6. Call for picking availability and hours depending on weather conditions. Catoctin reserves the right to close the Apple Orchard due to inclement weather that may include heavy rain, thunder, lightning and/or severe winds without advanced notice in order to protect our customers and employees.
  7. No picnicking in the orchard. Picnic tables are located at the playground.
  8. No walking in the orchard. We have moving tractors and other large machinery at work.
  9. No pets in the orchard.
  10. If you drop an apple or an apple falls off the tree while picking, we kindly ask you to pick it up to ensure no apple goes to waste. Thank You.
  11. Cash Only. All sales final, no refunds.