Fruit picking is one of the best activities to kill your boredom and grow closeness to your family. The lush green Maryland is filled with farms and orchards that will help you make lasting memories with fun U-Pick activities. This list is all about some of the best pear orchards in Maryland; the pears are naturally sweet to taste and delicious if you are making a mojito out of it.
Whether you’re planning an adventurous day out with the kids, a peaceful afternoon with a loved one, or just want to enjoy the fresh air and pick some juicy pears, Maryland orchards offer a welcoming and friendly environment for all.
Before we go any ahead, here are some of the must-have farm accessories to make your PYO pear a comfortable activity.
Farm Essentials,
- Fruit Picking Bag: A hands-free option to keep the pears safe while you pick. [Check Options]
- Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy shoes are a must for navigating orchard terrain. [View Options]
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect against the autumn sun. [Look for a Hat] or [Get a Sunscreen]
- Hydration: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your picking adventure. [View all Options]
These accessories ensure you face no issues while enjoying your pear-picking activity on a sunny morning. Don’t forget to check out other activities these farms offer to make your entire day memorable.
Also Read: The Best Apple Orchards in Maryland: Pick Your Own
10 Best Maryland Pear Orchards for a Fun PYO Outing
It would be unfair for us to list all the best farms from a particular region of Maryland; we don’t want our audience to travel across the state just to spend a relaxing day out of their hectic schedule. This is why we are picking the best pear orchards from North, South, West, East, and Central Maryland to offer ease of commute to our readers.
North Maryland
1. Larriland Farm Inc
- Address: 2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797
- Phone: (410) 442-2605
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Apple Picking, Berry Picking, Farm Tours
Orchard Description: Larriland Farm is a well-known orchard for the best PYO produce, including pears, apples, and berries. The Orchard is vast and offers a rewarding picking experience. Besides, the Orchard offers farm tours that teach sustainable farming practices, making it educational for all visitors. After spending your day picking the best pear produce, you can relax in the picnic area or visit the farm stand to buy other fresh produce for the week. The atmosphere makes Larriland a great choice for family outings or casual days with friends.
2. Lohr’s Orchard
- Address: 3212 Snake Lane, Churchville, MD 21028
- Phone: (410) 836-2783
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Stand
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sat), Closed on Sundays
- Additional Activities: Cider Pressing, Apple Picking
Orchard Description: Lohr’s Orchard is a small but charming farm located in Churchville. Known for its fresh cider and apple picking, Lohr’s also offers a lovely pear-picking experience. The atmosphere is laid-back, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxing, quiet day in the Orchard. Lohr’s also features a farm stand where you can purchase fresh fruit, jams, and local honey. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery while strolling through the Orchard, making this farm a hidden gem in North Maryland.
Also Read: The Best Orchards in Maryland for Peach Picking: Pick Your Own
South Maryland
3. Swann Farms
- Address: 7740 Swan Lane, Owings, MD 20736
- Phone: (410) 257-3186
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Sweet Corn Harvest, Berry Picking
Orchard Description: Located in Southern Maryland, Swann Farms is renowned for its PYO produce, especially pears. The Orchard is well-maintained, providing a fantastic experience for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors. Swann Farms offers clean facilities and a farm stand with fresh produce, jams, and local products. Whether you’re coming for the pears or to enjoy other activities, such as berry picking, this farm is a fantastic spot for a family outing or a casual day trip.
4. Linden Hall Farm & Orchard
- Address: 2815 Old Joppa Road, Joppa, MD 21085
- Phone: (410) 679-2735
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Stand
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Pumpkin Picking, Seasonal Events
Orchard Description: A quaint farm located in Joppa, Linden Hall Farm & Orchard offers pear picking and a variety of other fun activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Orchard while picking pears and, afterward, shop at the farm stand for more local produce. The farm also hosts seasonal events, making it a popular spot for families and groups. The friendly staff and well-kept grounds ensure that you’ll have a great time exploring the farm.
Also Read: 10 Best Corn Farms in Maryland: Pick-Your-Own
West Maryland
5. Catoctin Mountain Orchard
- Address: 15036 North Franklinville Road, Thurmont, MD 21788
- Phone: (301) 271-2737
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand, Bakery
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Apple Picking, Berry Picking
Orchard Description: Located at the foot of the scenic Catoctin Mountains, this Orchard offers a wide selection of fruits for PYO, including pears. The farm stand is packed with fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and jams. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air while strolling through the Orchard, and the on-site bakery offers delicious treats like apple pies and cider donuts. Catoctin Mountain Orchard is a favorite among locals for its variety of activities and picturesque setting.
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East Maryland
6. Milburn Orchards
- Address: 1495 Appleton Road, Elkton, MD 21921
- Phone: (410) 398-1349
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand, Petting Zoo
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Corn Maze, Petting Zoo, Farm Tours
Orchard Description: Milburn Orchards is an excellent choice for a family day out, offering pear picking along with a range of other fun activities. The farm has a petting zoo for kids, a picnic area for enjoying a packed lunch, and a farm stand where you can purchase freshly baked goods, including their famous cider donuts. Milburn’s wide range of family-friendly activities makes it an ideal destination for a full day of fun and adventure.
Also Read: Best Pepper Picking Farms in Maryland | Where to Pick (PYO)
Central Maryland
7. Homestead Farm
- Address: 15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, MD 20837
- Phone: (301) 977-3761
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Pumpkin Picking, Seasonal Events
Orchard Description: Homestead Farm offers a wide variety of fruits for PYO, including pears. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful day in the Orchard, followed by a picnic on the farm grounds. The farm stand is stocked with fresh produce, and the farm also hosts seasonal events such as pumpkin picking, making it a fun spot for families and couples alike. Homestead Farm’s relaxed atmosphere and well-maintained pear orchards make it a great choice for a fall outing.
8. Baugher’s Orchards & Farm
- Address: 1015 Baugher Road, Westminster, MD 21158
- Phone: (410) 857-0111
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand, Restaurant
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo, Apple Picking
Orchard Description: Baugher’s Orchards & Farm in Westminster is a beloved family destination offering a range of activities and fresh produce. Visitors can pick their own pears, as well as other fruits, like apples and peaches, during the harvest season. The farm also offers wagon rides to the picking fields, a petting zoo for children, and a farm stand filled with fresh produce and local products. After a day of picking, visitors can dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves farm-fresh meals. Baugher’s offers a wholesome experience for families, providing ample activities to keep everyone entertained.
Also Read: Best Pick Your Own Blueberry Picking Farms in Maryland
9. Butler’s Orchard
- Address: 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876
- Phone: (301) 428-0444
- Amenities: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Farm Stand
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Berry Picking, Pumpkin Festival, Christmas Tree Farm
Orchard Description: Butler’s Orchard is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive pick-your-own offerings, including pears. The farm hosts seasonal festivals like the Pumpkin Festival, which attracts families from across the region. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hayrides to pick-your-own Christmas trees during the winter season. The well-stocked farm stand offers local produce, jams, and baked goods, while the Orchard provides a well-maintained and picturesque backdrop for your pear-picking adventure. Butler’s Orchard is perfect for a fun, family-friendly day out in the countryside.
10. Heyser Farms, Inc.
- Address: 14526 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20905
- Phone: (301) 384-7859
- Amenities: Restrooms, Farm Store
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Additional Activities: Fresh Apple Cider, Farm Tours
Orchard Description: Heyser Farms, located in Silver Spring, offers a peaceful and relaxed pear-picking experience. The farm also produces its own fresh apple cider, making it a favorite spot for fall visitors. In addition to pear picking, visitors can explore the farm store, which features a variety of local products, baked goods, and fresh cider. Heyser Farms is a great spot for a laid-back day of picking and exploring local flavors, with a friendly and welcoming environment.
Also Read: Best Plum Farms in Maryland for a Fun Pick Your Own
Most Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Pear picking in Maryland typically begins in mid-to-late August and can extend through September. However, the exact timing varies by orchard and pear variety, so it’s best to check with the farm for their specific season.
Most Maryland orchards offer popular pear varieties like Bartlett, Bosc, and Asian Pears. These varieties ripen at different times, so you can enjoy pear picking throughout the season as different types become available.
Some orchards, like Baugher’s Orchards, require you to use their containers for picking to comply with food safety regulations. However, many farms allow visitors to bring back containers from previous visits, so it’s always worth checking with the specific farm beforehand.
Yes! Many pear orchards in Maryland, such as Milburn Orchards and Butler’s Orchard, offer additional family-friendly activities like hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and farm festivals, making it a perfect outing for kids and adults alike.
A ripe pear will feel firm but give slightly when pressed. For most varieties, pears are best picked when they are mature but not fully ripe and should ripen off the tree for the best flavor.
Many orchards, like Larriland Farm and Butler’s Orchard, provide picnic areas where you can enjoy your snacks and fresh fruit. It’s a great way to extend your visit and enjoy a meal in nature.
Some orchards, such as Milburn Orchards and Catoctin Mountain Orchard, offer farm stores or stands with fresh pear-based products like pies, cider, and jams. Be sure to check out the bakery sections for a sweet treat after a day of picking.
Wrapping up: The Best Pear Picking Orchards in Maryland
This sums up our list of the best pear-picking orchards in Maryland; however, this is not the entire list; it only has a few handpicked options. Whether you are planning a fun family outing, a leisure day with friends, or a romantic date, these orchards offer the perfect backdrop for making memories and enjoying nature.
Be sure to call ahead to confirm availability and hours before visiting. Dress comfortably, bring your own containers if needed, and plan for a leisurely day to make the most of your visit.
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