Escape to this beautiful Mount Airy orchard for some family fun on the farm. Pick your own fruit, visit the cows, and enjoy some gourmet ice cream made with fresh fruit.

Rock Hill Orchard is about 40 minutes from Bethesda, making it the perfect day trip from anywhere near the Beltway. From summer into the fall, you can pick your own peaches and apples. Sometimes there are also berries, flowers and herbs when they're in season. Just call or check on the website first to see what's available. 

ADDRESS: 28600 Ridge Road | Mt. Airy, MD
PHONE: (301) 831-7427
WEBSITE: Rock Hill Orchard

There is no admission fee to pick your own fruit. Simply follow the signage when you arrive and drive right up to the picking area. There will be a tented area where a staff member can give you empty boxes and later check you out. You'll notice a turn off to the left for the Woodbourne Creamery. This is where you can see the family's prized Golden Guernsey cows that produce the milk for their handmade ice cream. There are also several picnic tables that you can use to enjoy your lunch if you brought one, so plan accordingly!

The farmstand at the entrance is where you can get their famous ice cream. Some flavors are even made with freshly picked fruit from up the hill! You can also buy milk products, vegetables, and other local delicacies like breads and sweets. Buy local and get the freshest food you can, even if you don't have time to harvest it yourself.

Apple season starts in late August, so keep this orchard in mind if you like to pick your own. They have over 30 varieties that ripen at different times, so you should check the Facebook page for weekly announcements. 

**All of the photos in this article are by Sarina Petrocelly.

Have you been to Rock Hill Orchard? What's your favorite flavor of ice cream from the farmstand? Drop a comment and let us know!