Charlottesville's Best Pumpkin Picking: Orchards, Maize Mazes & More

Fall in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is here and so is the prized opportunity to pick your own pumpkins! The Charlottesville-area has a wide variety of gardens, farms, and orchards that not only have loads of gourds to choose from, but also stunning fall views, activities, and more.

Whether you're looking to make a full day out of pumpkin picking or looking to find a pre-picked gourd amongst other festive fall activities, here are a few of our favorite spots to get you started!

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1. Carter Mountain Orchard

Charlottesville’s ever-popular Carter Mountain Orchard is located a quick 10-minute drive south of the historic Downtown Mall and just minutes from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. In addition to pre-picked pumpkins, Carter Mountain also offers pick-your-own apples, stunning views, and signature apple cider donuts. Keep an eye on their events calendar for upcoming fall events, Fall Food Trucks nearly every day of the week and ticketed entry on the weekends. Falls are busy on the mountain!

Aerial view of Carter Mountain's Barn Store and outdoor seating with the view of the mountains and sunset in the background
Sunset at Carter Mountain Orchard

2. Chiles Peach Orchard

If you're looking for the full pick-your-own pumpkin experience, this is the spot for you. Chiles Peach Orchard, Carter Mountain's sister orchard, is just a short, 20-minute drive to the charming town of Crozet. In addition to incredible mountain views, Chiles also has a full range of carving pumpkins, pie pumpkins, decorative pumpkins, gourds, squash (in many colors and sizes), and apples! Weekends get busy, so tickets are required for visiting the pick-your-own fields on Saturdays and Sundays. Children under 12-years-old do not need tickets.

Chiles also hosts a number of fun events throughout the fall, including their annual Fall Into Fun Festival. The festival features live music, lawn games, vendors, and the official opening of their pumpkin patch! Keep an eye on their events calendar for even more events, such as live music!

A boy picking a pumpkin in a field with a mountain in the background

3. Greenwood Grocery

If you're looking for locally-owned, pre-picked pumpkins, look no further than Greenwood Grocery in nearby Crozet! Built upon the foundation of a traditional roadside fruit stand, Greenwood Grocery prides itself on supporting local farmers/producers. Their selection of pre-picked, locally grown heirloom pumpkins, usually available in mid-September, are the perfect way to start fall. Act fast though, they're in high demand! Greenwood Grocery is also an excellent place to stop for a gourmet sandwich, local produce, and other fare. It's just down the road from Misty Mountain Campground and Septenary Winery at Seven Oaks Farm.

Outdoor display of multicolored pumpkins in front of a country store
Credit: Greenwood Grocery

4. Liberty Mills Farm

Liberty Mills Farm is a quick and scenic 30-minute drive away in Orange County, just northeast of Charlottesville. They are not only an excellent source of pick-your-own and pre-picked pumpkins, but also home to Virginia’s largest corn maze. Additionally, Liberty Mills Farm has hayrides, food trucks, rentable fire pits, and the always popular LOVEworks Sign. Expect everything you need for a full day of fun!

Keep an eye on their events calendar too, as they host multiple events through the season including a sunflower festival, late-night flashlight maze opportunities, food trucks, and you-pick lavender.

Aerial view of an intricate corn maze
Credit: www.libertymillsfarm.com

5. Ivy Creek Garden Center

Stop by Ivy Creek Garden Center for a wonderful selection of pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, and squash -- locally grown by Ten Wrens Family Flower Farm.

6. Blue Ridge Mountain Maze

Head out to neighboring Nelson County to 'get lost in fun' at their Blue Ridge Mountain Maze -- located at Blue Toad Hard Cider! Not only do they have a large selection of pre-picked pumpkins to choose from, their 5-acre corn maze is also fun during the day and at night (by flashlight!) Additional offerings include:

  • Pony rides from Indian Summer Guide Service ($10 per person, Sundays)
  • Public campfires and purchasable s'mores kits
  • Family Fun Zone featuring apple sling shots, farm animals, giant slide, an obstacle course, and more.
  • Live music every Saturday night from 6-10PM. 👉 View Schedule
  • Food trucks, local craft beverages, and wine

7. Sarah's Pumpkin Patch

Located just northeast in neighboring Madison County is Sarah's Pumpkin Patch, an excellent choice for pick-your-own pumpkins, with five acres of pumpkin varieties to choose from! Sarah's pumpkin patch also has a 4-acre corn maze, hay maze, pick-your-own flowers, and hay rides (available on select days).

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