The Roanoke Area and surrounding Western Virginia Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in !

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Raspberry U-Pick Orchards in The Roanoke Area and surrounding Western Virginia in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for raspberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have raspberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

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Bedford County

Scotts Strawberry Farm (aka, A&E Farms) - blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, events at your location (call for info),Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, restrooms
5234 Joppa Mill Road, Moneta, VA 24121. Phone: 540-297-7917. Email: aferguson@hughes.net. Open: UPDATE for 2022, Their Facebook page has not been updated since 2020; so I assume they have closed permanently. Directions: from Roanoke 24 east 17 miles turn left onto 747 go 2 miles on right. from Bedford 122 south 4 miles turn right onto 747 go 4 miles on left. from Lynchburg 460 west to Bedford 122 south exit go 4 miles turn right onto 747 go 4 miles on left. from Franklin County 122 north 20+ miles to 24122 intersection left on 24 west go 5 miles right onto 801 1-12 miles right onto 747 .8 mile on right. Strawberries: May to early June, Produce: May thru August, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries: late June - truncated. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Scotts Strawberry Farm (aka, A&E Farms) Alternate Phone: 540-871-0635mid May on; Monday thru Saturday 7:30 am till 7 pm Sunday 1 pm till 6 pmfrom Roanoke 24 east 17 miles turn left onto 747 go 2 miles on right. from Bedford 122 south 4 miles turn right onto 747 go 4 miles on left. from Lynchburg 460 west to Bedford 122 south exit go 4 miles turn right onto 747 go 4 miles on left. from Franklin County 122 north 20+ miles to 24/122 intersection left on 24 west go 5 miles right onto 801 1-1/2 miles right onto 747 .8 mile on right. Strawberries: May to early June, Produce: May thru August, Blackberries, Raspberries, Blueberries: late June thru August, all dates determined by the weatherclick here for their Facebook page. NOTE: 2021 THE FARM IS FOR SALE: just under 127 acres, 4 acre lake, underground irrigation going to any field on the property, several buildings and barns, very large shop, 4 wells, 5 septic's, 3 mobile homes. Main house 4 levels, 3600+ SF, 4 BR, 5 BA, 2 Great rooms, 1 on main floor w/open fireplace thru both sides and 1 in basement with wood insert and room is finished, spiral stairs getting off 3 levels, stairs in front hall up to 2 BR, HP, can also use wood for heat. I probably left something off.anyway it is close.
Comments from a visitor on July 08, 2010: (positive)"I picked blackberries on July 6, 2010 for the first time ever - they are the most amazing blackberries! I had to look for the really ripe ones but there were plenty to be found. It took me about an hour to fill the field bucket- you pay by the bucket full not by weight and they allow you to heap it as high as you can for $16.00. There were a ton of yet to ripe berries so I will be going back again for sure. It seemed to me that the berries have not been affected by the drought because they have a nice watering system. The berries were incredibly JUCY. Nice perks are: you can drive right up to the field, they have clean, real (not porta-pot)bathrooms, and they sell other farm fresh produce as well. "
Comments from a visitor on July 07, 2010: (positive) - "I have been Scott's twice recently and have to say I disagree with the other two recent posters. First was during the strawberry festival, it was too hot to stay long, but we did pick a 5qt bucket full, very easily. Most recently we picked blackberries and raspberries on 6/27/10. I will agree that there were not many raspberries, but there were LOTS of blackberries. We picked three 5 qt buckets full. I don't know if the previous posters misunderstood where to turn, as the fields can be confusing, but there were 5 rows of completely ripe blackberries and about 10 rows that had some ripe and some not. "
Comments from a visitor on June 26, 2010: (negative) - "I noted that a upset visitor posted a response in June 2010. I am not normally one to post such derogatory remarks but I am sorry to say that the previous poster is fairly correct. We were told there was blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. When we went out, we were told to go to a particular field. We arrived and found about 5 blueberry bushes and was able to pick about 1/2 cup of ripe blueberries. We did not see any blackberries. We did see about 35 raspberry bushes. While there were a lot of raspberries on the available bushes, 95% were not ripe. When we checked out, we were told that the berries should be ready in about 2 weeks. It is posted as being ready and we too were told on the phone about the readiness of the berries. It was a huge disappointment since we too drove about 40 minutes to get there. I would not recommend visiting this farm. "
Comments from a visitor on June 19, 2010: (negative) - "WOW what a disappointment. I called before had for directions , . From my Home it was 45 miles, Asked about the different kinds of berry that "were in season NOW" I quoted, She explained a " bunch of blueberry bushes. raspberry and black berry would be here soon... Lies ,lies lies. I got there only 12 blueberry bushes ( which is what I was going for) and NOT ONE BERRY ON THE BUSH. So I picked not a berry and stopped by to ask why she lied to me on the phone and to my face before I went out to the fields. She said You must have misunderstood me. B*** S***. Then she offered to sell me her pre-picked berries at 3.99, a pint well I I explained I do not plan to buy her pre-picked week old berries after spending 1.5 hours driving and 1/2 a tank of gas to a horrible lady. oh yes I did " A HORIBBILE LADY" Another visitor writes in 2009: (positive) - "Pick your own price for 2009 is $1.80 quart or $9.00 for the 5 quart field bucket. They also have a Scott Strawberry Farm Festival - (the last weekend in May) 10 am to dusk Saturday, Noon-Dusk Sunday - Crafts & food, door prizes, pony & carriage rides, bungee jump, moonwalk, homemade ice cream, homemade strawberry & blackberry pie, flatfoot contests and the BEST strawberries around. U-Pick or buy ready-picked."

Franklin County

Dansby Farm - asparagus, raspberries
4481 Colonial Turnpike, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Phone: (540) 576-3658. Open: call to confirm hours and availability, May and June Monday to Saturday 8 am to 7 pm Sunday 2 pm to 7 pm. Directions: Go 8 miles past the Rocky Mount Walmart on 40 East towards Glade Hill. then right on route 718 $colonial Turnpike$ Go 2 miles. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Go 8 miles past the Rocky Mount Walmart on 40 East towards Glade Hill. then right on route 718 (colonial Turnpike) Go 2 miles Call ahead if wanting us to pick for you. We no longer have strawberries. Although strawberries are no longer grown here, they do have Asparagus in early spring and Raspberries in mid to late summer. A wonderful place to bring your kids and pick your own fresh produce. (UPDATED: May 12, 2014, by phone, JBS)

Giles County

Bob Pond Blueberry Farm - blueberries, Raspberries, Christmas trees
1814 Powell Mountain Road, Rich Creek, VA 24147. Phone: 540-726-3084. Email: bpondberries@yahoo.com. Click here for a map and directions. Fax: 540-726-3097. . Gary Midkiffs' farm has approximately 10,000 blueberry bushes, with many varieties that ripen at different times, providing blueberries from late June through September. The berries peak the second week of July. U-PICK BLUEBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES. Christmas trees Both U-choose and wholesale. Also wholesale and Retail Nursery plants including Blueberries, blackberries, Current Bushes, Grapes and Raspberries.

Halifax County

Giant Oaks Farm and Orchard, Bed & Breakfast - Uses natural growing practices, apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, Muscadines, grapes, pears, raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (Autumn, black), strawberries, walnuts, Turkeys (organic, not-hormone-fed), Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, petting zoo, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
3035 Neals Corner Road, Clover, VA 24534. Phone: 850-691-9661. Email: ericakay55@hotmail.com. Click here for a map and directions. . Alternate Phone: 804-712-1738 . UPDATE for 2019, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me

Montgomery County

3 Birds Berry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow),
1876 Brooksfield Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Phone: 540-552-4195. Email: 3birdsberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: See our website for current picking hours June - Sept or call the farm phone anytime for a recording. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
3 Birds Berry Farm Facebook page. Blueberries (early June-late August) Blackberries (late June-August) Raspberries (July-September). We use natural practices, but are not yet certified OrganicOur farm is just 7 minutes from downtown Blacksburg, Virgina! We are passionate about berries! New for season 2012: we are ADA compliant (with accessible porta potty, picking path & parking). We are also considered "transitional" (seeking organic certification). Our Prices: All berries $3/pint (or $20/gallon for volume picking discount). Price includes sales tax & pint containers. We provide picking buckets and take home pints/bags. Our apologies in advance: dogs NOT permitted on farm for health/safety reasons. See you in the fields!. The ONLY pyo crops offered are: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries. Our farm is just 7 minutes from downtown Blacksburg, Virginia and the ONLY U-Pick berry farm in Blacksburg! It ran as "Crow's Nest U-Pick Berries" for over 30 years.

Patrick County

Windy Hill Orchards - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, Muscadines, grapes, nectarines, peaches, raspberries (red), Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations
176 Windy Hill Lane, Ararat, VA 24053. Phone: 276-251-5222. Email: debbe@windyhillorchards.com. Open: Spring & Summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm; Closed Sunday and Monday: Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, PayPal.
Windy Hill Orchards Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 276-692-8157 We use integrated pest management practicesTypical dates: Blueberries - Due May 30th; Peaches - Due the 3rd week of June. Blackberries - Due in July. Grapes - First grapes due in July. Apples - Gala's due in Aug..We have a beautiful crop of apples this year. We have raw cider at the shed for purchase. We also have raw cider vinegar available. Virginia facebook page. . (UPDATED: September 24, 2023)

Raspberry

Raspberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Raspberries can produce an early summer crop or a late summer and Fall crop.

In the U.S. Spring / Summer raspberries (called florocanes) typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. The primocane varieties, which produce raspberries on shoots that come up each Spring are typically read from August until frost.

In addition to the variety a farm plants, the berries are ready at various times depending the local climate, such as which part of the state you are located. See this page for a list of raspberry festivals around the U.S.

And for those of you from the upper midwest through the west and up to Canada, if you are interested in Thimbleberries, see this page.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
Leave early. On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
Most growers furnish picking containers designed for raspberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
If you use your own containers, remember that heaping raspberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Tips on how to pick raspberries

Raspberry bushes don't have thorns, but they are a pick prickly, so if you want to hold the stem while picking, a pair of lightweight gloves is helpful.

Raspberries Nutritional Data
(fresh)
Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	220 kJ (53 kcal)

Carbohydrates	11.94 g
Sugars	4.42 g
Dietary fiber	6.5 g

Fat	0.65 g

Protein	1.2 g

Vitamins
Thiamine	(3%) 0.032 mg
Riboflavin2	(3%) 0.038 mg
Niacin3	(4%) 0.598 mg
Pantothenic acid5	(7%) 0.329 mg
Vitamin B6	(4%) 0.055 mg
Folate9	(5%) 21 μg
Choline	(3%) 12.3 mg
Vitamin C	(32%) 26.2 mg
Vitamin E	(6%) 0.87 mg
Vitamin K	(7%) 7.8 μg

Minerals
Calcium	(3%) 25 mg
Iron	(5%) 0.69 mg
Magnesium	(6%) 22 mg
Manganese	(32%) 0.67 mg
Phosphorus	(4%) 29 mg
Potassium	(3%) 151 mg
Zinc	(4%) 0.42 mg

Other constituents
Water	85.8 g

Units μg = micrograms � mg = milligrams IU = International units
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source:

A ripe raspberry is deep color with a plump, soft but firm feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug. The center will remain on the plant. Keep in mind, raspberries come in many colors: red, yellow, black, purple, so you want to pick the darker shade of whichever it is.
Pick only the berries that are fully ripe. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
I find it helps to hold the stem with one hand, while picking with the other.
Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. Ideally, the collection containers should be wide so the pberries aren't more than a few deep.
Pick berries into a shallow container. If they get piled too deep they will crush each other.
Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking.

When you get home

DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them. Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
DO refrigerate! Right after picking, place raspberries in the fridge. If your fridge tends to dry out produce, lightly cover the container.
Raspberries don't store for very long, usually just a few days. The reason the ones from the grocery store last longer is they are covered with fungicides!
Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) raspberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the raspberries (while they are in the fridge)!
Even under ideal conditions raspberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase
See this page for illustrated freezing instructions.

Raspberry Recipes

Now, get ready to make raspberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free
raspberry jam directions - very easy! or for a jam with a little kick, try raspberry chipotle jam
And if you want to freeze them to use later, see my How to freeze berries page.
You can also make your own raspberry vinaigrette,
See this page for an easy recipe to make raspberry chipotle sauce

Raspberry Facts

Raspberries are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
Raspberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, are super high in fibre, lhave a good amount of folic acid, are high in potassium, vitamin A and calcium.
The USDA says 1 cup of raspberries has about 62 calories.
11 cup of raspberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
An average raspberry has 100 to 120 seeds.
Select plump, firm, fully raspberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
Raspberries belong to a large group of fruits known as brambles, such as blackberries, in the plant genus Rubus.
Raspberries come in red, yellow, orange, purple and black colors.
Yellow raspberries are red raspberries that don't make red pigment.)
In most areas, raspberries begin to bloom in late May or early June.
Bumblebees, honeybees, and other wild bees love to visit brambles.
60-70 pints of fruits can be harvested from 100 feet row.
Raspberries can be harvested from early summer through fall, usually right up until a freeze
The United States is the world's third-largest producer of raspberries (FAOSTAT, 2013).
Production occurs across much of the country, although most of it is concentrated in California, Oregon and Washington. California leads the nation in both black and red raspberry production (NASS, 2015).
According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the United States has 8,052 raspberry farms totaling 23,104 acres (Census of Ag, USDA, 2012).
U-pick raspberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/4 pounds of fresh berries.
Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as raspberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
Want to go to a raspberry festival? See this page for a list!

2024 The Roanoke Area and surrounding Western Virginia Raspberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!