U-Pick Blackberries
Come make memories in the berry patch! Plump, sweet, thornless blackberries will be ready for picking soon.
• Season opening by early May 2026
ABOUT THE BERRIES
Exceptional thornless varieties
All four of our varieties were developed by the University of Arkansas breeding program and are known for being remarkably sweet — a step above what you'd typically find at a grocery store. They're fully thornless, so picking is comfortable and easy for everyone, including young kids.
The varieties ripen in sequence across the season, which means picking stays open longer than it would with just one variety. Freedom kicks things off, with Caddo, Ponca, and Traveler following in the weeks after.
Prime-Ark® Freedom
The first thornless primocane-fruiting blackberry ever released. Large, firm, very sweet berries. Freedom opens our season.
Prime-Ark® Traveler
Released in 2015. Equally sweet, with firm, glossy berries that hold up well after picking. Traveler extends the season as a primocane variety.
Sweet-Ark® Caddo
Large berries with very good flavor and excellent firmness. Caddo ripens close to Freedom and holds up well after picking.
Sweet-Ark® Ponca
Considered the sweetest blackberry released by the Arkansas program. Medium-sized, firm berries with low acidity and a rich, aromatic flavor.
Picking Hours
Hours vary each day based on berry availability and conditions. We’ll post specific dates and times here as the season opens — check back here regularly.
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We are expecting to begin our season by early May. Check back here for updates.
Good to know: We may close early on any given day if berries have been picked out. It's worth checking here before making the drive, especially later in the season.
U-Pick Blackberries at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
120 Natures Way, Elgin, TX 78621
About 25 miles east of Austin, TX.
Pricing
$4.75 / lb
Blackberries are priced by the pound. You pay for what you pick at checkout.
*Pricing subject to change
Entry Fee
We charge a $3 entry fee (per person age 2+) to help cover operating costs.
Cash & Card Accepted
Payment is collected at the end of your visit after we weigh your berries. We also accept Apple Pay & Android Pay.
Containers Provided
We'll give you a picking container when you arrive. Bring a cooler or boxes to take berries home.
No Minimum
Pick as much or as little as you'd like. You're responsible for what you pick.
How It Works
Check before you come
We post updates here and on social media when we're open. Hours vary day to day, so a quick check before heading out is always a good idea - especially later in the season when berries can go quickly.
1
Arrive and check in
Pull in and check in at the front first. We'll collect the $3 entry fee (applies per person age 2+), give you a picking container, and point you to the open rows.
2
Pick your berries
Both varieties are completely thornless - no gloves needed. Pick berries that are fully black and come off the vine easily with a gentle tug. Berries that are still red aren't ripe yet; leave those and they'll be ready on your next visit.
3
Return and check out
When you're finished, bring your container to the checkout area. We'll weigh your berries and you pay by the pound.
4
Take them home
Fresh blackberries keep best refrigerated and dry. Wash thoroughly and use them within a few days, or pop them in the freezer right away if you picked a big batch - they freeze very well.
5
A few things to keep in mind
Pick only in rows that are designated as open -some areas may be closed on a given day.
No pets, please (required by state agricultural guidelines).
Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended. This is a working farm.
Please keep children with you and treat the plants carefully.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time.
Weigh and pay before eating. Every berry counts toward our livelihood - thank you!
U-Pick Blackberries at Elgin Christmas Tree Farm
120 Natures Way, Elgin, TX 78621
About 25 miles east of Austin, TX.
Weekend Attractions
Purchase tickets for one of our fun Spring attractions: The Inflatables or the Train Ride!
TICKETS: $2 per ticket. One ticket required per person (age 2+) per activity.
FREE SPRING TIME ACTIVITIES: Crazy Maze, Ball Toss, Playground
Available Saturdays & Sundays during picking hours
