These 8 Charming Apple Orchards In North Carolina Are Great For A Fall Day
While many associate apple season with crisp, cool fall days and orange and yellow leaves, apple ripening season occurs in North Carolina anywhere from late August to early October. For pick-your-own, the best time of year to plan a trip is now. Wondering exactly where? These eight orchards not only provide you with sweet, juicy apples, but also a one-of-a-kind experience you can only expect from the best apple orchards in North Carolina.
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If you've begun to wonder where to pick apples in North Carolina, then look no further. Not only does this charming apple orchard offer U-pick from several varieties, it also features a cider mill, country store, group and educational tours, and a bakery. A family-run business since 1955, the scenic South Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a ride around the orchard or a day of picking your own apples ending in a cup of hot cider and an apple turnover.
Address: 2075 Pleasant Hill Avenue, Morganton, NC, 28655
2. Grandad's Apples n' Such, Hendersonville
Emory Rakestraw
Located in the heart of North Carolina's apple country, Grandad's Apples n' Such is more than an orchard.. Come fall, cars line the country road awaiting to park and pick. The breezy, large barn opens to a stunning mountain view and features a bakery (try the donuts or fried apple pie) and a store full of goodies. Grandad's offers U-pick as well as a pumpkin patch and corn maze come fall.
Address: 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28792
Featuring cider, plenty of apples, and their famous donuts, Justus Orchard is a perfect stop-by while the leaves are in their peak. The fourth generation, family-owned farm offers multiple apple varieties. The best way to keep up with it all is checking their Facebook page to see which apples are ripe for the pickin'.
Nestled right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Orchard at Altapass is a great place to stop while cruising and looking at fall foliage. Of all of the farms to visit in North Carolina, this apple orchard offers phenomenal views. Located atop the Eastern Continental Divide, the orchard has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 1800s. Today, the orchard doesn't just offer apple picking in North Carolina, but also a variety of programs, like mountain music, hayrides, and a book club to educate visitors on the culture that permeates this area.
Sky Top isn't just a U-pick or we-pick orchard, but an entire experience. Between orchard ponds with duck and geese, a farm area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, a bamboo forest perfect for some stellar photography, oh, and panoramic mountain views, it's no surprise they've been nominated for a 10 Best Award by USA Today.
Address: 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC, 28731
This fourth-generation apple orchard is situated on 70 stunning acres with panoramic Blue Ridge views. On the weekend, hayrides let you venture through the orchard as well as pumpkin patches and the grape vines. After picking up a fresh bushel, visit the country store and grab a cup of hot cider.
Lyda Farms is more than a orchard; it's almost like a mini-farmers market tucked right in the mountains. Here you can pick up multiple fall finds like various pumpkins from perfect for jack-o-lanterns to perfect for pumpkin pie. The market also has a nice selection of winter squash, and other seasonal squashes. Be sure to visit the charming barnyard area with adorable goats, donkeys, geese, and chickens.
Address: 3465 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28792
Knob Creek isn't only an apple orchard, but also a creamery! Located on the Cleveland-Lincoln County line, there's more than just your mountain varieties here. Look forward to a hearty selection of peaches, strawberries, and blackberries. While picking up some delicious apples, save room for delectable, homemade ice cream, especially the banana pudding ice cream!
Address: 6471 Fallston Road Lawndale, NC, 28090
Still wondering what to do in fall in North Carolina? Picking apples is a beloved way to ring in the fall season and a tradition for many! We’ve just highlighted some of the best apple orchards in North Carolina. Which one will you visit first?
A visit to an apple orchard is a fun, family-oriented adventure everyone will love. For some of the best apple picking spots in the state, head to Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill in Morganton, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville, Justus Orchard in Hendersonville, and Costos Farm and Apple House in Hendersonville. More information on all of these can be found in the article above, except for Costos Farm and Apple House at 3748 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC, 28792. It’s located just up the road from Lydia Farms, which is mentioned above. When it comes to ripe apples picked fresh from the tree, you can’t go wrong anywhere you find them in North Carolina.
When is the best time to visit an apple orchard in North Carolina?
Apples ripen on the trees in North Carolina a bit ahead of the visible change of season seen in the changing of the colors of the leaves. More than 20 varieties of apples thrive in the Tar Heel State and ripening of some varieties begins as early as July in some areas. Other varieties aren’t ready until late September or early October. To best get an idea of what varieties are ripening at a particular orchard, refer to their website or Facebook page, where you can usually find a calendar of expected harvest dates.
What are the best farms to visit in fall in North Carolina?
Come fall, pumpkin patches and corn mazes abound in the Tar Heel State! Whether you’re seeking a pumpkin or just adventurous corn maze fun this season (or both) head to the following spots where you’re sure to find family fun. Some great corn mazes (and their sizes) include: Ken’s Korny Maze in Garner (six acres), Hubbs Corn Maze in Clinton (10 acres), and Gross Farms in Sanford (15 acres). If it’s pumpkins you’re searching for, head to Hickory Nut Gap Farm outside of Asheville, Deal Farms in Franklin, or Mike’s Farm in Beulaville.
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Emory was born and raised in North Carolina. She enjoys writing, photography, filmmaking, travel, wine and cheese. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com
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