These 7 Charming Pumpkin Patches in North Carolina Are Picture Perfect for a Fall Day

One central figure in any fall or Halloween setup is a pumpkin, and, of course, a couple of them carved into jack-o'-lanterns. Spending an evening carving pumpkins was such a fun tradition in my house growing up! One of our favorite things to do in the fall in North Carolina includes heading out to the pumpkin patch and wandering through the field of big, small, and ginormous orange pumpkins...eventually finding the perfect one to take home.

These are some of the best pumpkin patches in North Carolina to visit this fall:

1. Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Located ten miles outside of Asheville, this pumpkin farm in North Carolina operates as a 'specialty grocery store' offering farm-fresh selections alongside a pumpkin patch. Visitors can also experience the corn maze or take a horse ride. The 2025 dates are September 20 through November 9. Be sure to pick up some of their delicious apple cider!

2. Vollmer Farm, Bunn

More than a pumpkin patch, Vollmet Farm operates like a giant autumn-themed playground. Fall weekends include a Pumpkin Jump trampoline, hayrides, kids' zip lines and even an 80-foot underground slide. Spending the day here is one of the most memorable things to do in the fall in North Carolina, so be sure to carve out some time to visit this wonderful farm. In the midst of all the fun, don't forget to take a few pumpkins home.

3. Ken's Korny Maze, Garner

Kenny's Korny Maze might just be one of the best pumpkin patches in North Carolina. As the longest operating (and first) corn maze in North Carolina, each year it boasts an impressive new design. The six-acre maze is a fall tradition for many, as well as searching for the perfect pumpkin...after finding your way out of the maze. 2025 marks their 26th season and begins on September 20.

4. Riverbend Farm, Midland

Located east of Charlotte, October weekends feature covered wagon rides, ice cream from an old-fashioned parlor, farm goodies to take home...and of course...pumpkin picking. You'll find over 20 acres of pumpkins to browse through at Riverbend Farm, so surely you'll find the perfect pumpkin here...right? Visit Riverbend Farm any afternoon or weekend in October!

5. Mike's Farm, Beulaville

More than just a pumpkin patch, Mike’s Farm operates as a family farm open to the public with a bakery, gorgeous venues, and even a homestyle restaurant on site (that's delicious). Offering seasonal events, while the Antique Tractor Show might have already occurred, there's still pumpkin picking, hayrides, and plenty of friendly farm animals visitors can meet. Head on over to Mike's Farm during the month of October! Check the hours of operation before you swing by.

6. Smith's Nursery and Produce Farm, Benson

You'll want to pencil in Smith's Nursery's annual Fall Festival to your calendar. Usually occurring around the end of October, visitors are treated to bluegrass music, pumpkin painting, hayrides, meeting friendly farm animals, and, of course, taking home a pumpkin or five. This year, they're also hosting a moonlit movie hayride, which looks super fun!

7. Kersey Valley Maize Adventure, Archdale

The fun never stops at this awesome North Carolina pumpkin patch. Alongside the maize and pumpkins, you can zip line above the corn maze and into the nearby woods and mine for gems. This 10-acre maze is not for the faint of heart; it'll be an adventure finding your way out. Open from September 27th through October 26th on Saturdays and Sundays in 2025

We love how all the listed features are so much more than a pumpkin patch; they're an entire adventure rolled into one! While you might be tempted to stop at your local, roadside pumpkin patch, add a bit of adventure to this October. Have you visited any of these pumpkin patches? Any you'd like to add to the list?

Naturally, a little leaf-peeping is also in order. Be sure to check out some of our top spots for fall foliage in North Carolina. Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.