One of the most quintessential ways to embrace the fall season on the East Coast is going apple picking! North Carolina is one of the best states for apple picking due to its lovely weather and abundant orchards. Head to one of these five lovely places for an exciting and memorable afternoon of apple picking.
First, Book Your Trip To North Carolina!
Where To Go Apple Picking In North Carolina
1. Sky Top Orchard
Pick your own apples in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina. Sky Top Orchard is true to its name, with incredible panoramic views. See orchard ponds with meandering ducks, and barnyards with chattering animals. Next, find fruit trees to pick out your favorite apples, pears, and peaches. Take home pumpkins and apple cider as your seasonal treats. Top the trip off with an apple cider doughnut — that you can watch being made! Sky Top is open from 9am to 6pm every day of the week. The season gets started on August 6th.
Address: 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC
2. Grandad’s Apples N’Such
Enjoy fall festive activities at the family owned Grandad’s Apples N’Such. With 80 acres in Hendersonville, have the choice of pre-picked apples, or head to the orchard to pick your own. Enter the pumpkin patch to pick yourself a jack o’lantern. The Country Store and Bakery is there for you to find fall decorations, or treats such as apple turnovers, caramel apples, and cider slush! Say hello to Grandad’s goats, as the orchard is open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week. The season begins on August 5th.
Address: 2951 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville, NC
3. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
At the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Hendersonville, pick your own apples, grapes, and pumpkins in this country orchard. Take an educational tour of the farm, and ride on a wagon through the Stepp Orchard. Don’t forget to enjoy the picnic area, and get your supplies at the Country Market. There’s also a 5 acre corn maze for you to find your way through — a fun challenge! Meet the Stepp family farmers, who’s orchard is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. The season starts on August 8th, and Sundays will be open from the 28th of August
Address: 221 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville NC
4. Knob Creek Orchard
On the Cleveland-Lincoln county line, find yourself some apples, peaches, strawberries, blackberries, and homemade ice cream. This family owned orchard strives to keep the farm as environmentally friendly as possible. Taste strawberries and blackberries in summer, while the fall season brings the tradition of choosing your favourite apples. Buy jam and cider to bring home! Knob Creek is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and open until 7pm on weekends. The orchard is open for the longer season of May to December.
Address: 6471 Fallston Road, Lawndale NC
5. Justus Orchard
Pick or choose your own apples, blackberries, and pumpkins. Take the kids to the pond to see the ducks, visit the barnyard animals, and take a ride on the Cow Train while you admire the orchard! Buy honey, jam, and fresh baked goods, as well as home-grown vegetables — Justus Orchard has it all. The orchard is open from 8:30am to 6pm every day. Find blackberries in July and August, and apples from August to November.
Address: 187 Garren Road, Hendersonville NC
This article was written by Clara Hudson.