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🍎 The Ultimate Guide to Apple Picking Near Charlotte (and why I love them!)
Ready for a sweet fall adventure? Whether you're craving crisp apples, fresh cider donuts, or a day of family fun in the mountains, this Ultimate Apple Picking Guide near Charlotte has you covered. From scenic orchards in Hendersonville to cozy farms just a short drive away, we’ve rounded up the best spots to pick your own apples — and added a handy map to make planning easy.
Each orchard offers something special: wagon rides, farm stores, playgrounds, and even haunted trails for October thrills. Whether you're planning a weekend day trip or a full fall getaway, this guide will help you find the perfect orchard experience for your family.
🍏 Tap into the full list below — complete with addresses, highlights, and Instagram recaps — and don’t forget to bookmark the map for easy navigation!
Sky Top Orchard
📍 Location: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731
🎥 Recap: here
Sky Top Orchard is a fan favorite known for its sweeping mountain views, wagon rides, a farm store, and a brand-new playground. As one of the busiest orchards in the region, it’s best to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Jeter Mountain Farm
📍 Location: 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739
🎥Recap: here
📅 2025 U-Pick Season: July 12–Aug 24: Sat–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM; Aug 28–Oct 26: Thu–Fri, 10 AM–3 PM; Sat–Sun, 10 AM–5 PM; Open Labor Day: Monday, Sept 1
Jeter Mountain Farm is a picturesque, family-friendly destination offering U-pick peaches, berries, and flowers—no reservations required and free admission. Hop on a wagon ride to the fields (board by 3:30 PM), enjoy stunning mountain views, and take in free live bluegrass music on the weekends.
🚜Farm activities include wagon rides to the orchard, an indoor playground for kids, and scenic picnic spots perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
The farm market features a cozy coffee shop, a mountain-view tasting room, fresh produce, and a variety of local goods to take home.
Apple Hill Orchard
📍 Location: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC 28655
🎥 Recap Video: here
📅 2025 Pick-Your-Own Season: Starts Saturday, August 9
🎟️ Orchard Access Passes: $3.50/person (ages 2 and under free), must be purchased online in advance
🍎 Picking containers required — prices range from $9 to $35 depending on size (you keep the baskets)
Apple Hill Orchard is a laid-back, family-friendly spot just 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Enjoy apple and flower picking, wagon-pulling, picnics, and a cozy country store for a full day of simple farm fun.
Recap here
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery
📍 Location: 1860 Black Hwy, York, SC 29745
🎥 Recap: here
📅 Opening Day: August (Reservations for apple picking available mid to late August)
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is known for warm cider donuts, fresh apple cider, shaded picnic tables, and seasonal live music. Reservations are only required for apple picking—you do not need reservations to visit The Farm Stand or Cider Bar. Enjoy a charming, close-to-home orchard experience with plenty of tasty treats and relaxing outdoor space.
Carrigan Farms
📍 Location: 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115
🎥 Recap Video: here
Carrigan Farms offers something for every season—apple picking, hayrides, and a fall pumpkin patch in autumn, strawberry picking in spring, and refreshing quarry swimming during the summer months.
👻 In October, the farm transforms into Scarrigan Farms, a haunted trail experience for thrill-seekers (🎟️ tickets sold separately).
From family-friendly farm days to spooky fall nights, Carrigan Farms blends seasonal fun with tasty treats and outdoor adventure.
Justus Orchard
📍 Location: 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
🎥Recap Video: here
Justus Orchard is a cozy, smaller-scale alternative to the more crowded orchards nearby. Perfect for families with young kids, the orchard features a playground, trampolines, and hayrides, along with a farm store and food on-site.
🚜 Kid-Friendly Attractions: Hayrides through the orchard, Playground and two jump pads ($)
🥧 Farm Store & Eats, Fresh apples, homemade baked goods, cider, and jams. On-site food options for a quick bite between adventures
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
📍 Location: Hendersonville, NC
🎥 Recap Reel: Stepp's Orchard Reel
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is a fall favorite packed with hands-on fun and wide-open spaces. From apple picking to classic farm attractions, it’s the perfect destination for families, friends, and fall lovers alike.
🎟️ Admission: FREE to enter the orchard and farm market
(Individual activity pricing applies)
🍏 U-Pick Apples:
Stroll through the orchard and pick your own apples straight from the trees. U-pick containers available for purchase at check-in.
🚜 Farm Activities:
Enjoy hayrides through the orchard, get lost in the corn maze, launch apples from the apple cannons (ages 13+), and let little ones bounce on the covered trampoline (ages 12 & under). Activity fees apply.
📸 Photo-Worthy Fun:
Snap family photos among the rows of trees, wide-open fields, and scenic mountain views—perfect for your fall photo album.
🆕 New for 2025: Weekend VIP for Families – Starting at $56
A convenient bundle for groups or families of 3+ (base price includes 3 people; add more during checkout). A $60+ value when booked online!
✔️ ½ Bushel U-Pick Apple Container
✔️ Corn Maze Tickets for Everyone
✔️ Apple Cannon Tickets (ages 13+)
✔️ Jump Pad Wristbands (ages 12 & under)
✔️ Express Check-In
⚠️ Ticket Tip: Be ready to enter the number of adults (13+) and children (12 & under) in your group to receive the right passes.
Make a full day of fall fun at Stepp’s—there’s something for everyone in the heart of Hendersonville!
The Orchard at Altapass
📍 Location: 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
🗺️ Driving Directions: Here
The Orchard at Altapass offers a truly unique experience, blending apple picking with the rich cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy live Appalachian music, storytelling, and sweeping views as you explore this historic mountaintop orchard.
🎟️ Admission: FREE!
Includes all exhibits in the Education Center, the Butterfly Garden, live music, and access to scenic hiking trails.
🍎 Apple Pricing:
U-Pick apples are $10 for a bag and $15 for a basket. Pre-picked apples are available at the farm stand for $8 per bag and $14 per basket.
🚜 Weekend Tractor Rides
Tickets: $10 per person
🎟️ Sold in-person at the General Store starting at 10 AM
🕧 Rides depart promptly at 12:30 PM (first come, first served)
🎶 Cultural Experiences
Live Appalachian music and storytelling bring the orchard to life. Visit the model train display and the Orchard Education Center, which features interactive exhibits on bees, birds, and butterflies, plus a working beehive.
Make a day of it in the mountains—pick apples, enjoy the scenery, and soak up a bit of Blue Ridge history at The Orchard at Altapass.
Grandad’s Apples N’ Such
📍 Location: Hendersonville, NC
📅 Opening Date: July 25th, 2025
With over 20 varieties of apples, Grandad’s Apples N’ Such is the perfect place to discover your favorite kind—whether you choose U-Pick (as available) or grab some pre-picked apples. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on U-Pick availability throughout the season.
🥧 On-site Bakery & Farm Store
Treat yourself to delicious pies, donuts, caramel apples, and fresh cider.
🌽 Kid-Friendly Fall Fun (late September – October): Corn Maze ($) Cow Train ($) Pumpkin Patch
Perry Lowe Orchards
📍 Location: 8741 NC-16, Moravian Falls, NC 28654
📅 Opening Date: Labor Day Weekend 2025 (U-Pick by reservation)
Perry Lowe Orchards offers a classic fall experience with scenic tractor rides, fresh produce, and a wide variety of apples to pick. In addition to apples, they also grow peaches and produce their own apple cider, special cider blends, and dehydrated apples in seven natural, delicious varieties—perfect for snacking or baking.
🥧 Fresh Farm Goods
Enjoy house-pressed apple cider, dried apples, and a range of local produce available for purchase.
🌽 Kid-Friendly Fall Fun: Tractor Rides, Jump Pad, Playground, Slide (fee)