Apple picking at one of the best apple orchards in North Carolina is a fantastic thing to do in the state. Come fall, the apple orchards in North Carolina are awash with couples, families, and friends finding the best juicy apples and cider on offer.
Most people aren’t aware that the state of North Carolina is one of the top apple producers in the country (seventh to be exact!) So if you are here from mid-August to November, visiting an apple orchard has to be on the agenda.
There are plenty of apple orchards in North Carolina, but we’re breaking down a few of our favorites. You’ll find many in the NC mountain towns (Hendersonville is mentioned a lot here), but there are a few outliers!
When is NC Apple Picking Season?
The apple picking season in North Carolina lines up well with fall in much of North Carolina. The peak time for apple picking in the NC mountains typically runs from late August to early November, with the prime time being late September/early October.
There are plenty of apple varieties in the state including Red Delicious Apples, Golden Delicious Apples, Stayman/Winesap Apples, and Granny Smith. The best time to pick the apples depends on the type of apple.
Best Apple Orchards in North Carolina (Where to go Apple Picking in NC)
1. Millstone Creek Orchards
- Location: 506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (336) 824 5263
- Hours: Monday -Saturday: 9:00 am-6:00 pm, Sunday: 1:00 pm-5:30 pm
- Website
Millstone Creek Orchards is a must-stop while in the Ramseur area of North Carolina. The property is home to one of the best apple orchards in the state, but it also features a variety of other attractions for the whole family.
Mingle with friendly staff who’ll share the history of the place and show you around and enjoy some of their popular hot apple cider and apple cider slushies. Throughout the year, a variety of seasonal events are hosted on site including waterfront concerts and farmer’s markets.
2. Coston Farm & Apple House
- Location: 3748 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 685-8352
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am-5:30 pm, Sunday: closed
- Website
Coston Farm & Apple House is the perfect stop on any fall outing in the Hendersonville area. During peak apple season, you’ll have 11 delicious varieties of apples to choose from such as Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, Rome Beauty and King Luscious.
During your visit to the farm, you’ll also enjoy stunning mountain views and a beautiful gift shop where you can purchase apple pies, apple cider donuts and crafts. If you visit later in the fall, pumpkins can even be picked! Bring a few home for the whole family to carve!
3. Blueberry Thrill Farm
- Location: 6938 Eaglesfield Rd, Gibsonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (336) 449-7246
- Hours: Open on select Saturdays open from 8-12. Call ahead.
- Website
While Blueberry Thrill Farm focuses on blueberries and other berries, the property, located in Gibsonville, recently added an apple orchard where visitors can pick their own fresh, delicious apples.
This is a beautiful place to enjoy a day out in the country getting some fresh air and taking in the serene atmosphere that surrounds it. Though out of all the apple orchards in North Carolina on this list, Blueberry Thrill has the most limited hours, only open on select Saturdays in the fall. It’s best to call ahead and confirm when they are open before heading to Gibsonville.
4. Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
- Location: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1(828) 419-7955
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00-6:00 pm
- Website
The same family has run Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in Morganton since the mid-1930s and today, visitors enjoy lovely views of the nearby South Mountains while they pick apples in the beautiful orchard.
Ginger Gold and Honeycrisp are among the apple varieties available. Pre-picked apples can be purchased on-site if you would rather skip the work. The property is also home to a cider mill, a country store and the Farmhouse Bakery, where you’ll find an assortment of donuts, pies, turnovers and breads.
5. Justus Orchard
- Location: 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1(828)974-1232
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 am -5:00 pm
- Website
Located in Hendersonville, Justus Orchard has been around for four generations, and it has been called one of the best apple orchards in North Carolina. Pick a variety of apples straight off the trees including Granny Smiths and Fujis. There are 19 varieties in total, but they won’t all be available at the same time, so you’ll have to keep checking back!
Speaking of time, one of the best times to visit this orchard is when the leaves start changing color so you can admire the stunning shades of gold and reds spattered across the stunning landscape.
After you finish picking apples, enjoy the other on-site amenities, including a playground, a cow train, a jumping pillow and a bakery selling the orchard’s famous ciders, donuts, slushies and fried apple pies.
6. Carrigan Farms
- Location: 1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1(704)664-1450
- Hours: Monday -Tuesday: 10:30-3:30 pm, Saturday- Sunday: 9:00 am-4:20pm
- Website
Carrigan Farms in Mooresville has a long history going back more than 100 years. Today, the farm features some of the best apple picking opportunities in North Carolina. A visit to this farm is the perfect side trip from nearby Charlotte or Concord.
The apples are the shining star at the U-pick, but you can also pick up some pumpkins, asparagus and strawberries when in season. On hot days, you can even go for a refreshing dip in the on-site swimming hole.
7. Owenby’s Apple House & Orchards
- Location: 3807 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1(828)685-9917
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8: 00 am- 6:00 pm
- Website
For more than six decades, the Owenby family has been growing 18 different types of apples and at Owenby’s Apple House & Orchards in Hendersonville, you can purchase these apples at the on-site farm market.
Also available are peaches when in season, apple cider, apple butter, jams, preserves and homemade crafts. Make sure to take a moment to check out the lovely commemorative trail that has been carved through the cornfield.
8. Twisted Apple Orchard
- Location: 4039 US-64, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1(828)712-1919
- Hours: Friday – Sunday: 9:30 am -4:30 am, Monday-Thursday: Closed
- Website
Twisted Apple Orchard is unique in Hendersonville for being the only public organic apple orchard. Head to the U-pick area and pick your own delicious and healthy organic apples and make sure to stop by the bakery before you hit the road.
Apple cider donuts, ice cream and homemade pies are some of the delicious items available. If you’re interested in handmade soaps and lotions, Twisted Apple has a line of such products and a variety of gift items available at their retail shop.
9. The Orchard at Altapass
- Location: 1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 765-9531
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 10:00 am -5:00 pm, Monday -Tuesday: Closed
- Website
Located in Spruce Pine, The Orchard at Altapass is a historic property where you can enjoy spectacular NC fall colors from the top of the Eastern Continental Divide and pick your own apples from their 3,000 acres of forest and orchards.
Choose from a variety of apples including Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, Grimes Golden, and Gala and rest assured that the least number of pesticides possible is used. A small basket will run just $15 for some of the juiciest apples in the state.
When you’ve picked your fill, kick back with some hot apple cider before enjoying a hayride. Live music is hosted on site during apple season on certain days of the week! We recommend bringing the kids for a fun day of “HeyRides,” homemade fudge, and hot apple desserts.
10. Mountain Fresh Orchards
- Location: 2887 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 435- 0020
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm
- Website
At Mountain Fresh Orchards in Hendersonville, you can choose from 17 varieties of apples including Honey Crisp, Red Delicious, Ambrosia, Arkansas Black and Grimes Golden.
You won’t be able to pick them from the orchard yourself, but you’ll be able to select the ones you want from the roadside market that also has a wide selection of jam, honey, cider, pies, apple cider donuts, cakes, dumplings, turnovers, tarts and cookies. If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the Apple Express Train which runs on the weekends.
One thing is for sure – don’t miss the bakery! The bakery provides a delectable selection that includes freshly made apple cider donuts served piping hot, warm fried apple pies, delicious apple fritters, sizable 10-inch apple pies, and a tempting array of homemade treats.
11. Perry Lowe Orchards
- Location: 8741 NC-16, Moravian Falls, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (336) 921-3123
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:00am -5:00pm, Sunday: 10:00 am -5:00 pm
- Website
Perry Lowe Orchards in Moravian Falls is mostly known for its famous apple cider and U-pick apple orchard where you’ll find over 30 varieties of apples to pick straight from the trees. Choose from Honeycrisp, Gala, Red Gala, Early Fuji, Crimson Crisp, Mutzu, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonagold & Ginger Gold apples.
Not in the mood for just apples? This sixth-generation apple orchard also specializes in NC sweet potatoes, Asian pear, Bartlett pears, blackberries and local produce.
This long-standing 100-acre property in the mountain foothills is a lovely place to spend a whole day or the perfect place to stop on a fall road trip. If you can’t find it, just look out for the red roof!
12. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
- Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 685-9083
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am -5:30 pm, Friday & Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Website
Weekends are a fun time at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville. At this 70-acre apple orchard, you’ll enjoy hayrides that pass through pumpkin patches and grape vines, an apple cannon and a huge corn maze. It’s one of the best apple orchards in North Carolina for families to visit.
Of course, there’s always the option to pick some fresh apples and there are 21 varieties available! Be sure to stop by the country store to grab some hot apple cider and delicious baked goods. Did I mention that the views are amazing, and dogs are welcome to join their families while they explore the farm?
13. Devil Dog Orchard
- Location: 771 NC-150, Reidsville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (336) 491-0382
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am -5:00 pm, Sunday: Closed
- Website
When it comes to apple orchards in the Reidsville area, Devil Dog Orchard is among the best! With 57 acres of apple trees and a relaxing, country vibe, apple-picking is a breeze here. Gala, Yellow Delicious, Muscadines and Old-time Red are some of the varieties available to pick.
Though, this isn’t a huge orchard, and they usually close earlier in the season than the rest of the orchards on this list as their apples get picked faster.
14. Knob Creek Orchard
- Location: 6471 Fallston Rd, Lawndale, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (704) 538-1405
- Hours: Monday -Thursday: 8:00 am- 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am -7:00pm, Sunday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm - Website
Just an hour from Charlotte, this is one of the best orchards to visit as a city getaway. Knob Creek Orchards has been a family-run business since 1958, and is an apple orchard, a creamery and a variety shop all in one. There’s no U-pick on site but you can buy a variety of apples along with peaches and berries.
The variety shop is where you’ll find apple jelly, apple cider, jam, pickles and so much more. There are also a dozen flavors of homemade ice cream available! We recommend trying their signature apple ice cream.
15. Jeter Mountain Farm Apple Orchard
- Location: 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 513-0404
- Hours: Thursday – Friday: 10:00 am -3:00 pm, 10:00 am -5:00 pm,
Monday -Wednesday: Closed - Website
Just minutes from downtown Brevard and Hendersonville and tucked away in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Jeter Mountain Farm Apple Orchard is a historic farm featuring a U-pick orchard with more than 25 varieties of apples. When they are in season, you can also pick peaches, pumpkins, berries and a variety of other fruits and vegetables.
Whether your preference is savoring hard cider in the Cider Barn, relishing in-house smoked BBQ accompanied by live Bluegrass tunes, or sipping a latte at the Coffee House while your children have a blast on our indoor playground, there are activities tailored for all age groups to relish at the farm.
Go on a wagon ride and get dropped off right in the middle of the orchard where you’ll pick your apples. Later, kick back with a hard cider and some homemade apple cider donuts.
16. Grandad’s Apples ’N Such
- Location: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 685-1685
- Hours: Everyday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Website
It’s a farm, an orchard, and so much more. At Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such in Hendersonville, you’ll be able to pick your own apples amongst 100 acres of apple trees featuring many varieties such as Pink Lady and Braeburn. But that’s not all!
Check out the bakery with incredible mountain views and enjoy a delicious fried apple pie, apple cider donut, apple slushie, or one of the other yummy treats available.
In the fall, there’s a five-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, a playground and an apple cannon. If you visit during the Labour Day weekend, you’ll be able to take a ride on the Cow Train.
17. Tevepaugh Orchard
- Location: 800 Vannoy Ridge Rd, Moravian Falls, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (336) 921-3297
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am -5:00 pm
- Website
Five generations have been producing apples in Tevepaugh Orchard with many varieties, including Ginger Gold, Early Fuji, Empire, Cameo and Granny Smith available to pick. Also available to be picked when in season are peaches, blueberries, pumpkins and nectarines.
Some of the seasonal items available to purchase at the Apple house include honey, apple cider and natural nut butters. The location of this orchard in the Brushy Mountains near Moravian Falls is beautiful so you can be sure to enjoy some scenic views while you pick!
18. Creasman Farms
- Location: 280 Bent Arrow Ln, Hendersonville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 685-7728
- Hours: Upick: Sunday 1:00 pm -5:00 pm September- October
- Website
If learning about the different varieties of apples available is just as important as picking them, Creasman Farms is the place for you! Situated in Hendersonville, this farm typically has about 40 varieties of apples ready to be picked at the on-site u-pick orchard but they’re not all available at once.
Some of the varieties you might be able to choose from include Gala and Shensu. A selection of homemade baked goods, jams and preserves are also available.
19. Bee Sweet Orchards
- Location: 2229 Pannel Rd, Reidsville, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (336)427-6933
- Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00-4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed - Website
There are three acres of orchards at Bee Sweet Orchards and there are nine varieties of apples available to be picked on site including Golden Delicious, Mutsu and Jonagold. Heading to this property in the fall is a family tradition for many people in Reidsville and across North Carolina so it’s worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.
Besides apples, you’ll also find more than a dozen varieties of peaches and several varieties of nectarines. You can pick your own produce or buy pre-picked items on site.
Top quality and fresh are two terms one might use to describe the offerings here and that’s mostly thanks to the six generations of one family with a dream to carry on a legacy of producing the best produce possible.
20. Sky Top Orchard
- Location: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC (GPS)
- Phone: +1 (828) 692-7930
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00- 6:00 pm
- Website
Since 1967, Sky Top Orchard in Flat Rock has been more than just an apple orchard and U-pick farm. A day spent at this mountaintop property reveals a host of fun experiences for all ages!
Start your visit with some work picking apples in the orchard where you’ll find many varieties of apples including Winesap, MacIntosh, Cortland and Gala. If you visit in season, you’ll also be able to pick some pears and peaches.
When the work is done, kick back and enjoy visiting the on-site ponds with ducks and geese and the farm area where the sheep, goats, chickens and peacocks live. The 100-acre property is also home to a playground, an apple cannon, a bamboo forest and the Gold Rush Gem Mine where you can search for gems.
Take a ride on the Bee Train or embark on a hayride tour of the property. Don’t forget to try the famous apple cider donuts!
Plan For Your Trip to the South!
- We like to use VRBO when searching for vacation apartment rentals and Hotels.com when searching for hotels.
- See our favorite cooler for the road!
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car for traveling the Carolinas. Check Prices on Expedia.com
- Our Favorite Brand of Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Keen. When hiking, enjoying the beach, or just needing a comfortable shoe for daily wear, this it it.
- Check out our favorite North Carolina Souvenir! Or for the coffee or tea lover in the family.
