Apple orchards near Charlotte bring mountain charm and orchard fun without a big-city price tag: crisp fruit, tractor rides, cider donuts, and photo ops make fall feel extra sweet. It’s the kind of day where I can pick my own apples, sip on fresh-pressed cider, and take in the changing leaves—without overspending.
Picture this: I’ve got a basket in hand, boots on the ground, and a donut that’s still warm—all while soaking up autumn vibes just a short drive from Charlotte. Who knew the perfect fall day was this close?
Cider sips, orchard strolls, and mountain views—without the big trip? Count me in.
Unique Apple Orchards Near Charlotte, NC:
1. Pick Fresh Berries and Memories at Blueberry Thrill Farm
Situated just a ninety-minute drive northeast of Charlotte, Blueberry Thrill Farm might be named after blueberries, which can be picked through the summer, but is also very well-known for its apples. Apple picking season at this relaxing rural location runs from July through to December of each year, with 20 different varieties to choose from. Heritage varieties like Roxbury Russet and Winesaps can be found at this location, as well as classic kinds of apples like Gala and Fuji. Peaches and blackberries can also be picked on site, and various beautiful flowers can also be enjoyed through the summer months.
6938 Eaglesfield Road Gibsonville, NC 27249, Phone: 336-449-7246
2. Savor Crisp Fall Days at Apple Hill Orchard
Just a short drive northwest of Charlotte sits Apple Hill Orchard. A cider mill is also situated on site at this location, with a wide variety of homemade treats and snacks available for purchase. Apple picking season typically starts in August and runs through to November, and apples have been grown on this land for over 60 years now, attracting many visitors from all around the state. Group tours of the orchard and land can also be enjoyed on site, and some of the apple varieties you can find at Apple Hill Orchard include Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, and Stayman Winesap. The staff at this location are very friendly and apple picking prices are super low, so it’s a great place to stop off.
2075 Pleasant Hill Avenue Morganton, NC 28655, Phone: 828-437-1224
3. If You Love Family Farm Fun, Visit Justus Orchard
If you're willing to make the drive west towards Asheville, Justus Orchard will be waiting to welcome you in. A beautiful orchard set among a lush landscape, Justus Orchard runs both apple and blackberry picking, with apple picking season starting in August and running through to November. This family-run farm has been running for five generations now, growing all kinds of apples from Gala and Honeycrisp to GingerGolds and Stayman Winesaps. Different apples are available at different times of year, so you always have a reason to come back for more. Other activities and attractions on site include the duck pond, barnyard animals, train rides for the kids, and an on-site bakery selling donuts, pies, cider, slushies, breads, and more.
187 Garren Road Hendersonville, NC 28792, Phone: 828-685-8033
4. Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard
Not too far from Justus Orchard is Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, another much-loved family-run farm in North Carolina. Spread out across 70 acres of land, this orchard and farm has been welcoming visitors for almost five decades now. Enjoy beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you roam around the orchards and fill your bags with over 20 different apple varieties. Educational orchard tours can be organized at this location, which also features a bakery, farm store, and apple house. Corn mazes, wagon rides, pumpkin picking, scenic walks, and apple cannons are also available on site and help to make this a very family-friendly apple orchard.
221 Stepp Orchard Drive Hendersonville, NC 28793, Phone: 828-685-9083
5. Sip and Snack at Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
For many Carolina residents, visiting Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is a much anticipated Fall family tradition. The orchard is open every Fall from mid-August to Christmas and has plenty on offer for visitors. You can enjoy the annual family tradition of Pick Your Own Apples – usually around early September. If you prefer, you can leave the picking to someone else and just stock up on succulent fruit and other farm products at the Farm Stall. From the last week of August, visitors flock to the Farm Stall to enjoy hot, fresh, apple cider doughnuts. Other available treats include fresh apple cider, hard ciders, freshly made apple treats and much more.
1800 Black Highway, York, SC 29745
6. If You Crave Sweet Adventures, Explore Millstone Creek Orchards
Millstone Creek Orchards may be an apple orchard but it is much, much more than that. The orchards are hard to beat for a fun family day in the country and the action starts long before the apples are ready to be picked. If you visit in June/July you can have fun picking a bumper crop of blackberries and blueberries. There is a fabulous Farmer’s Market every Saturday from May through August and the fun climaxes in mid August, when the apples are ready for picking and the sweet smell of fresh apple cider hangs in the air. There are plenty of activities to keep children entertained and you can stock up on everything delicious at the Granny’s Goodies store.
506 Parks Crossroads, Church Road, Ramseur, NC 27316, 336 824 5263
7. Take in Sweeping Views at Sky Top Orchard
Sky Top Orchard is a wonderful apple farm where visitors can enjoy a bucolic day out. In an area which is bristling with apple orchards, Sky Top Orchard goes the extra mile to offer a great day out. You can enjoy sweeping mountain views, a pond with ducks and geese, and a barnyard area where children can meet some of the farm animals and a picnic area where you can relax with the family. Treats for the children include rides through the orchard, a u-pick experience and the chance to find the perfect Halloween pumpkin in fall. You may pick your own apples in season or stock up from the stall. Best of all, you can enjoy fresh made-to-order apple doughnuts.
3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 28731, 828 692 7930
8. Celebrate Appalachian Heritage at The Orchard at Altapass
Beautifully positioned on the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Orchard at Altapass is more than just your average apple orchard. The property was purchased by the owners specifically to save this beautiful and historic area from planned developments which included a golf estate and condos. Today the orchard welcomes visitor to enjoy a fun day out in the countryside. The apple season is usually at its peak around mid august, but at other times there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. You can do some bird watching from the deck, enjoy nature along the walking trails or see as many butterflies as you can and stock up on supplies at the store.
1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC 28777, 828 765 9531
9. Treat Yourself to Farm-Fresh Ice Cream at Knob Creek Orchards, Farms and Creamery
Maintaining a passion for apple farming that began back in 1958, the current owners of Knob Creek Orchards, Farms and Creamery continue the legacy of their parents, Raymond and Loree Crotts. Over the years the apple orchards have been joined by peach orchards and blackberries and strawberries have been added. Knob Creek farms using sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. They also make delectable home-made ice cream served in freshly-made waffle cones. When you visit their store you can buy fresh peaches, apples, blackberries and strawberries as well as home-made fruit tarts and freshly-churned ice cream. There are usually at least 10 varieties of eating and cooking apples available from late August to December.
6471 Fallstone Road, Lawndale, NC 28090, 704 538 1405
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Where can you go apple picking near Charlotte?
- If you’re in the Charlotte area and looking to do some apple picking, you have a lot of options available to you.
- Are there apple orchards close to Charlotte?
- There are some great orchards just short drives away.
- Are there more apple orchards farther from Charlotte?
- If you’re willing to drive a little longer, there are even more options spread out around the western edge of North Carolina.
- What can visitors expect at these apple orchards?
- These orchards offer dozens of apple varieties and plenty of additional activities and services for guests of all ages to enjoy.
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