Apples are one of America’s favorite fruits. Not only are they healthy and delicious, they’re also incredibly versatile. Apples can be simply crunched and enjoyed as a tasty snack at any time of day, or they can be used in a veritable myriad of recipes including apple sauces, ciders, donuts, cakes, tarts, pies, breads, muffins, and so much more. You can throw apples into a long list of sweet and savory recipes, and they add a little something special to almost any meal imaginable. It’s no surprise, therefore, that apple picking is still such a popular pastime in North America.
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And when apple picking season comes along, many people head out to their favorite local orchard to stock up on the shiny fruit. Apple picking is very popular in many different states, including South Carolina. Dozens of different apple varieties are grown in SC, and many family-friendly farms and orchards can be found all around the state. Some of SC’s apple picking locations offer simple, low-cost apple picking and nothing more, while others will include additional activities like cow trains, hayrides, corn mazes, Halloween attractions, and petting zoos.
Best Apple Picking Spots in SC
There are a lot of different fruit farms and apple orchards to be enjoyed and explored in SC. As previously mentioned, each apple picking location will have its own attraction, activities, and advantages, so there’s a place for everyone, no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for. We’ve taken a look at all of the apple picking spots in SC in order to find the very best. Read on for some contact numbers, addresses, and information on South Carolina’s favorite apple picking locations.
- Bryson's Apple Orchard - 1011 Chattooga Ridge Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, Phone: 864-647-9427
Up in the northwestern part of South Carolina, Bryson's Apple Orchard can guarantee two things to every guest: a warm welcome and some top quality apples. Situated among the Blue Ridge Mountains, the scenery around this apple orchard looks just like something you'd see on a postcard and it can be so relaxing to get out of town and spend a few hours walking around this lovely location.
The apple picking season at Bryson's starts in August and runs through to late October or early November. There are about a dozen unique apple varieties grown here including Rome Beauty, Supreme Gold, Stayman Winesap, Yates, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, and Ozark Golden. You can pick the apples yourself or simply buy pre-picked boxes on-site, and the friendly staff will be able to tell you the advantages and uses of each variety too.
- Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery - 1860 Black Hwy, York, SC 29745, Phone: 803-684-0690
Situated in the northeastern part of SC, quite a short drive away from the NC city of Charlotte, Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is a premier apple picking destination for this part of the United States. The folks at this farm live and breathe apples every single day, offering U-Pick apples and hard cider, as well as many other homemade apple products for sale on site.
Apple picking season at this location usually runs through September and October at this location, and the main focus at this orchard is on Stayman Winesap apples, which are ideal for many different uses like ciders and sauces. A variety of special weekend events are held at Windy Hill each year, including an annual Apple Harvest Festival that has been running for over two decades now, and the farm stand is open from Thursday to Sunday each week.
- Chattooga Belle Farm - 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, Phone: 864-647-9768
Up in the northern part of SA, the first thing any visitor will notice about Chattooga Belle Farm is all the beautiful landscapes that can be seen in every single direction. Right near the Blue Ridge Mountains, this farm really lives up to the 'Belle' part of its name. Grass-fed beef can be bought on site, along with U-Pick on various fruits including berries, figs, pears, peaches, and of course, apples.
There are over a dozen different varieties of apples to pluck from the trees at this farm including Arkansas Black, Honeycrisp, Gale Gala, Ginger Gold, Pink Lady, Liberty, Ultima Gala, Royal Gala, Caudla Cameo, and Gold Rush. Farm tours can also be enjoyed and if you want to spend the weekend there are cabin rentals too, along with a high-quality bistro serving some top class food to make your stay extra special.
