Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 15 Best NC Apple Orchards

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[Updated 7/17/2022]

Most people know Western North Carolina for its beautiful Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, beloved NC state parks, charming Blue Ridge mountain towns, and scenic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Forest Heritage Scenic Byway.

But what may surprise some visitors is the abundance of apple orchards you can find scattered across the state. In fact, the state of North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation!

The largest collection of NC apple orchards can be found in Henderson County, but there are also many other great places for apple picking in the state.

Each one gives you the opportunity for apple picking in North Carolina straight from the tree, as well as enjoying other fun farm activities and seeing the fall colors in NC as they reach their peak!

Some of these orchards also have farmer’s markets stocked full of delicious homemade goodies such as fresh-baked pies, jams and jellies, donuts, and cider!

To help you find the perfect place to explore, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best North Carolina Apple Orchards to visit, with options in Hendersonville, Spruce Pine, Flat Rock, Morganton, and more.

Each entry includes information about tours, farm attractions, the best time of year to visit, and some of the different varieties of apples you can look forward to picking there!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains

Apple Picking in North Carolina Guide

  1. Creasman Farms (Hendersonville)
  2. Coston Farm & Apple House (Hendersonville)
  3. Grandad’s Apples ’N Such (Hendersonville)
  4. Justus Orchard (Hendersonville)
  5. Mountain Fresh Orchards (Hendersonville)
  6. Owenby’s Apple House & Orchards (Hendersonville)
  7. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (Hendersonville)
  8. Twisted Apple Orchard (Hendersonville)
  9. Sky Top Orchard (Flat Rock)
  10. The Orchard at Altapass (Spruce Pine)
  11. Saylor Orchard (Bakersville)
  12. Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill (Morganton)
  13. Perry Lowe Orchards (Moravian Falls)
  14. Devil Dog Orchard (Reidsville)
  15. Millstone Creek Orchards (Ramseur)

 

Hendersonville NC Apple Orchards

Creasman Farms - apple picking in NC
Photo courtesy of Creasman Farms

1. Creasman Farms

280 Bent Arrow Ln, Hendersonville NC • 828-685-7728

Official Website

History

The story of Creasman Farms begins with Clarence Creasman, who grew up on his grandparents’ farm growing vegetables and apples.

His love of agriculture inspired him to establish his own farm, and he passed both the farm and the passion for the business down to his son, Bobby.

Today Bobby and his wife Dawn run Creasman Farms. They teach their three daughters and son-in-law the ins and outs of the business, emphasizing the importance of valuing customers and treating them like family. 

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time to Visit

The U-Pick apple orchard is open on Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM in September (after Labor Day) and October. 

The orchard grows over 40 varieties of heirloom and new apples, with almost half being available for U-Pick.

These include Honeycrisp, Gold Rush, Gala, Shenshu, Mutsu, York, Summer Rambo, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith.

Other varieties can be bought at their farmer’s markets on Wednesday or Saturday.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

Weekday school field trips to the NC apple picking orchard are available by appointment only. 

Creasman Farms produce can also be found at farmer’s markets throughout the week, including at the Asheville River Arts District Farmers Market on Wednesdays and the Asheville City Market on Saturdays.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC 

Coston Farm NC - Hendersonville apple orchards
Photo courtesy of Coston Farm

2. Coston Farm & Apple House

3748 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville NC • 828-685-8352

Official Website

History

Coston Farm & Apple House provides families with a fun farm experience, complete with apples, pumpkins, corn, and plenty of opportunities to make magical memories. 

David Coston has managed the Apple House and orchard for over 40 years, with help from his wife Lola (who manages the Gift Shop and Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchard businesses).

They also have four children who, along with their spouses, help out on the farm from time to time.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time To Visit

If you want to get some delicious apples by the bag, box, or truckload, you can visit the Coston Farm U-Pick Orchard from August throughout October.

Some of their most popular varieties include Golden Delicious, Cameo, Granny Smith, Fuji, Rome Beauty, Mutsu, Stayman, Cortland, Early Fuji, Arkansas Black, and Jonagold.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

After spending some time apple picking from the orchard, you can head over to the Apple House Gift Shop to browse a variety of autumn decorations and unique gifts.

Or you can visit their Bakery, which is filled with homemade baked goods and sweets. 

There’s also a covered picnic area where you can enjoy a lunch or snack, plus a playground that’s great for kids!

READ MORE: The 10 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for Foodies

Grandads Apples - apple picking in North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such

3. Grandad’s Apples ’N Such

2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville NC • 828-685-1685

Official Website

History

Grandad’s Apples ’N Such is another family-owned farm and apple orchard that has operated since 1994. 

The business is currently run by Pat, who is a fourth-generation apple farmer carrying on the tradition of farming the family’s 120 acres of land.

It truly is a family affair, with his wife Leslie managing the market along with their two daughters, Kaylin and Kayce, and their families.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time To Visit

Due to a late freeze on the farm’s 2021 crop, there were no U-Pick apples available last year. But they look forward to opening back up to visitors this year.

Their U-pick season will begin in August and run through late October, with more than 40 varieties of apples available for picking during that time. 

Some apples you can look forward to grabbing include Ginger Gold, Gala, Swiss Gourmet, Honeycrisp, Ruben, Jonagold, Shuzuka, Cortland, Red Rome, Arkansas Black, Braeburn, Nittany, and Evercrisp.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

On weekends– beginning Labor Day weekend and continuing throughout the season– there are several fun family-friendly fall activities you can enjoy, including a corn maze, cow train, and apple cannon.

You can also check out the Barn and Country Store & Bakery to browse apple-themed gifts and apple-based goodies, including pies, hot cider, and apple cider slushies!

READ MORE: The 20 Best Western NC Christmas Tree Farms

Justus Orchard Apples - picking apples in North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Justus Orchard

4. Justus Orchard

187 Garren Rd., Hendersonville NC • 828-974-1232

Offficial Website

History

With a business now in its 6th generation, the Justus family has been growing apples for over 100 years in Hendersonville NC. 

It all started with Pete Justus and his father, who began to grow apples at Justus Orchard in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Since then, the apple tradition has been passed down through the family.

Justus Orchard is now run by Don and Margo Justus along with their son, Cory. Their collective goal is to keep farming and sharing their way of life with the public.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time To Visit

Justus Orchards grows a variety of different apples that are available for U-Pick or We-Pick (where you can buy apples pre-picked).

Some of the many varieties available include Gala, Honeycrisp, Summerset, September Wonder, Golden Delicious, Ambrosia, Mutsu, Cameo, Rome, Evercrisp, and Fuji.

There is an apple ripening schedule on their website. So you can find out when the best time is to visit for picking apples in NC.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

Educational farm and orchard tours are available for families and groups. While there, you can enjoy a complimentary cup of apple cider as you’re guided around the area. 

U-pick blackberries are also available at Justus Orchards, as well as an assortment of pre-picked pumpkins during mid-September through October. 

While you’re at the farm, be sure to check out the Apple House Bakery, where you can buy treats that are homemade using fruit grown right on the farm.

READ MORE: The 25 Best Things to Do in Asheville NC

Mountain Fresh Orchards - pick your own North Carolina
Photo via Mountain Fresh Orchards

5. Mountain Fresh Orchards

2887 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville • 828-685-7606

Official Website

History

Mountain Fresh Orchards is a family run orchard located 4 miles from downtown Hendersonville NC.

Owners Red and Joan Price started the farm in the 1980s, and have been expanding their property ever since.

The orchard guarantees fresh-picked apples for you to enjoy alongside their apple fritters, apple dumplings, and fried apple pies.

Types Of Apples Grown/Best Time To Visit

This Hendersonville apple orchard grows 17 different varieties that reach peak ripeness from late August to mid-November.

Some of their most popular options include Honey Crisp, Gala, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples.

Their peak season begins in mid-August and lasts through the Fall. But their online store is available year-round, offering honey, jams, pickles, and more.

Tours & Activities/Attractions

Mountain Fresh Orchards offers train rides around the farm every weekend during the season if the weather permits.

Their roadside farm market and bakery sells fresh-picked apples, cider, local honey, and all kinds of pastries.

The orchard also sells numerous baking-related items in their store, including cookbooks, spices, and equipment that can help you make amazing apple pies. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina

Owneby's Apple House and Orchards in North Carolina
Photo via Owneby’s Apple House and Orchards (@applehouseandowenbyorchards)

6. Owenby’s Apple House & Orchards

3807 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville • 828-685-9917

Official Website

History

The Owenby family has been growing apples for almost 60 years, and currently farms 90 acres for their apples and other produce.

The Apple House, which is their roadside farm market, has been in business since 2002.

This is where you can buy fresh NC apples, freestone peaches, and different kinds of cider.

Types Of Apples Grown/Best Time To Visit

Owenby’s Apple House offers 18 different kinds of apples, with tastes ranging from sweet and tangy to spicy.

Some of the different varieties they grow include Ginger Gold and Gala, which are ripe and ready in late August. They also have Arkansas Black and Pink Lady, which will be ready in October. 

Tours & Activities/Attractions

The roadside farm market at Owenby’s offers numerous homemade delicacies for visitors to enjoy, such as apple butter, boiled peanuts, and jams and jellies (including some sugar free options).

They also sell handmade wood crafts and have a corn maze that’s fun for all ages. 

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Waynesville NC & Haywood County

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard - North Carolina apple orchards
Photo courtesy of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

7. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville NC • 828-685-9083

Official Website

History

The late JH (“Pa”) Stepp was a leader in the North Carolina apple industry and grew apples in Henderson County for over seven decades.

He passed that passion down to his son Mike, who now continues the tradition of apple growing with his family.

For nearly 50 years now, the Stepp Family has invited guests to visit their 70-acre farm for apple picking in North Carolina and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time To Visit

The orchard has 21 varieties of apples you can choose from at the U-Pick orchard.

If you want varieties like Ginger Gold, Gala, Honey Crisp, Jonagold Mutsu, Red Delicious Cameo, and Blushing Gold, the best time to visit is in August and September. 

For varieties like Crimson Crisp, York, Arkansas Black, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith, you should head to Stepps Orchard in October. 

Tours & Activities / Attractions

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard has a ton of fun activities to enjoy while you’re at the farm.

During the weekends you can take a wagon ride through the orchard, try making your way through the 5-acre corn maze, and even try hitting a target with the apple cannon.

There’s also a covered picnic area if you want to bring your lunch, or you can sit and snack on some goodies from their bakery (try the apple cider donuts).

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in DuPont State Forest, NC

Twisted Apple -organic apple orchard North Carolina

8. Twisted Apple Orchard

4039 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville • 828-712-1919

Official Website

History

Twisted Apple Orchard is run by Anthony Owens, who is the farm’s third-generation owner.

The family made their 75-acre farm 100% organic after Anthony’s father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and they decided they wanted to produce cleaner and safer apples. 

Types Of Apples Grown/Best Time To Visit

Twisted Apple has a variety of apples to choose from, including Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Gala, and Early Fuji. They’ll be opening back up for the weekends starting in late August.

Tours & Activities/Attractions

This organic apple orchard in North Carolina offers a multitude of items for sale at their farm retail outlet.

They have a wide selection of bakery items, craft-brewed apple ale, ciders, and ice cream.  

READ MORE: The 10 Best North Carolina Distilleries to Visit

Flat Rock NC Apple Orchards

Sky Top Orchard NC - apple orchards North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Sky Top Orchard

9. Sky Top Orchard

3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock NC • 828-692-7930

Official Website

History

In the late 1960s, Everette Butler purchased a home in the Western NC small town of Flat Rock with land that had a few apple trees on it. 

He didn’t actually buy the land intending to operate an orchard. But after a while, he was inspired and began researching the idea of farming apples.

By 1968 the land was full of apple trees, and he began selling his harvest to local supermarkets. 

Everette’s son David and his wife, Lindsey, now run the farm. They have converted the Sky Top Orchard to U-Pick in order to make visiting a day full of fun and memory-making.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time to Visit

The U-Pick orchard typically runs from opening day (TBD) to the end of October but can stay open a little longer depending on weather and supply/demand. 

For apple varieties like Ginger Gold, Early Macs, Candy Crisp, and Gala, you’ll want to make your way to the orchards earlier in the season (August to early September).

For late-fruiting varieties like Cortland, Red Delicious, Fuji, Pink Lady, Arkansas Black, and Rome, you’ll want to visit from mid-September to October.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

Along with enjoying the panoramic views of the North Carolina mountains, your time at Sky Top apple orchard can include a stroll by the ponds to feed ducks.

You can also visit the barnyard to meet the sheep, goats, peacocks, and other cute animals; explore the bamboo forest; or take a tractor-pulled hayride across the property.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Waterfalls Near Brevard NC (Transylvania County)

Spruce Pine NC Apple Orchards

The Historic Orchard at Altapass - North Carolina apple picking
Photo courtesy of the Historic Orchard at Altapass

10.  The Orchard at Altapass

1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine NC • 888-765-9531

Official Website

History

The Historic Orchard at Altapass is one of the most popular locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway (near Little Switzerland), and one of the most beloved apple orchards in North Carolina.

The non-profit orchard (which has been operating for over 25 years) works to preserve the area’s regional traditions, Appalachian Culture, and land by growing the best heirloom apples with the least amount of chemicals possible.

They also host live Blue Ridge music performances and offer a variety of educational activities.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time To Visit

The Historic Orchard at Altapass has apples ready to be picked from early August through October. 

Some of the many different varieties you can choose from include Aunt Rachel, Early Blaze, Florina, Gala, Ginger Gold, Golden Delicious, Grimes Golden, Jonagold, Lodi, McIntosh, King Luscious, Roxbury Russet, Sheep Nose, and Summer Rambo.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

Apples aside, there are plenty of other fun activities to enjoy at the Altapass Orchard.

These include birdwatching on the deck, 9 walking trails, monarch butterfly and honeybee habitats, a Clinchfield Railroad model train layout, the People’s Pollinator Garden, and storytelling hayrides on weekends.

There’s also a general store where you can visit to pick up locally-made honey, pickled veggies, jams and jellies, as well as toys and handmade crafts by local artists.

Their Apple Core Grill is open on weekends for tasty lunch fare.

READ MORE: Visiting Linville Falls Campgrounds, RV Park & Cabins in Linville Falls NC

 

Bakersville NC Apple Orchards

Saylor Apple Orchard in NC
Photo via saylororchard.com

11. Saylor Orchard

1022 Saylor Lake Road, Bakersville • 828-688-4411 

Official Website

History

Saylor Orchard began in the 1960s, after Jim Saylor convinced his father to let him set up a farm on land that he had bought during the Great Depression.

Jim ordered his first 300 apple trees in 1962, and has been expanding the orchard ever since.

Types Of Apples Grown/Best Time To Visit

Saylor Orchard offers 9 different varieties of apples, including Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Mutsu, and Fuji.

The Saylors have also developed two of their own unique apple varieties, the Saylor Sunrise and the Summer Cortland.

These are apples that nobody else has: They can only be found at this Bakersville NC orchard.

Their store is open six days a week, offering an array of cookbooks, ciders, and apples (when they’re in season).

Tours & Activities/Attractions

The Saylor Orchard store is open six days a week, offering an array of cookbooks, ciders, and apples (when they’re in season).

They also sell their own fresh-baked apple pies, cakes, jellies, and butter. 

READ MORE: The 10 Best Things to Do in Burnsville NC

 

Morganton NC Apple Orchards

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill - apple orchard Morganton NC
Photo courtesy of Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

12. Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

2075 Pleasant Hill Ave., Morganton NC • 828-437-1224

Official Website

History

Tucked away near the small town of Morganton NC, known for its mysterious Brown Lights, the family-owned Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill welcomes thousands of visitors each fall to join in on the harvest.

The Apple Hill Farm NC started long ago with Spencer Prewitt, who grew apples and loaded them on a horse-drawn wagon to sell along his travels.

Today, the orchard is still in the Prewitt family and has welcomed its 5th generation of apple growers to the farm.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time to Visit

There are 22 different varieties of apples that ripen on the orchard from mid-August through October.

These include Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Early Fuji, Golden Delicious, Empire, Red Delicious, Cameo, Red Rome, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady, among many others.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

During the weekdays of September and October, guided tours are available by reservation. This is a great way to learn more about how the apples are grown, harvested, and processed. 

Ticketed wagon tours are also offered on Saturdays on a first-come basis.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes for NC Day Trips

Moravian Falls NC Apple Orchards

Perry Lowe Orchards - apple North Carolina
Photo via Perry Lowe Orchards via Facebook

13. Perry Lowe Orchards

8741 North Carolina 16, Moravian Falls • 336-921-3123

Official Website 

History

Perry Lowe Orchards is a family-owned orchard located in the tiny town of Moravian Falls, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

The farm has been in business since the mid-1800s, when William Tilford Lowe began growing and selling apples.

This family business has been passed down from generation to generation, and the orchard is now run by Perry Lowe IV and his family.

Types Of Apples Grown/Best Time To Visit

The season for you to pick your own apples starts in September 2022, and they will take reservations for every Saturday and Sunday in the fall.

The orchard has over 25 different varieties of apples available throughout the season, including Crimson Crisp, Honeycrisp, Gala, Gold Rush, and Pink Lady.

There’s also a market open all year-round, where they sell cider and seasonal produce fresh from the farm.

Tours & Activities/Attractions

Perry Lowe Orchards has been offering school field trips for three generations now.

They also make their own apple cider and dehydrate apples that can be used for baking or snacking, which can be found in their store along with many other products.

READ MORE: The Best Boone NC Christmas Tree Farms

Reidsville NC Apple Orchards

Devil Dog Orchard - apple picking NC
Photo courtesy of Devil Dog Orchard

14. Devil Dog Orchard

771 NC-150, Reidsville NC • 336-491-0382

Official Website

History

After spending 28 years in the Marine Corps and another 8 years working for a company, Larry Huffman yearned to live the country life. So he purchased this farm in tiny Reidsville NC in 2012.

Now his 57 acres are filled with hardwoods, tall pines, and a beautiful apple orchard that is open for visitors. 

At Devil Dog Orchard, the focus is on families and inviting guests to come enjoy being outside and having fun in nature.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time to Visit

Apples are available to be picked beginning in late August running through the end of September.

To see what apples are ripe and ready to be picked, you can check out their website once the season begins!

Tours & Activities / Attractions 

Devil Dog Orchard welcomes group visits for a fun, family-friendly country experience.

You can spread out a blanket, or set up tables for a picnic lunch under the pecan trees (or any shady spot). 

There are also hayrides and nature trails you can enjoy around the pond.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Campgrounds in the North Carolina Mountains

 

Ramseur NC Apple Orchards

Millstone Creek Orchards - NC apple picking
Photo courtesy of Millstone Creek Orchards

15. Millstone Creek Orchards

506 Parks Crossroads Church Rd., Ramseur NC • 336-824-5263

Official Website

History

This family-owned and operated orchard’s story starts in 2001, when Byrd and Diane Isom plated their first rows of apple trees along Parks Crossroad Church Rd.

Byrd initially wanted to simply sell apples out of the back of his pickup truck, but in 2004 the orchard opened itself to the public.

Ever since then, Millstone Creek Orchards has been welcoming visitors to enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature and enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Types of Apples Grown / Best Time to Visit

U-Pick apples are available from late August through September. 

The varieties you can pick include Honeycrisp, Cortland, Gala, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Red Fuji, Pink Lady, Arkansas Black, and Goldrush.

Tours & Activities / Attractions

Along with apples, Millstone Creek Orchards also offers U-Pick blackberries, blueberries, peaches, grapes, sunflowers and zinnias, pumpkins and gourds, and pecans.

Group tours are also available where you can learn all about agriculture and the work that is done at the orchard to produce such delicious fruit. -by Christina Maggitas; with additional reporting by Samantha Dickens, lead image via Canva

Leave No Trace logo

We encourage anyone who loves the Blue Ridge region to learn about the Leave No Trace principles of responsible environmental stewardship. 

Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. 

Remember that waterfalls and rocky summits can be dangerous. Never try to climb waterfalls or get close to a ledge to get a selfie.

When you're exploring the wilderness, it's better to be safe than to be a statistic!

Growing up in rural south Georgia, Christina Maggitas developed a love for nature at a young age and spent the majority of her formative years outdoors. Since visiting the Great Smoky Mountains with her family as a child, she has always admired the beauty of the Blue Ridge region and spends as much time as she can hiking in North Georgia. She has a passion for writing and storytelling, with the hopes of inspiring others to enjoy the great outdoors. Christina studied Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, and now works as the Travel Editor for US News & World Report.