The 25 Best Pumpkin Patches in NC (2023)

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[Updated 8/6/2023] When autumn rolls around there are tons of fun activities and annual traditions to look forward to.

But you could argue that none are quite as iconic as picking out the perfect pumpkin for the season.

Whether you’re looking forward to spending an evening carving jack-o-lanterns, baking pumpkin pies, or creating unique seasonal displays, Fall wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin-centered activities. 

To find that perfect pumpkin, there are a variety of pumpkin patches in North Carolina.

Many of them also offer fun games, challenging corn mazes, hayrides, apple picking, and other farm activities to add to your experience.

To help you find the best farm to visit, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 Best Pumpkin Patches in the NC Mountains, from Hendersonville north to Boone and beyond!

For each one, we’ve also included information about some of the family-friendly Fall activities and attractions you can enjoy while you search for the perfect pumpkin. 

READ MORE: Fall in North Carolina: The Best Places to See Fall Colors

Best Pumpkin Patches in NC Guide

  1. Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such (Hendersonville)
  2. Jeter Mountain Farm (Hendersonville)
  3. Justus Orchard (Hendersonville)
  4. The Nix Pumpkin Patch (Hendersonville)
  5. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (Hendersonville)
  6. Ashe County Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival (Jefferson)
  7. Third Day Market (Jefferson)
  8. Lantern Farm (West Jefferson)
  9. Sky Top Orchards (Flat Rock)
  10. Hickory Nut Gap Farm (Fairview)
  11. Johnny Wilson Farm (Granite Falls)
  12. Packa’s Place (Horse Shoe)
  13. Red Wolf Farm (Maiden)
  14. Deal Family Farms (Franklin)
  15. New River Corn Maze (Boone)
  16. b&b farm (Licolnton)
  17. Shelby Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch (Shelby)
  18. Howard Family Farm (Harmony)
  19. Devine Farms (Newton)
  20. Upton Family Farm (Vale)
  21. The Farm (Dobson)
  22. Harvest Farm (Valle Crucis)
  23. Darnell Farms (Bryson City)
  24. Miss Angels Farm (Mount Airy)
  25. New Castle Farm (Ronda)

READ MORE: Where are the Blue Ridge Mountains? A State-by-State Guide

Grandads Apples - pumpkin patches in asheville nc
Photo courtesy of Grandads Apples

1. Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such

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

Official Website

Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such has been a family-owned and operated farm since 1994.

Today Pat carries on the family tradition of farming the 120 acres of land, while his wife Leslie manages the market alongside their two daughters, Kaylin and Kayce, and their families.

The farm is best known for offering more than 30 different varieties of U-Pick apples in their orchards. But in the fall you can also find hundreds of pumpkins and jack o’lanterns in all shapes and sizes.

After exploring the NC pumpkin patch, it’ll be hard to resist visiting their country store and bakery, where you can find delicious apple pies, caramel apples, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh cider made on-site.

They also sell handmade crafts and a variety of fall merchandise to add to your Halloween or Thanksgiving décor.

READ MORE: Apple Picking in North Carolina: The 10 Best NC Apple Orchards to Visit

Jeter Mountain Farm - pumpkin patches in Hendersonville
Photo courtesy of Jeter Mountain Farm

2. Jeter Mountain Farm

1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NC 828-513-0404

Official Website

Combining a love of family and a love of farming, the Hunsader family owns and operates Jeter Mountain Farm.

Hoping to inspire the local community to join in on enjoying all the fun to be had on the farm, they offer tons of different activities and attractions.

U-Pick sunflowers, blueberries, peaches, and over 20 varieties of apples are available, and in early October you can visit their Hendersonville pumpkin patch!

While at the farm you can enjoy some fresh cider however you prefer, either a fresh glass, a mug of warm cider, spiced cider, or even as a slushie!

There is also an outdoor donut window where you can grab a donut and even peek inside the Cider Barn to watch as they are made.

And if you are bringing smaller kids, be sure to allow some time for them to play on the 6,000 square foot covered play area!

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Hendersonville NC

Pumpkins at Justus Orchard - pumpkins in Hendersonville NC
Photo courtesy of Justus Orchard

3. Justus Orchard

187 Garren Road, Hendersonville, NC 828-974-1232

Official Website

Ever since Pete Justus and his father started growing apples in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this Hendersonville orchard has remained in the Justus family.

Now run by Don and Margo Justus and their two sons, Chris and Cory, the farm welcomes visitors to enjoy a day in the country with their friends and family.

Along with U-Pick apples and blackberries, from mid-September through October you can choose from a large assortment of pre-picked decorative and carving pumpkins to bring home for the season.

While at Justus Orchard you can also try your hand at the apple cannon, ride the cow train, enjoy a stroll along the pond to see fish and ducks, or have a lovely lunch at their picnic area.

You’re not going to want to leave without visiting their Apple House Bakery, where you can buy treats made from fruit grown right on the farm, such as apple fritters and fried apple pies.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Hendersonville NC Restaurants for Foodies

Water tower at the Nix Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch in Hendersonville NC
Photo courtesy of the Nix Pumpkin Patch

4. The Nix Pumpkin Patch

3726 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville NC • 828-808-7346

Official Website

The Nix Pumpkin Patch is a family owned U-Pick pumpkin patch in NC owned by Stacy and Travis Nix. The couple have been growing pumpkins for over 20 years, and added the agritourism aspect to the farm in 2019.

With over 10,000 pumpkins of different varieties, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. The Nix family handpicks each variety they grow, including one kind– “The Prizewinner”– that can reach over 200 pounds!

The farm features a bright orange silo that’s been painted to look like a giant jack-o-lantern. It’s a tell-tale sign that you’ve reached the right place to pick your own pumpkins.

They also have a roadside market where they sell their peaches, potatoes, grapes, and more.

The roadside market opens in July, while the North Carolina pumpkin patch opens for the Fall season in September.

READ MORE:The 10 Best Things to Do in Winston Salem NC

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard - Hendersonville Pumpkin Patches
Photo courtesy of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

5. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

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

Official Website

Located on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is a 70-acre working farm that has been in the Stepp family for almost 50 years now.

The farm offers pick-your-own-sunflowers and zinnias, U-Pick grapes, and 21 different apple picking varieties you can get straight from the tree.

The pumpkin patch in Henderson NC also allows visitors to pick pumpkins straight from the patch.

On fall weekends there’s even more fun to be had there, with wagon rides through the orchard, an apple cannon, and a 5-acre corn maze.

You can also stop by the Market at Hillcrest to purchase slushies and donuts to enjoy at the covered picnic areas.

READ MORE: Camping in Asheville NC: The 15 Best Campgrounds to Visit

Ashe County Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival - Pumpkin Patches in North Carolina
Photo courtesy of Ashe County Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival

6. Ashe County Corn Maze and Pumpkin Festival

1332 NC Highway 16, Jefferson, NC • 828-406-0339

Official Website

The Ashe County Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival offers loads of seasonal fun in the NC High Country north of Boone.

As you enter the grounds you’ll see the Pumpkin Lot, where you’ll find all sorts of decorative pumpkins, gourds, and sunflowers.

Once you enter the festival gate, there are plenty of activities, including pumpkin bowling, corn hole, inflatables, basketball, soccer, and more.

There’s a pumpkin cannon that shoots over 900 feet and tractor-pulled hayrides that guide you through the beautiful Ashe County scenery.

But by far the most popular attraction here is the 4-acre corn maze. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour to find your way out, and has quickly become an annual tradition for many local families.

The festival features live music on select Saturdays (check for dates on Ashe County’ssocial media), and concessions are available during regular hours.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Treehouse Rentals in the North Carolina Mountains

Third Day Market - Pumpkin Patches in NC
Photo courtesy of Third Day Market

7. Third Day Market 

599 Hwy 16 South, Jefferson, NC • 336-846-1089

Official Website

Third Day Market is a family-owned business that started out as a roadside stand selling hanging baskets during the Spring and pumpkins and mums during the Fall.

They’ve since expanded to sell a variety of other items, including apparel and home décor. But they have become best-known for their huge greenhouse and pumpkin patch in NC.

Their Jefferson NC pumpkin patch includes more than 40 different varieties of pumpkins, along with winter squash, gourds, Indian corn, hay bales, and more.

After perusing through the patch, you can take a trip through their hay maze or dive into the corn kernel pit.

When fall gives way to Christmastime, they also have choose-and-cut Christmas trees, fresh wreaths and garlands to add to your traditional Christmas decorations.

READ MORE: The Best Western NC Christmas Events in Boone, Asheville, & Beyond

NC Pumpkin Patch at Lantern Farm in West Jefferson NC
Photo courtesy Lantern Farm

8. Lantern Farm

269 Doe Meadows Drive, West Jefferson, NC 828-528-1760

Official Website

Sitting on a gorgeous stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Ashe County, Lantern Farm is home to one of the newer pumpkin patches in NC.

The farm is in the process of launching three events that will take place in the Winter, Summer, and Fall in the coming years. Each will have its own unique seasonal offerings, such as cut-your-own Christmas trees in winter.

From mid September to late October, visitors can enjoy Latern Farm’s Halloweentime fall event, including their pumpkin patch and corn maze. 

The owners of Lantern Farm have meticulously sourced their pumpkin seeds, and are committed to sound agricultural management practices. So finding a spectacular pumpkin for your home is pretty much guaranteed.

The farm also offers year-round activities, including feeding domesticated animals at Lantern Farm Animal Park and taking an intimate horse-drawn hayride to the top of the property for an amazing view of the North Carolina mountains.

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

SkyTop Orchard - pumpkin patches nc
Photo courtesy of SkyTop Orchard

9. Sky Top Orchard

3403 Grenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 828-692-7930

Official Website

When Everette Butler purchased land in Flat Rock (near Hendersonville) in the late 1960s, he didn’t intend for it to become an orchard.

But eventually he was inspired by local farming traditions and began researching the idea of growing apples. By 1968, his land was full of apple trees, and he began selling his harvest to local supermarkets. 

Everett’s son, David, and his wife, Lindsey, now run the farm and have expanded it to include other fun farm activities. Along with U-Pick apples, they also sell all sorts of Fall decorations, gourds, and pumpkins.

During your time at Skytop, you can also take a stroll by the ponds to feed the ducks or take a tractor-pulled hayride across the property, where you’ll be treated to gorgeous panoramic views of the Western North Carolina mountains.

Other fun activities include watching cider being made (on select days only), exploring the bamboo forest, and visiting the barnyard to meet the sheep, goats, chickens, peacocks, and other cute animals.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Pisgah National Forest Hiking Trails in North Carolina

Hickory Nut Gap Pumpkins - pumpkin patch asheville NC
Photo courtesy of Hickory Nut Gap

10. Hickory Nut Gap Farm

57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview, NC 828-628-1027

Official Website

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville restaurants, Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been in the McClure family since 1916.

The McClures raise 100% grass-fed beef, as well as pasture-raised pork and poultry. They supply many of the finest restaurants in the area, but visitors can also purchase meat at their Farm Store.

One of the more popular pumpkin patches near Asheville NC, Hickory Nut Gap Farm offers pumpkins and squash for purchase during the month of October, along with some other fun fall activities

Apples and cider are available to enjoy during the entire fall season (September 25 – October 31) as well as hayrides that take place from 12 to 4 PM on the hour during the weekends of October.

There are also plenty of picnic tables on-site that are perfect for enjoying lunch (which you can buy from their deli).

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

Pumpkins at Johnny Wilson Farm
Photo courtesy of Johnny Wilson Farm

11. Johnny Wilson Farm

5163 Precious Memories Ln, Granite Falls, NC 828-217-1874

Official Website

Located east of Morganton in Granite Falls NC, this 78-acre farm is a family-owned venture whose mission is to provide a fun, safe, and educational environment where people can learn the importance of agriculture and agritourism.

Throughout the year, they host several seasonal events and activities, including a North Carolina pumpkin patch that’s open from late September through the first of November.

After you find your prized pumpkin, you can try to find your way through the 3-acre corn maze, pet the friendly farm animals, and take a tram ride that makes a quick stop at the apple orchards, where you can learn how seeds make the fruit. 

There’s also a bounce house, corn crib, and play area, featuring a swing set and tire mountain that’s great for kids.

Along with carving/baking pumpkins, you can also purchase mums, hay/straw bales, decorative pumpkins, and corn stalks at the farmhouse.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Lakes in the North Carolina Mountains to Visit

Packa's Place
Photo courtesy of Packa’s Place

12. Packa’s Place

4218 Brevard Road, Horse Shoe, NC

Official Website

Managed by Steelie Runion and her husband, Sam, Packa’s Place is a 6th generation family-owned farm located about 20 miles south of Asheville NC.

On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in September and October, the pumpkin patch in NC is open for visitors to browse through the rows in order to find the perfect size, shape, and color.

When winter rolls around, Packa’s Place offers fresh-cut Fraser Fir Christmas Trees as well as wreaths, bows, and garlands to add to your holiday décor.

The farm is known for raising a large number of grass-fed and free-range Blue Ridge Beefalo,” a unique animal that is 3/8 American Buffalo and 5/8 domestic cattle. 

They also have a wholesale meat store, where you can purchase choice cuts from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on Fridays.

READ MORE: The Best Hiking in Asheville NC Bucket List

Red Wolf Farm - pumpkin patch in charlotte nc
Photo courtesy of Red Wolf Farm

13. Red Wolf Farm

1900 HW Farm Road, Maiden, NC 828-302-4653

Official Website

Located in the foothills of Maiden NC, the family-owned Red Wolf Farm encompasses 50 acres of rolling hills and forest, as well as a large pond.

On weekends in October, guests are invited to visit one of the best pumpkin patches in North Carolina to browse pumpkins of all shapes and sizes as well as enjoying activities such as hayrides and visiting cute farm animals.

There’s a large, professionally designed corn maze to explore, as well as an easier corn maze for kids.

You’ll also find fun fare like pumpkin bowling, pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe, a bounce house, an inflatable obstacle course, and more!

The photo opportunities at the farm are priceless. There are also picnic tables where you can enjoy a lunch with family and friends, either brought from home or bought at The Thursty Wolf, the farm’s concession trailer.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Pisgah National Forest Camping Guide

Deal Family Farms Corn Maze in NC
Photo courtesy of Deal Family Farms

14. Deal Family Farms

4402 Murphy Road, Franklin, NC 828-524-5151

Official Website

In 1951, Bobby and Elsie Deal founded Deal Farms Fresh Produce.

Located in Franklin NC (just 22 miles north of Clayton GA), the company recently changed its name to Deal Family Farms in order to reflect its multi-generational history.

Since its founding, the farm has been guided by the same foundation of exceptional customer service and great produce, of which it has an impressively wide variety.

At the Deal Farm Fruit Stand, you can find all sorts of fresh fruit, veggies, and assorted specialty items, including sorghum, honey, herbs, flowers, jams, and jellies.

During the Fall, the farm offers a number of activities, including hayrides through the property and a huge pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin for purchase. But only after you find your way out of the corn maze!

There’s also a spooky haunted maze for Halloween, which is done in partnership with the Special Olympics. So you can enjoy a thrilling event while also helping raise money for a great charity organization.

READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals in 2022

New River Corn Maze Pumpkin patch Boone NC
Photo courtesy of New River Corn Maze

15. New River Corn Maze

660 Laurel Gap Ridge Road, Boone, NC 828-264-2986

Official Website

This pumpkin patch in Boone NC is located on the Brown Family Farm, right beside the scenic New River. But the New River Corn Maze is a seasonal business that’s only open from mid-September through late October.

Offering a perfect blend of beautiful scenery and fun Fall festivities, a visit to the farm is an awesome way to start off the season.

Along with their famous corn maze, they also have corn hole and tram rides that will take you along a beautiful section of the New River, where you can enjoy the crisp air and Fall colors in the mountains.

Of course, you can’t leave without finding a pumpkin to take home, and there are plenty here to choose from.

They offer edible and ornamental options in an array of shapes, sizes, and varieties, including Jack-O-Lanterns, giant pumpkins, and heirloom pumpkins.

They even have jarrahdale pumpkins, which are notoriously great for pumpkin pies!

READ MORE: 25 Best Things to Do in Boone NC (Blue Ridge Parkway MM 291.8)

b&b farm - pumpkin patch charlotte nc
Photo courtesy of b&b farm

16. b&b farm

981 Hill Road, Lincolnton, NC 980-389-0606

Official Website

Created out of a desire to cultivate products using sustainable farming practices, b&b farm offers opportunities for families to learn and have fun on their Lincolnton NC property. 

One of the busiest times for b&b farms is in the Fall, when they feature a pumpkin patch filled with all different types of pumpkins for you and your family to choose from.

Your $10 admission includes wagon rides, access to the big ol’ playground, a chance to meet the farm animals, and a free small pumpkin as a souvenir.

The farm also hosts educational tours and offers photo booths, concessions, and a picnic area for your enjoyment.

READ MORE: North Carolina Wildflowers Guide (& Where to See Them in Western NC)

Shelby Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - corn mazes in north carolina
Photo courtesy of Shelby Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

17. Shelby Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

120 Broadway Dr., Shelby, NC 704-434-8187

Official Website

The Fall festivities are endless at the Shelby Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, with all sorts of outdoor fun and entertainment for the whole family.

The most popular attractions are the intricate 8-acre corn maze and a large pumpkin patch filled with pumpkins in every shape and size. But there are also more than 40 other things to do here!

Some of these activities include a jumping pillow, cow train, corn cannon, tube slide, sand pile, farmer paintball, hayrides, rubber duck races, and a barn area where you can visit with the animals. 

If you’re looking for a good scare for Halloween, the farm also hosts a haunted maze after the sun sets every Friday and Saturday night in October.

Throughout the farm, you ‘ll find plenty of photo opportunities, including a vintage truck and painted hay bales. The best part is that you’re welcome to bring your dog with you to enjoy the fun (just make sure they’re kept on a leash)!

READ MORE: Appalachian Folklore, Monsters and Superstitions

 

Howard Family Farm - Pumpkins and corn mazes in north carolina
Photo courtesy of Howard Family Farm

18. Howard Family Farm

250 Crater Road, Harmony, NC 704-539-4994

Official Website

Located in the tiny town of Harmony, the Howard Family Farm offers fun experiences that are perfect to enjoy in the Fall.

Featuring one of the largest NC pumpkin patches at 12 acres, the farm boasts a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from, practically guaranteeing you’ll find the perfect one to bring home for the season.

The farm also offers special Fall field trips, where schools can come to learn about the pumpkin life cycle and take a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick one.

Then the class will get to play in the corn pit and take turns riding on the cow train.

While you’re at the Howard Family Farm, you can also try to make your way through their corn maze, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery and crisp autumn air.

You can also pick your own strawberries and flowers for a one-of-a-kind bouquet, or visit their produce stand to buy some watermelons, squash, zucchini, corn, and other veggies.

READ MORE: The 20 Best Western NC Small Towns To Visit (and Live In!)

Devine Farms - pumpkin patches charlotte nc
Photo courtesy of Devine Farms

19. Devine Farms

2675 St James Church Road, Newton, NC 828-461-2012

Official Website

Devine Farms is a family-owned and operated farm. At their 133-acre property, the Devines aim to educate people about various aspects of modern and traditional agriculture through fun, hands-on activities.

The farm offers summer camps, school field trips, group tours, and birthday parties by appointment throughout the year. But in the Fall they also offer their ever-popular seasonal festivities.

Running from late September through the first of November, there’s a large pumpkin patch as well as a corn maze, children’s maze, and wagon rides through the property.

There’s also a farm store, where you can browse a variety of seasonal gifts, fresh produce, and honey.

READ MORE: The Appalachian Culture & History of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Upton Family Farm
Photo courtesy of Upton Family Farm

20. Upton Family Farm

8216 S Hebron Church Road, Vale, NC 704-600-5023

Official Website

The Upton family has been farming land in Vale NC since the late 1800s.

Today, they welcome you and your family to visit the farm, have some fun, and create your own traditions and memories.

The Fall season offers lots of engaging things to do at the farm, including more than an acre of pumpkins to explore. They have sizes ranging from mini pumpkins that are perfect for decorative displays to large pumpkins just waiting to be carved.

After finding your perfect pumpkin, you can try to find your way through the 5-acre corn maze, get your face painted, and visit friendly animals such as miniature donkeys and goats.

There’s also a play area with bouncy castles and giant rooster, bull, and elephant structures that kids just love to play on!

READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About Cherokee Culture & History

The Farm Dobson
Photo courtesy of The Farm

21. The Farm

769 Bray Ford Road, Dobson, NC 336-817-5208

Official Website

Located in Dobson NC, about 10 miles southwest of Mt Airy, The Farm welcomes you to experience the joys of rural life, where they say, “Every day is Farm Day!”

This is a family-owned, working farm and recreational venue that is dedicated to educating America’s future farmers and providing fun activities that the entire family can enjoy.

In the Spring they offer U-Pick strawberries, and in the Fall they feature a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.

They also have a corn maze, as well as hayrides around the property, rat races, milking contests, and live animals.Other fun activities include an apple cannon, bounce house, barrel train, corn hole, pedal tractor, and pipe slide

When you work up an appetite, there are also concessions on site, with food ranging from classics like hot dogs and cheeseburgers to desserts like funnel cake, deep-fried Oreos, and numerous flavors of ice cream.

READ MORE: 40 Facts About the History of the Banjo (From Africa to Appalachia)

Spooky Pumpkin at Harvest Farm in Valle Crucis NC
Photo courtesy of Harvest Farm

22. Harvest Farm

3287 NC 194, Valle Crucis NC • 828-260-0765

Official Website

Harvest Farm is a family-owned farm run by 5th generation farmer Cassandra Bare and her family.

They offer numerous family-friendly activities, such as a 7-acre corn maze to explore, u-pick flowers, and a pumpkin patch filled with pumpkins you can harvest straight from the vine.

Located in the NC High Country in between Boone and Banner Elk, Harvest Farm is proud to offer the area’s best pumpkins, gourds, and ornamental squash.

They even learned how to grow pumpkins that look like Frankenstein, which could make perfect seasonal decorations for Halloween!

Tours of the flower farms are available from July to October, while the pumpkin patch opens in mid-September.

Harvest Farm also offers school field trips, where students can learn about agriculture and explore the pastoral property.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Banner Elk NC

Pumpkins at Darnell Farms in Bryson City NC - north carolina patches
Photo via Darnell Farms

23. Darnell Farms

2300 Governors Island Road, Bryson City NC • 828-488-2376

Official Website

Darnell Farms is a 2nd generation family farm located in a verdant valley along the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City NC.

The farm comprises 100 acres, where they grow strawberries, pumpkins, sweet corn, and much more.

The property hosts several different festivals throughout the year. Their 2022 events include the Fall Frenzy Festival
(Sept 24), Plow Day & Harvest Festival (Oct 22), and a Christmas celebration (Nov 16-Dec 23).

They offer educational field trips for students to learn about farm life, the Cherokee people (who reside in nearby Cherokee NC), and how to care for the land.

In addition to the pumpkin patch and festivals, Darnell Farms also has a fruit stand and online store where they sell produce and artisanal goods grown on the farm.

READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Bryson City NC & Swain County

Pumpkin Patch at Miss Angels Farm in Mount Airy NC
Photo via Miss Angels Farm

24. Miss Angels Farm

252 Heart Lane, Mount Airy NC • 336-745-5166

Official Website

Miss Angels Farm is a 65-acre farm and orchard owned by Angela Nolfo and her husband, Randy. The couple also owns a bakery in Mount Airy, where they use produce grown on the farm to create gourmet pies and pastries.

Their farm and orchard open annually on June 1, offering pick-your-own berries, peaches, flowers, and pumpkins until November.

They also offer field trips for students and a senior day, so people of all ages can enjoy their corn maze, tractor rides, and children’s playground.

The farm hosts numerous festivals where you can enjoy live music, locally made wines and ciders, and seasonal fruits and veggies. 2022 events include Oktoberfeston Sept 17 and Pick-Your-Own Palooza on Sept 30 and Oct 1. 

Miss Angels Farm also offers a Community Supported Agriculture program, where you can buy an assortment of baked goods, farm-grown produce, and flowers on a weekly basis.

READ MORE: The 15 Best NC Wineries to Visit

Pumpkins at New Castle Farm near Elkin NC
Photo via New Castle Farm

25. New Castle Farm

2812 Clingman Road, Ronda NC • 336-951-7661

Official Website 

Located just west of Elkin NC in the small town of Ronda, New Castle Farm is a family-owned farm that sits on 70+ acres of land.

It was established in 2020 by Dillon and DeAnna Prevette, with the goal of bringing people together using food.

The pumpkin patch at New Castle Farm will open in late September, and you can pick from over 15 different varieties until they close for the season on the last weekend of October.

There are wagons that you’re free to use, picnic tables to rest at, and yard games for family fun time.

In addition to picking your own pumpkins, the farm features u-pick strawberries in the summer. They’re also offering a CSA program, where you can buy a share  and receive homegrown vegetables over a 15-week period. 

READ MORE: The Best Places to Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains

Pumpkin display

NC Pumpkin Patches FAQs

1. Does North Carolina have pumpkin patches?

Yes, there are dozens of NC pumpkin patches that people can visit to pick up a variety of pumpkins for pies and seasonal decorations. While you’re there, you can use the pumpkin fields as backdrops for stunning fall photos, and some farms also offer hayrides and corn mazes. There might also be food trucks, live music, and more to make your local pumpkin patch a great place to spend some Autumn hours with your family. 

2. What month is best for pumpkin patches?

Depending of where you live, you may start seeing pumpkin patches around the end of Summer. If you want to visit local pumpkin patches while their fall festivals are in full swing, October is better. But don’t dilly-dally too long: the pumpkin patches near you may be picked over by late October. But some farms will offer an annual Halloween celebration, including haunted trails, haunted houses, and more festive fun.

3. Where is the biggest pumpkin patch in America?

You’ll find pumpkin patches strewn all across the USA by the time fall colors begin to change. But some are definitely bigger than others. The biggest pumpkin patches in America include The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence NY and Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon CA. While our North Carolina pumpkin patches might not be the biggest, in our experience they’re the perfect place to spend a crisp Autumn afternoon!

4. Which states have the most pumpkin patches?

Illinois is the biggest pumpkin producer in the USA, with 15,900 acres of pumpkin fields, while Pennsylvania and New York are also ranked in the Top 5. North Carolina ranks #11 in terms of states that grow the most pumpkins, offering lots of family-friendly pumpkin patches to choose from. Check with pumpkin patches near you to see which ones offer “u-pick” options rather than shipping-in pumpkins.  –by Christina Maggitas, with additional reporting by Samantha Dickens & Emma Gallagher; lead photo via Canva

 

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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.