Apples are one of the most versatile fruits we have. Of course, you can slice them up and enjoy them on their own, but add some butter and sugar, and you have a ribbon-worthy dessert. From savory apple and cheese galettes to sweet fried apple pies, the one simple fruit goes a long way! And while getting to eat all these foods is fun enough, picking apples is a fabulous way to get into the autumn spirit. If you need the perfect activity to celebrate the end of summer, I’d love to tell you about some of the best places in Asheville for apple picking.
Eight Most Beautiful and Fun Asheville Apple Picking Orchards
Sky Top Orchard
Since 1982, Sky Top Orchard has been dedicated to providing Asheville families with delicious food and bountiful apple picking. What started out as a family hobby farm quickly transformed into a full-time business complete with acres of trees and tons of fun family activities. The orchards let you wander around and select different varieties of apples. You’ll find Jonagold, Pink Lady, Cameo, Rome, Granny Smith, and Candy Crisp. The orchard has a farm stand where you can buy fruit and goods for your home. While your family is there, check out the bee train, the apple cannon, and the adorable farm animals! Sky Top Orchard is located at 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd. in Zirconia.
Justus Orchard
Justus Orchard is a family farm currently operated by 4th and 5th-generation farmers. The Asheville apple orchards offer varieties such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Early Fuji, and Golden Delicious that are ready for picking. An adorable cow train will take younger visitors around the orchards. While you’re at the farm, you can stop by the bakery for some fresh baked goods, including apple cider donuts and cakes. The property includes a play area, an apple cannon, farm animals, and plenty of shady spaces for a picnic. You can also stop by throughout the year to pick your own pumpkins and blackberries. You can find Justus Orchard at 187 Garren Road.
The Orchard at Altapass
The Orchard at Altapass is a historic orchard that works to ensure future generations can enjoy their fruit for years to come. They are run by an organization that preserves the culture, educates families, and protects the land while still putting a smile on the face of every visitor. You can pick varieties, including King Luscious, Empire, Stayman, and Gold Rush. Throughout the fall, the Orchard features activities including hayrides, live concerts, and book clubs. While you’re there, you can stop by the pollinator garden or check out the bee and butterfly habitat. The center is located at 1025 Orchard Road in Spruce Pine.
Creasman Farms
Creasman Farms is a family farm with a passion for providing some of the best apples around. The Creasmans have worked to make their farm an experience. Throughout the season, they plan festivals that invite the community to come to enjoy their harvest. While you’re able to buy their produce in a few different stores, it’s way more fun to pick it yourself! Throughout September and October, you can visit the farm for their U-Pick Apples. You’ll be able to find varieties, including Gold Rush, Crimson Crisp, Summer Rambo, and Shenshu. The farm is located at 280 Bent Arrow Lane in Hendersonville.
Coston Farm Asheville Apple Picking
Coston Farm is an orchard and bakery that lets you sample fabulous treats throughout your stay. The farm has a bakery and apple house where you can buy some fresh produce as well as delectable desserts such as pies, cookies, and bread. While you’re there, you can buy apple-themed home goods to give your house the perfect fall touch. From there, you can head out and pick your own apples. You’ll find Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Jonagold, and Gala. The farm has covered picnic tables right next to a large play area. You can visit Coston Farm at 3748 Chimney Rock Road in Hendersonville.
Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill
Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill is a local apple farm packed with centuries of history. Over the past 300 years, the Prewitt family has sold their apples everywhere, from the backs of wagons to the beds of pick-up trucks. Today, they give your family the chance to come to them thanks to their U-Pick orchards. While you’re at the family farm, you’ll find Empire, Mutsu, CrimsonCrisp, and Arlet varieties. You can purchase a picking pass before your arrival, so you’re completely prepared. The farm has a bakery, a farm market, and a flower field where you can buy some gorgeous blooms. You can find the farm at 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave. in Morganton.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is an Asheville family farm with acres of apples ready for picking! The dog-friendly farm has no admission price and only requires you to pay for what you pick. You’ll be able to find Jonagold, Red and Golden Delicious, Ultra Gold, Blushing Gold, Jonathan, and Pinata. Over the weekends, you can take a hayride, shoot the apple cannon, get lost in a corn maze, or hop on the jump pad. The farm will often bring in food trucks but invite you to pack your own picnic. Throughout the year, you can also pick sunflowers, zinnias, and pumpkins. Stepp’s is located at 170 Stepp Orchard Drive in Hendersonville.
Jeter Mountain Farm
Jeter Mountain Farm is a family farm that grows fantastic fruit thanks to their 5th generation farmers. The farm has hundreds of acres full of apple orchards. Over the weekend, they feature different apple varieties that you can pick for yourself. You can pick from varieties such as Gala, Smokehouse, Daybreak Fuji, Melrose, and Mutsu. Before your visit, you can check the website to see what varieties are available at this time. The farm features a playground, hard cider tastings, a market, a coffee house, and a smokehouse. Over the weekends, they bring in live bluegrass bands to keep the music flowing. You can find the farm at 1126 Jeter Mountain in Hendersonville.
Asheville Apple Picking
Now that summer’s over, it’s time to celebrate with a day of fall fun. With these Asheville apple-picking locations, you can have a fabulous adventure to get into the autumn spirit!
If you need another way to make memories this fall, let’s chat! I’m a North Carolina-based photographer, and I adore working with families to plan gorgeous photo sessions. I know that the first few years of your baby’s life tend to fly by. That’s why I love using photography to give parents the chance to press pause so they can cherish these moments for years to come. If you’ve been considering booking a session for your family, I would love to chat so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to find out more!
