Apple picking is a fall rite of passage and one that has become a sweet tradition for so many families! Here in North Carolina, we are so lucky to have dozens of family-owned orchards that open their homes and their farms to welcome neighbors to share in the harvest. If you’re looking to start your new fall family tradition, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of farms that offer North Carolina apple picking. I promise it’s a tradition you’ll look forward to every year!
Start Your Fall Off Right With These Great Orchards For North Carolina Apple Picking
Please keep in mind that farming is a fickle industry, and agriculture changes from year to year. Weather has a huge impact on crop yields and can affect pick-your-own availability, so be patient and kind with our sweet local farmers. Even if their picking season has passed, you can still support their farm by buying pre-picked apples and other homemade treats!
Apple Picking in the Triad
Perry Lowe Orchards
This sixth-generation apple orchard has over 100 acres of apple trees, growing over 30 apple varieties. As you’re driving, keep an eye out for their red roof. They also sell fresh apple cider, seasonal produce, and lots of other local treasures!
Devil Dog Orchard
Devil Dog Orchard is a beloved North Carolina spot with a laid-back approach to life and an emphasis on family fun. They’re a cash-only operation with a short window for picking, so be sure to check their dates, as they’ll sell out quickly!
Blueberry Thrill Farm
What began as a “real world classroom” for the owner’s children is now an experience to be shared with families from far and wide. Pick your own apples, pumpkins, and muscadine grapes in the fall, and visit in the summer to pick your own fresh berries!
Millstone Creek Orchards
There’s always something exciting happening at Millstone Creek Orchards! Whether it’s apple picking, a celebration of apple cider, or photoshoots in fields of sunflowers with visiting baby cows, no two visits are ever the same. This is a spot that is so much more than just apple-picking!
Carrigan Farms North Carolina Apple Picking
A fifth-generation family-owned farm, Carrigan Farms prides itself on being a big garden. While their family has been tending to this piece of land for over 100 years, they invite your family to visit and be a part of the joy of their harvest. Plus, your visit includes a hayride out to the orchard! Be sure to book your apple-picking reservation ahead of time.
Windy Hill Orchard
What began as a love of making cider has grown into an apple-picking opportunity for everyone to enjoy! Windy Hill Orchard welcomes you to pick your own apples, taste some of their cider (both fresh and hard ciders available!), and indulge in other freshly made fall treats.
Apple Picking in the North Carolina Mountains
Orchard at Altapass
This nonprofit heirloom apple orchard is dedicated to saving “the good stuff,” including the music, farming, and traditions of the Appalachians. Pick your own apples, enjoy a “Heyride,” visit the General Store, and take in some live music as your little ones learn about and explore the world around them.
Apple Hill Orchard North Carolina Apple Picking
The family that owns and loves Apple Hill Orchard has been growing apples on site since 1955. Now, they invite your family to join in on the harvest! Purchase your “picking pass” ahead of time and come prepared to leave with lots of delicious apples. Visit their Farm Market and Bakery for fresh apple cider donuts and other delicious treats!
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
Stepp’s is a 100-acre farm at the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take in the stunning mountain views as you pick your own apples. On the weekends, enjoy a 5-acre corn maze, apple cannon, jump pad, and wagon rides! It’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch – or enjoy a treat from their visiting food trucks!
Sky Top Orchard
Sky Top began as a commercial wholesale orchard, but when the owners realized it didn’t feel right picking apples before they were ripe, they chose to pivot! Now, they save their best apples to share with visitors who come from far and wide to pick their own fruit. Make your own memories with hay rides, apple cannons, and their popular bee train!
Justus Orchard
The Justus Family has been farming their orchards since the 1800s, and they love sharing it with their own little ones as much as you and yours! Pick apples, take a stroll by the pond to see ducks, visit farm animals, and pick from their easy-to-reach dwarf apple trees. Don’t forget to pick up all of your favorite apple treats before you leave!
North Carolina Apple Picking on Jeter Mountain Farm
Apple Picking at Jeter Mountain Farm isn’t just about apples – it’s a whole experience! Adults can enjoy hard cider made from their estate apples and snack on in-house smoked barbecue. With over 25 varieties of apples available for you-pick (though staggered throughout the season), you can also harvest your own pumpkins and sunflowers for an extra autumnal touch!
Grandad’s Apples
Grandad’s Apples has dozens of varieties from which you can choose, making it easy to find the perfect one for your specific needs! Take advantage of their cow train, corn maze, and apple cannon for extra fun. You’ll definitely want to munch on a hot apple cider donut while you’re exploring, too!
Creasman Farms
Farming, family, and community are at the heart of Creasman Farms. They grow over 40 varieties of heirloom and new apples and open their farm for you-pick on Sunday afternoons in the fall. Pick your own flowers while you’re there, and be sure to bring your camera for some picture-perfect photo ops!
Coston Farm
You know the apples on Coston Farm are good enough for your family when they’re good enough to be used in Gerber Baby Foods! Visit to pick your own delicious apples, shop for autumnal decor and gifts, and indulge in some homemade treats from their bakery.
North Carolina Apple Picking
Visit one of these beautiful farms to experience the bliss of North Carolina apple picking while supporting local family-owned farms! Don’t forget that holiday card season is quickly approaching! Fall is a great season to capture your next family photo of your annual card. I’d love to help you capture this fleeting season with natural, beautiful pictures of your family. So contact me today to get the conversation started!
