Apple picking near Asheville is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your fall trip to the Blue Ridge.
Fall is a truly special time to visit Asheville. Not only can you experience fall in Asheville with stunning leaves and special events but also with the mountain harvest.
When is the North Carolina Apple Festival in 2026?
In addition to many working farms in Asheville, the city is less than a half-hour drive from one of the country's best apple-growing areas, Hendersonville, N.C. Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival each year on Labor Day Weekend.
Among the best ways to experience the fall harvest in the Blue Ridge Mountains is to visit local apple orchards and take your pick of beautiful apples right off the tree. Imagine crunching into one of the delicious apples as you enjoy the brisk fall air!
And your kids will love the experience! These U-Pick farms offer great family-friendly activities from corn mazes to hay rides to mountain music performances -- not to mention the delicious ciders and apple treats! Many of the orchards also offer pumpkin patches, perfect for creating Jack-o'-lanterns in every size and shape.
Most of the orchards and fresh fruit stands are located between Hendersonville and Chimney Rock on U.S. 64 (Chimney Rock Rd.). Pair your apple or pumpkin-picking experience with a trip to Chimney Rock State Park, where you'll find incredible vistas, a 404-foot waterfall, and many children's activities.
The apple orchards are generally open from mid-August through early November, but it's recommended that you call individual farms before you visit to confirm their hours.
Where can I go apple picking near Asheville?
Coston Farm and Apple House
3748 Chimney Rock Rd.
Hendersonville
828-685-8352
This fourth-generation apple orchard grows more than 20 varieties of apples! You can pick your own apples in the orchard right on Chimney Rock Rd. Or, step inside Coston's Apple House (next to the orchard) to purchase apples or taste a delicious treat from the bakery. Sit on the front porch in a rocking chair, have a picnic on the tables or enjoy the children's playground.
Grandad's Apples N' Such
2951 Chimney Rock Rd.
Hendersonville
828-685-1685
Grandad’s Apples N’ Such delivers the classic orchard experience from the moment you spot its large red-roof barn against the mountain views. This 120-acre family farm features pre-picked apples in season, with U-pick offered on select weekends and more than 20 apple varieties grown on-site. Inside the main barn, you’ll find a Country Store and bakery known for cider doughnuts. Family activities typically begin Labor Day Weekend, featuring a 5-acre corn maze, cow train, and apple cannon. Pumpkins arrive later in the season, making this a favorite fall stop well into October.
Jeter Mountain
1126 Jeter Mountain Rd.
Hendersonville
828-513-0404
Jeter Mountain is a 400+ acre U-pick farm with stunning vistas and tasty produce. The farm grows apples, peaches, blueberries, pumpkins, flowers, grapes and more than 20 varieties of apples in season. After picking, grab apple cider doughnuts and hard cider from the taproom, relax in the courtyard or let the kids play in the large indoor playground. The farm reopens in mid-July 2026, and advance U-pick reservations are highly recommended. If you plan to pick, arrive early enough to purchase your picking basket before the last wagon heads to the field.
Justus Orchard
187 Garren Rd.
Hendersonville
828-974-1232
Justus Orchard opens for the 2026 season on July 2, with U-pick and we-pick apples available as varieties ripen. As you hunt for the perfect apples, stop by the pond to see the ducks, let the kids ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, or visit the Apple House for pre-picked apples and other goodies like jams and jellies.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard
170 Stepp Orchard Dr.
Hendersonville
828-685-9083
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard offers U-pick apples from six orchards, with 26 apple varieties across 40 acres. Weekend farm fun includes a 5-acre corn maze, apple cannon, jump pad and wagon rides, plus a covered picnic area and Apple House treats. Leashed dogs are welcome on the farm, but not inside the Apple House or on wagon rides.
Sky Top Orchard
1197 Pinnacle Mountain Road
Zirconia
828-692-7930
Panoramic mountain views await you at Sky Top Orchard, where your experience will include much more than picking out your apples. Along with the U-Pick orchard, you'll find orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with animals, a bamboo forest to explore and many picnic areas. You can also take a hayride around the orchard. Stop inside the farm store for treats, including apple cider donuts. The orchard’s 2026 summer opening is July 17, with seasonal hours changing as the harvest progresses!
Can I pick apples along the Blue Ridge Parkway?
There are few better ways to experience fall color than with a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway, consider a stop at the historic Orchard at Altapass at Milepost 328.3. The orchard is about 55 miles north of downtown Asheville.
*As of 9/15/25, all Asheville sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway have reopened, from Mount Mitchell to Cherokee, NC. Sections of the BRP between Mount Mitchell and the Orchard at Altapass remain closed. Alternate routes to the orchard are available here. Visit the National Park Service website for current Blue Ridge Parkway road conditions.
This historic orchard offers a special experience due to its majestic mountain location. Pick apples surrounded by mountain views. Walk through the Butterfly Garden to see the orchard's Monarch butterfly preservation project at work. Or walk the nature trails to enjoy the views and great bird watching.
The Orchard at Altapass also hosts live mountain music performances at select times and days throughout the season. Before leaving, purchase some of the homemade fudge made fresh by Miss Charlotte in the Orchard shop.
Know before you go:
Apple ripening dates, U-pick availability, farm hours and activity schedules can change quickly with weather and crowd levels. Check each orchard’s website or social channels before heading out, arrive early on fall weekends, wear shoes you can walk in, and make reservations where required or recommended.
