There’s something quintessentially Western North Carolina about spending a crisp fall afternoon wandering through an apple orchard, filling a basket with fruit straight from the tree, and finishing the day with a warm apple cider donut. Just outside Asheville, Henderson County is the heart of North Carolina’s apple country, producing about 85% of the state’s apples. With its scenic mountain setting and rich agricultural heritage, it’s the perfect place to experience a classic fall day in the mountains.
From U-pick apples and fresh cider to corn mazes, hayrides, farm markets, and beautiful mountain views, we’ve rounded up some of the best apple-picking destinations near Asheville for 2026, tips for planning your orchard adventure, and other ways to make the most of fall in Western North Carolina.
Apple House & Owenby Orchards
Farming and growing apples in Edneyville for nearly 60 years, Apple House & Owenby Orchards is a family-owned farm, corn maze, and roadside market offering fresh North Carolina apples and other seasonal produce. Located along Hendersonville’s popular Chimney Rock Road, it’s a good stop for picking up locally grown apples, cider, fruit butters, jams, and other treats to take home.
- Season: Mid-August through fall; Ripening schedule here
- Hours: Generally 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; seasonal hours may vary
- Activities: Corn maze + cut your own sunflowers
- Location & Contact: 3807 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792 / (828) 685-9917
Grandad’s Apples
Grandad’s Apples is a classic Hendersonville-area fall destination with much more than apples. Along with its orchard and farm market, visitors can enjoy seasonal attractions including a corn maze and pumpkin activities, making it a popular choice for families.
- Season: Apple season begins August 2026; Ripening schedule
- Hours: Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. during the seasonal schedule
- Activities: Corn maze, cow train & apple cannon on Saturdays & Sundays (starting Labor Day weekend) + kids’ zone with farm related activities
- Location & Contact: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 / (828) 685-1685
Justus Orchard
Justus Orchard is a fifth-generation family-owned farm where you can pick your own apples and enjoy a full day of farm activities. In addition to the orchard, the farm features a bakery, taproom, playground, weekend activities, and a barnyard.
- Season: August through early October; Ripening schedule
- Hours: Orchard-Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Bakery closes at 5:00; Taproom-Open Fridays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Sundays, 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Activities: Playground open daily; Cow train, apple cannon, and jumping pillow available on Saturdays & Sundays
- Location & Contact: 3807 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792 / (828) 685-9917
Mountain Fresh Orchards
Mountain Fresh Orchards is a family-owned Hendersonville apple orchard and roadside fruit & vegetable market and bakery. Guests can shop for fresh-picked apples, cider, baked goods, seasonal veggies, pumpkins, gourds, and other fall decor and take a ride on the Apple Express train.
- Season: Opens August 19, 2026; Ripening schedule
- Hours: Daily, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. during the season
- Activities: Apple Express train rides
- Location & Contact: 2887 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC 28792 / (828) 435-0020
Sky Top Orchard
Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Flat Rock, Sky Top Orchard is one of the most popular apple-picking destinations near Asheville. Along with U-pick apples, you’ll find mountain views, cider donuts, hand-made pies, pizza, a farm market, and activities for all ages.
- Season: U-pick typically begins in early August and continues into mid-November; Ripening schedule
- Hours: Daily, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during August, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. during September
- Activities: Hayrides, bee train, apple cannon, gem mining, farm animals, bamboo forest, and a playground — all open daily
- Location & Contact: 1193 Pinnacle Mtn Rd Zirconia, NC 28731 / (828) 692-7930
- 2026 U-Pick Update: Timed U-Pick tickets are optional but recommended and are the only way to guarantee U-Pick availability. Each $30 ticket includes one U-Pick bag shared by up to five people, with additional pickers costing $4 each. New appointment slots are released Wednesdays at noon. Walk-up U-Pick is available only if bags/fruit remain.
Coston Farm
Coston Farm is a fourth-generation Hendersonville apple farm offering pick-your-own apples, fresh-picked fruit, a bakery, cider, and plenty of classic apple-country treats. The farm also has a playground and picnic area, making it a family-friendly option for a fall afternoon.
- Season: Open beginning August 8, 2026 through early November; Ripening schedule
- Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Activities: Playground open daily
- Location & Contact: 3748 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 / (828) 685-8352
Jeter Mountain Farm
Jeter Mountain Farm offers one of the most expansive fall farm experiences near Asheville. Its fall U-pick season includes more than 25 varieties of apples, along with seasonal food, live music, a bakery, coffee, hard cider, BBQ, and other farm activities.
- Season: Fall season runs September 3–November 1, 2026; Harvest calendar
- Hours: September 3 – November 1: Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Activities: Live bluegrass music from 11-3 every Saturday & Sunday, indoor play area, tractor-pulled wagons into the orchard.
- Location & Contact: 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739 / (828) 513-0656
- U-Pick Reservations: Required for U-pick experiences for each member of your party age 2 and up. Reserve your U-pick time slot in advance or check for availability when you arrive.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is a fourth-generation family farm on a 100-acre property just outside Hendersonville. Along with pick-your-own apples, the farm offers seasonal flowers, pumpkins, grapes, a bakery, a farm market with local goods, and fun fall activities for the whole family.
- Season: Open beginning August 15, 2026 through late October; Ripening schedule
- Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Sunday,10:00 a.m-6:00 p.m.
- Activities: Corn maze, wagon rides, apple cannon, jump pad
- Location & Contact: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792 / (828) 685-9083
Tips for Visiting an Apple Orchard
A little planning can make your apple-picking adventure much easier, especially during the busy September and October weekends.
- Check what’s currently picking. Apple varieties ripen at different times, so don’t assume your favorite variety will be available throughout the season.
- Verify hours on the orchard’s website before you go. Orchard schedules can change based on weather, crop conditions, and the time of year.
- Make a reservation when necessary. Some orchards now use timed U-pick reservations, including Jeter Mountain Farm and Sky Top Orchard.
- Plan around the crowds. September and October weekends can be busy. If your schedule allows, try visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Orchards in the mountains can have uneven, grassy, muddy, or sloped terrain.
- Dress in layers. Mountain temperatures can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.
- Check the pet policy before bringing your canine friend along for the ride. Rules vary by farm and may differ between the market, orchard, wagon rides, and other areas.
- Bring water and sun protection. You’ll likely spend more time outdoors than you expect.
- Follow the farm’s picking rules. Stay in designated areas, use the provided containers when required, and don’t climb trees or pick fruit that isn’t ready.
- Leave room for the bakery. Apple cider donuts, fried apple pies, fresh cider, and other seasonal treats are half the fun.
- Bring a cooler. It’s an easy way to keep your haul fresh while you continue exploring the area.
When is Apple Picking Season in NC?
Apple picking season in North Carolina typically begins in late summer and stretches into early fall, with harvest dates varying based on elevation, weather, orchard conditions, and apple variety. In Western North Carolina, some early varieties, such as Ginger Gold, Sweet Maia, and Gala, can be ready as early as mid-to-late August, while popular varieties like Jonagold, Fuji, and Pink Lady often reach their peak in September and early October.
Because ripening schedules can vary from orchard to orchard, be sure to check each orchard’s harvest calendar and updates before you visit. The ripening schedules linked in the descriptions above can help you plan your trip and find your favorite varieties at their best.
Bottom Line
Apple picking is one of the best ways to welcome fall in Western North Carolina.With so many orchards within an easy drive of Asheville, it’s an easy way to spend a day enjoying U-pick apples, farm activities, mountain scenery, and plenty of seasonal treats along the way.
If you’re hoping to make Asheville or the surrounding mountains more than a fall destination, Altamont Property Group can help you find your place in Western North Carolina. We’d love to help you turn your vision for mountain living into a reality.
Apple Picking in WNC FAQ
When is the North Carolina Apple Festival in 2026?
The 2026 North Carolina Apple Festival takes place September 4-7, 2026, over Labor Day weekend in downtown Hendersonville. The annual event celebrates Henderson County’s apple-growing heritage with food, arts and crafts, live music, family activities, and the King Apple Parade.
Can I pick apples along the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Yes! The Orchard at Altapass, located in Spruce Pine at Milepost 328.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers an apple-picking experience along with mountain views, live music, barn swallow and butterfly habitats, walking trails, and seasonal activities. The orchard is open seasonally from early May through the last weekend of October, with early varieties for apple picking starting in July. Always check current Blue Ridge Parkway road status and closures before your trip, as access can change.
What are other great activities to do in fall in Asheville?
Fall in Asheville offers much more than apple picking, from scenic drives and hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway to festivals, farmers markets, seasonal food and drink, and Halloween activities. For more ideas, check out our WNC Fall Activities Guide.
