Top 10 Apple Orchards Within 2 Hours of Charlotte

Discover the Best Apple Picking Spots Near Charlotte

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the tradition of apple picking, and for those in and around Charlotte, North Carolina, there are numerous orchards within a two-hour drive where you can experience this seasonal activity. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly outing or a peaceful retreat into nature, these orchards offer a variety of experiences.

Apple Hill Orchard

Apple Hill Orchard is a must-visit for those who want to combine apple picking with a range of other activities. This orchard features a cider mill, a country store, educational tours, group tours, and a bakery. Don’t forget to grab some cider and sweets, including apple cider doughnuts, before heading home.

Location: 2075 Pleasant Hill Avenue, Morganton, North Carolina
Hours: The bakery and U-pick are open six days a week. Reservations for picking can be made online for $3.50 per person.

Blueberry Thrill Farm

This second-generation family-owned farm has been around since 1982 and offers a unique opportunity to pick your own apples, pumpkins, and muscadines. It's a great spot for families looking for an authentic farming experience.

Location: 6938 Eaglesfield Road, Gibsonville, North Carolina
Hours: Open Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Carrigan Farms

Carrigan Farms offers a fun way to pick apples with tractor-drawn hayrides that take you through rows of short apple trees. While apple picking tickets for September are sold out, more may be available in October.

Location: 1261 Oakridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, North Carolina

Jeter Mountain Farm

Jeter Mountain Farm is located just minutes from downtown historic Hendersonville and offers over 25 varieties of apples for picking. No reservation is required, making it a convenient option for spontaneous visits.

Location: 1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hours: Open Thursday–Friday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Millstone Creek Orchards

Millstone Creek Orchards offers a special experience on select Saturdays and Sundays in September. For $18.95, you get access to the orchard, a bag of U-pick apples, apple and cider tastings, a hayride, and a four-ounce apple cider slushy.

Location: 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, North Carolina
Reservations: Available online.

Perry Lowe Orchard

Perry Lowe Orchard requires reservations, which can be made online. In addition to apple picking, the orchard offers a variety of fun activities like a tractor playground, jump pad, apple cannon, megaslide, and bee train. A tractor ride through the orchard is included with the $2 admission.

Location: 4085 Price Road, Moravian Falls, North Carolina
Hours: U-pick open Friday from 1 p.m.–5 p.m., Saturday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. through October.

Sky Top Orchard

Sky Top Orchard is a beautiful mountaintop location where you can pick apples, bring a picnic, meet farm animals, and relax with friends and family. They also have a wide selection of apple-related goods such as apple butter, jams, fudge, and cider.

Location: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Zirconia, North Carolina
Hours: U-pick season has begun. Check the website for available varieties.

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard offers a full day of activities, including apple picking, hayrides, and a corn maze, all set against beautiful mountain views. You can find detailed information about the apple varieties and their possible uses on their website.

Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hours: U-pick open Friday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Monday–Thursday from 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

The Orchard at Altapass

The Orchard at Altapass boasts more than 20 varieties of apples and regularly hosts events with live music. Plan your visit and explore the orchard during its U-pick season.

Location: 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Hours: U-pick tours happen every hour, on the hour from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday.

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

After picking your apples, wind down with a flight of hard cider and apple doughnuts at Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill. The farm stand is open for to-go purchases, and the Cider Bar serves hard cider for drinking.

Location: 1860 Black Highway, York, South Carolina
Reservations: Required.