There's nothing quite like the taste of a fresh-picked apple, and apple orchards in Hendersonville NC are the perfect place to go apple picking in the fall.
With over a dozen orchards to choose from, Hendersonville NC has more apple orchards than any other place in North Carolina AND you're sure to find the perfect orchard for you and your family to enjoy a day of apple picking, cider tasting, and fall fun.
In this guide, we'll take explore he best apple orchards in Hendersonville NC. We'll provide information on what types of apples they offer, what other activities they have to offer, and information on baked goods and other items for sale.
We'll also also share some personal some tips for planning your apple picking adventure so you can make the most of your day.
When visiting Hendersonville NC apple orchards, here are some of the things you can expect:
- Pick your own apples (u-pick apples): This is the main event, of course! Most orchards have a variety of apple varieties to choose from, so you can pick your favorites.
- Cider tasting: Many orchards have cider mills on site, where you can sample fresh-pressed cider.
- Apple Cider Donuts: A favorite treat for apple lovers. These delicious and moist donuts cannot be missed!
- Other activities: Some orchards offer other activities, such as hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.
- Fall fun: Apple picking is a great way to enjoy the fall weather and scenery.
When is Apple Season in NC?
Apple season at apple orchards in Hendersonville NC typically runs from late August to late October. However, the exact dates vary depending on the weather and the variety of apples being grown.
Here is a general timeline of apple season in Hendersonville:
- Late August: Early-season apples, such as Gala and Fuji, start to ripen.
- September: Mid-season apples, such as Honeycrisp and Jonagold, start to ripen.
- October: Late-season apples, such as Granny Smith and Winesap, start to ripen.
It's always a good idea to check the orchard's website or call ahead before you go to confirm the dates of apple season.
Best Apple Orchards in Hendersonville NC
While Hendersonville NC has more than 20 Apple Orchards, the orchards below are the very best Hendersonville has to offer. All of these orchards provide both u-pick and we-pick options, many different varieties of apples, a store with many different apple and mountain products, a bakery with delicious apple goods, and other activities to enjoy while you are there.
Many of these are open all day, seven days a week as well, beginning in mid August.
All of these apple orchards near Hendersonville NC are places you can visit and literally spend hours enjoying the orchards, activities, and everything they have to offer. These apple orchards all make for a wonderful and fun day out for the whole family.
Jeter Mountain Farm
Address: 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC
One of our favorites, Jeter Mountain Farm is a large family-owned and operated apple orchard and farm located in Hendersonville NC. They have been growing apples for over 30 years, and they offer a variety of apples for picking, as well as other activities and events throughout the year.
Jeter Mountain Farms offers over 25 varieties of u-pick apples, including all of the most popular like: Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, Honeycrisp and more.
Jeter Mountain Farms has a cider mill on site, where you can sample fresh-pressed cider. They also offer hard cider, which is also made at the orchard. Their award wining hard ciders can be sampled via a tasting from the Cider Tap Room. Our favorite was the JMF Original, which is a semi-dry blend of apples, that is sweet on the front. The seasonal brews are excellent as well!
Cider donuts, a favorite among apple lovers are made right there in the donut bakery, with their own fresh pressed cider, and are made daily, and available to purchase and eat hot and fresh. They are the best of the best and smell incredible!
In addition to apple picking, Jeter Mountain Farms offers a variety of other activities, such as: Hayrides, a corn maze, playground, store, live music, and even food. The 1813 Smokehouse serves up some fantastic BBQ and sides which go down great with a sparkling cider. The sandwiches we had were huge!
Be sure to grab an Apple Butter Latte at the full service Coffee Shop, they are delicious!
One of the unique aspects of the farm is that the main orchards and berry picking areas aren't immediately next to the main Apple house. To reach their u-pick orchards, you ride behind a tractor in a covered trailer out to orchards, where their super friendly staff will assist you and provide tips for picking apples and berries.
Jeter Mountain Farm also has fields of wildflower and sunflowers that can be picked as well. These fields make for wonderful photo opportunties with the family.
Jeter Mountain Farms is a wonderful place to go apple picking in Hendersonville NC. They offer a variety of apples, as well as other activities and events throughout the year. Whether you're looking for a fun day out with the family or a romantic getaway for two, Jeter Mountain Farms is the perfect place to enjoy the fall season.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard
Address: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC
If you're looking for a wonderful orchard, that's a little less busy than others, yet still provides wonderful u-pick apples, flowers, and lots of amenities, Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard is the place and one of our vfavorites.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm located in Hendersonville NC. They have been growing apples for over 100 years, and they offer a variety of apples for picking, as well as other activities and events throughout the year. The views of the surrounding mountains from the farm are stunning.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard offers over 20 different varieties of apples, including all of the ones you would expect such as: Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Empire, Winesap, and others.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard sells a cider in their Apple house store. In their bakery, you can sample fresh-pressed cider and other backed apple products such as cider donuts, cider slushies, apple cookies, and more.
In addition to apple picking, Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard offers a variety of other farm activities, such as: Hayrides, one of the best corn mazes in the area, apple canons, and lots of photo opportunities.
In addition to u-pick apples, they also offer u-pick grapes, berries, sunflowers, and wildflowers.
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard is a wonderful place to go apple picking in Hendersonville NC. They offer a variety of apples, as well as other activities and events. They offer a fun day out for families and couples looking to enjoy the fall weather and apples.
Grandad's Apples
Address: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Photo by our friend Sherry Maddock
One of the most popular apple orchard near Hendersonville NC is Grandad's Apples. Grandad's Apples is a family-owned and operated farm located in Hendersonville, North Carolina. They have been growing apples for over 50 years, and they offer a variety of apples for picking, as well as other activities and events throughout the year.
Grandad's Apples offers over 30 varieties of apples, including: Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Cripps Pink, Mutsu, and many more.
Photo by our Friend Sherry Maddock
In addition to apple picking, Grandad's Apples offers a variety of other activities, such as: Hayrides, a large Corn Maze, Jump Pad for kids, country store, bakery and apple canons.
Be sure to visit their bakery and store, which offers up incredible apple goodness like:
- Cider donuts: These are a classic fall treat, and Grandad's Apples makes them fresh to order. They are made with real apple cider and are perfectly glazed.
- Apple cider slushies: These are a refreshing way to cool off on a hot day. They are made with fresh-pressed apple cider and are blended with ice.
- Apple fritters: These are another delicious fall treat. They are made with fresh apples and are topped with cinnamon sugar.
- Mountain glacier: This is a unique treat that is Apple Cider Slushee topped with our soft serve vanilla ice cream, topped with crumbled caramel apple cookies. It's one of the signature items Grandad's is known for.
Grandad's Apples is a great place to go apple picking in Hendersonville NC. They offer a large variety of apples, as well as other activities and events.
Justus Orchard
Address: 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Photo by our friend Sherry Maddock
Justus Apple Orchard is a family-owned and operated apple orchard and farm located in Hendersonville NC. They have been growing apples for more than 4 generations, and they offer a variety of apples for u-pick and we-pick, as well as other activities and events.
In addition to apple picking, Justus Apple Orchard offers u-pick blackberry picking as well as variety of other activities, such as: orchard rides on the "Cow Train", apple canons, an "Adventure Playground" for kids, the "Giant Jumping Pillow", a pond with ducks, farm animals and goats, and more!
Justus Apple Orchard has both a country store and a bakery. The store offers apple cider, souvenirs, jellies any many other local products. The bakery offers lots of apple goodness, like cider donuts, pies, fritters, bread, apple cider slushies and more.
Justus Apple Orchard is a great family-friendly place to go apple picking in Hendersonville NC and offers lots to do for kids.
They sell a variety of apples, as provide a number of activities to enjoy while you are visiting. Justus Apple Orchard is the perfect place to pick apples, enjoy some baked apple products, and get outdoors in the fall weather with the family.
Sky Top Orchard
Address: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd, Flat Rock, NC
Photo by our friend Sherry Maddock
When it comes to mountain apples, Sky Top Apple Orchard stands and is very popular with visitors to Hendersonville NC. This family owned apple orchard is full of apple picking adventure and fun for the entire family.
From classic Red Delicious to tangy Granny Smith, Sky Top Orchard boasts a wide array of apple varieties available for u-pick.
Apple availability varies by season, but there’s always a great selection of apples available. Autumn brings a harvest of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Golden Delicious, while late fall sees the arrival of Rome, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples.
Sky Top Orchard is also full of activities that make for a full day of fun for the whole family. There's a barnyard area housing friendly farm animals, tractor rides that take you through the scenic orchard, and even a bamboo forest for those who fancy a little exploration. Did we mention there is a playground for the kiddos as well?
After a day of apple picking and activities, make your way to the orchard store. Trust us; you wouldn't want to miss this! You'll find shelves lined with homemade ciders, preserves, and delicious apple butter. These are the perfect way to bring a bit of Sky Top Orchard home with you.
Photo by our friend Sherry Maddock
And just when you think it can't get any better, there are the baked goods. Freshly baked apple pies, mouthwatering apple cider donuts, and their famous apple fritters are just a few items they offer. Make sure to save some room in your bags (and your stomachs!) because these treats are too delicious to pass up!
Sky Top Orchard is more than just an apple orchard; it's an experience and an apple adventure.
Mountain Fresh Orchards
Address: 2887 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC
For over 30 years, Mountain Fresh Orchards has been cultivating delicious apples in Hendersonville, NC. As a family-owned and operated orchard, they offer a diverse selection of popular apples that are conveniently we-pick, meaning they handle the picking for you. But that's not all - Mountain Fresh Orchards goes above and beyond to provide an unforgettable experience.
Explore their orchards on the "Apple Express" train rides and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery. And don't forget to visit their Market and Bakery, where you'll find a tantalizing array of delights. Indulge in their mouthwatering apple cider donuts, pies, apple bread, cakes, fritters, and croissants - just to name a few. Accompanying these delectable treats, you'll also find an assortment of goodies such as cider, in-house baked items, ice cream, jellies, jams, and hot sauces.
At Mountain Fresh Orchards, they know what it means to appreciate the wholesome goodness of farm-fresh apple products. Come and discover the unparalleled joys that await you at their orchard, where every bite is a taste of pure delight.
Twisted Apple Orchard & Cider Mill
Address: 4039 US-64, Hendersonville, NC
Twisted Apple Orchard & Cider Mill is unique as they are the only Hendersonville NC area organic apple orchard. They also have a super cool looking logo, which just adds to all the great reasons to feature them as one of the best apple orchards in Hendersonville NC.
A visit to Twisted Apple Orchard & Cider Mill is an experience that you won't soon forget. As soon as you step onto the premises, you'll be greeted by a stunning view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Their orchard offers many different varieties of apples for u-pick or you can just purchase pre-picked apples. You can also find house-pressed ciders, gourmet jams and jellies, and many other delicious treats made with fresh apples.
In addition to great treats, you can also take part in exciting activities like hayrides and giant slingshots.
Be sure to stop by the cozy farm store for unique souvenirs, local treats, cider, or just browse through the collection of antiques in the rustic barn.
Owenby’s Apple House & Orchard
Address: 3807 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC
Owenby's Apple House & Orchard is a quaint family-owned apple orchard in Hendersonville NC. Founded over five decades ago, this orchard has been lovingly tended by generations of the Owenby family. They believe in growing apples the old-fashioned way - taking no shortcuts, just pure dedication and hard work.
The apple orchard near Hendersonville NC is home to a number of different apple varieties, each with its unique flavor profile. From the crisp Jonagold to the sweet Golden Delicious. They have all of your favorites.
Apple picking season generally kicks off in late August and lasts until October, offering you plenty of opportunities to fill your baskets with these delicious fruits.
At Owenby's Apple House & Orchard you can do more than just pick apples. In the store, visitors can find a wide selection of other fruits and vegetables, as well as homemade jams, jellies, and fresh-baked pies from the on-site bakery. The store also sells seasonal decorations and souvenirs.
They even have a large and popular corn maze you can explore!
The bakery is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to get their hands on freshly-baked pies from the orchard's very own ovens. They offer everything from traditional apple pie to unique flavors like blueberry-apple crumble. Stop by the bakery for a taste of southern hospitality!
NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville NC
The NC Apple Festival in Hendersonville, NC is an annual celebration of all things apple! Held every year since 1947, this beloved event attracts locals and tourists with its vibrant mix of shopping, food, entertainment, and family fun.
On the first Saturday of the August each year, Main Street in downtown Hendersonville closes down to make way for thousands of visitors who come to enjoy their share of freshly picked apples. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of delicious treats like apple butter, baked goods, ciders and more.
Live music adds to the festive atmosphere as guests explore local craft vendors featuring handmade jewelry and woodworking items.
Kids can have a blast at carnival rides and games while families bond over wholesome activities such as hayrides and apple tossing competitions.
The NC Apple Festival is definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable time in the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Tips for visiting Apple Orchards in Hendersonville NC
Here are some additional tips for apple picking in Hendersonville:
- Visit the orchards in the fall: The best time to go apple picking in Hendersonville is during the fall, when the apples are ripe.
- Check the orchard's website or call ahead: Some orchards have limited hours or require reservations, so it's always a good idea to check the website or call ahead before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a picnic lunch: There are often no food options at the orchards, so it's a good idea to bring a picnic lunch.
- Be prepared for crowds: Apple picking is a popular activity, so be prepared for crowds
- Visit the orchards in the morning: The apples are juiciest and the crowds are smaller in the morning.
- Bring a basket or bag to carry your apples: You'll need something to carry your apples home in!
- Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Be prepared for weather changes: The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so be prepared for anything.
Apple Orchards in Hendersonville NC FAQ
Q: Where is Hendersonville, NC located?
Hendersonville is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, just south of Asheville.
Q: What are the typical hours of operation for the apple orchards?
Most Hendersonville apple orchards operate from 9 AM to 6 PM, but hours can vary. It's always a good idea to check the specific orchard's website before planning your visit.
Q: Is there an admission fee to enter the orchards?
Many apple orchards in Hendersonville offer free admission, and you only pay for the apples you pick. However, some may charge a small fee for additional activities or events, so it's best to check their websites for detailed information.
Q: When is the best season to visit the apple orchards?
Apple season typically begins in late August and runs through October. Each variety has its own peak picking time, so if you have a favorite, be sure to plan accordingly!
Q: What types of apples can I find in Hendersonville?
Hendersonville NC is well known for a diverse range of apple varieties including Honeycrisp, Gala, Golden Delicious, Rome, Fuji, and Pink Lady. Each orchard may have different varieties, so explore a few to get a full taste of the region!
Q: Any tips for apple picking?
Absolutely! Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, and bring containers for your picked apples. Remember, pick apples by rolling them upward off the branch and give a little twist; don't pull them straight away from the tree.
Q: Can you recommend any local activities or eateries to visit after the orchard?
Of course! Downtown Hendersonville is full of with charming shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Don't miss the Hendersonville Ice Cream Trail, the Appalachian Pinball Museum, and eateries like Postero, Shine, Wood-Fired Pizza and Mezzaluna.
Q: How can I make the most of my apple picking experience?
Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and try different apple varieties. Participate in the orchard's special events, if any. And don't forget to stop by the farm store for homemade apple goodies!
Q: Any recommended accommodations nearby?
Hendersonville NC offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. From charming B&Bs to well-known hotel chains. We recommend Kanuga for a relaxing stay that's just a short drive from downtown.
Final Thoughts on Best Apple Orchards in Hendersonville NC
With many different fantastic apple orchards in Hendersonville NC, you're sure to find an Hendersonville NC apple orchard that is perfect for you and your family. Who knows, you might even find a few to visit like we did!
From crisp and tangy Granny Smiths to sweet and juicy Honeycrisps, there are plenty of apples to choose from. Keep the above tips in mind, such as selecting ripe apples and bringing your own bags, and get ready for a delightful and memorable apple picking experience in Hendersonville NC, one of the top spots for apple orchards in the North Carolina mountains.
