10 Apple Orchards Near Charlotte Perfect for a Fall Outing

Fall is the season for crisp air, colorful leaves, and—of course—apple picking! Lucky for Charlotte locals, there are plenty of orchards within a two-hour drive where you can grab a basket and pick your own apples. Here are 10 great options to check out this season:

1. Apple Hill Orchard – Morganton, NC

From cider and baked treats to educational tours, Apple Hill has something for everyone. Don’t miss their famous apple cider doughnuts before heading home.
Address: 2075 Pleasant Hill Avenue, Morganton, NC
U-Pick: Open six days a week; $3.50 per person for a picking pass.

2. Blueberry Thrill Farm – Gibsonville, NC

This family-run farm, around since 1982, lets you pick apples, pumpkins, and muscadines. A perfect way to spend a crisp fall morning.
Address: 6938 Eaglesfield Road, Gibsonville, NC
U-Pick: Saturdays from 8 a.m.–noon.

3. Carrigan Farms – Mooresville, NC

Take a tractor-pulled hayride through easy-to-pick apple rows. September tickets are sold out, but keep an eye out for October openings.
Address: 1261 Oakridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, NC

4. Jeter Mountain Farm – Hendersonville, NC

With over 25 apple varieties, this orchard is just a short drive from historic downtown Hendersonville. No reservation is needed.
Address: 1126 Jeter Mountain Road, Hendersonville, NC
U-Pick Hours: Thurs–Fri: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sat–Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

5. Millstone Creek Orchards – Ramseur, NC

Tickets include a bag of apples, cider tastings, a hayride, and a mini apple cider slushy—a fun treat for all ages.
Address: 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road, Ramseur, NC
U-Pick: Select weekends in September, $18.95 per person.

6. Perry Lowe Orchard – Moravian Falls, NC

This orchard is full of activities: tractor playground, apple cannon, megaslide, and more. A tractor ride through the orchard is included in the $2 admission.
Address: 4085 Price Road, Moravian Falls, NC
U-Pick Hours: Fri: 1–5 p.m.; Sat–Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., through October.

7. Sky Top Orchard – Zirconia, NC

Perched on a mountaintop, Sky Top offers picnic spots, farm animals, and plenty of apple goodies—think jams, cider, and fudge!
Address: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Zirconia, NC
U-Pick: Season is underway; check online for available varieties.

8. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard – Hendersonville, NC

Pick apples, navigate a corn maze, and enjoy mountain views. A full day of autumn fun awaits here.
Address: 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville, NC
U-Pick Hours: Fri–Sat: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Mon–Thu: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

9. The Orchard at Altapass – Spruce Pine, NC

This orchard features more than 20 apple varieties and hosts live music events throughout the season.
Address: 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC
U-Pick: Hourly tours, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Wednesday–Sunday.

10. Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill – York, SC

After picking your apples, reward yourself with hard cider, apple doughnuts, and fresh goods from the farm stand. Reservations are required.
Address: 1860 Black Highway, York, SC

🍁 Pro Tip: Pack snacks, drinks, or even a picnic, and enjoy a full day outdoors. Most orchards offer hayrides, corn mazes, and other family-friendly activities—making it the perfect fall adventure close to Charlotte.