A Guide to Apple Picking in the Carolinas!

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Growing up in New England when I think of fall, I tend to think about all of the traditional fall things…the leaves changing colors, warm sweaters, chilly nights, and allllll the apple recipes! However, since moving down South, I soon realized that apple picking in the Charleston area just wasn’t a reality. Good thing there are so many other amazing things to love about the Lowcountry!

The good news is that you don’t have to travel too far to take part in this traditional fall activity. There are some great u-pick orchards in the Carolinas that are just a few hours away. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or weekend away, check these places out for apple picking!

*Thank you so much to our sister site, Columbia City Moms for sharing this wonderful information with us! Heading to Columbia? Check out their resource page filled with things to do and see around Columbia! 

Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck current links on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them.


Bryson’s U-Pick Apple Orchard

1011 Chattooga Ridge Rd.
Mountain Rest, SC 29664
(864) 647-9427

If you’re looking for a full day or weekend apple adventure, then consider Bryson’s. They press their own cider and have free samples. This orchard has a wide selection of jams and jellies, canned goods, honey from bees, sorghum syrup, and local vegetables when in season. Bryson’s is located in the beautiful Long Creek area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, three miles from the Chattooga River, fifteen miles from Oconee State Park, and six miles from Chau Ram State Park. Lakes Keowee, Jocassee, and Hartwell, along with over twenty waterfalls, and many marked hiking trails are just a few of the surrounding area attractions.


Chattooga Belle Farm

454 Damascus Church Road
Long Creek, SC 29658
(864) 647-9768

The farm has a variety of produce throughout the seasons including apples and peach orchards, muscadines, scuppernongs, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. They also have a variety of exotic fruits like persimmons, pawpaws, Asian pears, figs, and more! In addition, they offer cabins for rent and have a bistro, as well as farm tours, a disc golf course, and a distillery. It’s also a wedding venue, so call ahead.


Justus Orchard

187 Garren Rd.
Hendersonville NC 28792
(828) 974-1232

Here you will find U Pick or We Pick Apples, blackberries, and pumpkins  Whether you choose to U Pick or We Pick, you can sample, mix and match to make sure go home with your favorite apples for eating or cooking. Tour the orchard picking apples, stop by the pond to see the ducks, visit the farm animals, let the kids take a ride on the Cow Train through the orchard, visit the Apple House for pre-picked Apples, Honey, Jams, Jellies and Preserves, and other homemade goodies.


The Orchard at Altapass

1025 Orchard Rd
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(888) 765-9531

There are over 40 apple varieties at The Orchard at Altapass. You can make a weekend of this trip. There is a restaurant that serves lunch daily and many local restaurants nearby. Check out their website for a full list and schedule of things offered!


Sky Top Orchard

1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd
Zirconia, NC 28731 (Flat Rock area, NC)
(828) 692-7930

Visit Sky Top Orchard and you’ll enjoy panoramic mountain views, orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a ‘barnyard’ area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys and more. There is also a bamboo forest to explore, lots of picnic areas, and, of course, a mountaintop of fragrant apple and fruit trees.  Click this link to plan your visit and view their downloadable map to see all they have to offer. If you can, plan your visit for a weekday. Sky Top can get very crowded on the weekends. And don’t forget to check out their apple cider doughnuts!


Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

170 Stepp Orchard Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 685-9083

Enjoy a day on this 70-acre working farm and apple orchard on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina just outside Historic Hendersonville, near Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hillcrest Orchard was Hendersonville and Henderson County’s First Pick-Your-Own Apple Orchard. There are hayrides, a corn maze, and even an apple cannon!


Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill

1860 Black Hwy
York, SC 29745
(803) 684-0690

Windy Hill Orchard is a family-owned and operated boutique apple orchard and Hard Cider producer located in the upstate of South Carolina. Open every fall from mid-August until Christmas, they offer visitors, Award-Winning Hard CidersPick Your Own Apples, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider, Fresh Made Apple Products, and much, much more.

What are your favorite fall activities?

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Jody Vitali
Jody and her family made the change from big city life in Chicago to the suburbs of Charleston and couldn't be happier! With an undergraduate degree from Elon University, and a Masters in Counseling from DePaul University, Jody's career path took a different turn when given the opportunity to take over ownership of Charleston Moms. This new adventure has left Jody with so much excitement for continuing the great work that CM has already started, and also very little free time as any business owner knows! In between balancing the responsibilities of being a WAHM, Jody enjoys spending time/keeping up with her two young daughters, date nights with her husband Rob, practicing yoga, exploring Charleston, and indulging in some retail therapy.