If you're looking for a fun-filled fall outing near Greenville, several orchards offer delightful apple-picking experiences along with family-friendly activities. With bumpy hayrides, play areas for kids, and the chance to sample fresh apple cider, these orchards make for an ideal day trip. Plus, you’ll be treated to stunning mountain vistas while you wander through the orchards, ensuring you soak in all the beauty autumn has to offer. Don't miss out on this engaging way to celebrate the season!
1. Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
Where: 2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Key Features: Pre-picked/U-Pick apples on select weekends; Country store; Free outdoor playground (including a hay maze, straw bales, tunnel, tetherball, basketball hoops, photo ops, and more); Corn maze; Apple cannons: Cow train; and Singing silo.
Grandad's Orchard truly embodies a sense of home with its inviting charm! Nestled in Hendersonville, NC, this quaint 100-acre family farm and apple orchard is perfect for a day of fun. Starting later in July, guests can choose from freshly picked apples available daily or enjoy the joy of U-Pick on select weekends. As fall arrives, the pumpkin patch showcases a delightful selection of pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns in all shapes and sizes. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store you can find festive fall decorations and unique apple-themed gifts. And for a sweet treat, swing by the bakery for hot cider donuts, freshly baked apple pies, apple bread, cookies, and refreshing apple cider slushies—there's something delicious for everyone to enjoy!
2. Jeter Mountain Farm
Where: 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Key Features: Pet-friendly areas; U-Pick apples, peaches, blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, flowers, and pumpkins; Cider Co. Taproom; 1813 Smokehouse; Coffeehouse; and Bakery.
Jeter Mountain Farm is a delightful blend of luxury and rustic charm, complete with an indoor playground and stunning views. Renowned for its exceptional hard cider made from fresh apples grown in its picturesque orchard, the farm offers a unique experience with family-friendly activities and diverse events throughout the season. Guests can indulge in tasting sessions of artisanal ciders while exploring the scenic surroundings, making it an ideal destination for cider enthusiasts and nature lovers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy delicious barbecue and coffee available on-site.
3. Sky Top Orchard
Where: 3403 Greenville Highway Flat Rock, NC 28731
Key Features: Big open-air playground; Farm animals; Bamboo forest; Apple cannons; Gem mining; Bee train; Hay rides; and U-Pick/Pre-picked apples.
Sky Top Orchard is definitely a beloved destination for visitors from Greenville, especially during the harvest season! It's a super fun place for the whole family! Kids will love exploring the playful wooden pumpkin playhouses and shaded sand box. There are tractor rides and an adorable bee train that they won't get enough of. Make sure to feed the friendly farm animals and don't miss the apple cannon. Plus, their apple cider donuts are an absolute must-try.
4. Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard
Where: 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Key Features: Pet-friendly areas; U-Pick/Pre-picked apples (plus sunflowers, grapes, zinnias, pumpkins, and tulips); Corn maze; Jump pillow (paid experience); Apple cannons; and Wagon rides.
Offering a vast variety of apples, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a covered jumping pillow for the littlest, Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard guarantees a day full of fun and games. Their bakery serves delicious apple pies and cider donuts.
5. Mountain Fresh Orchard
Where: 2887 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Mountain Fresh Orchards is the ideal spot for those seeking a charming country store experience, filled with seasonal fall decor and delectable treats, though they do not offer U-Pick options. It's a fantastic spot for home decorating during the autumn months, and stands out among Hendersonville's orchards with its diverse selection of ciders and juices—from apple and cherry apple to peach, muscadine, blueberry, scuppernong, and blackberry. Visitors can also enjoy a warm cup of mulled hot cider or coffee, making it a perfect place to savor the season.
6. Apple Hill Orchard
Where: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC 28655
Apple Hill Orchard may be the farthest drive from Greenville, SC, but it boasts a unique on-site cider mill and and a bountiful selection of ripe apples at competitive prices. This family-friendly destination offers apple picking and a delightful country store filled with various apple treats, jams, jellies, and local honey, ensuring a fun experience for visitors of all ages. To pick apples or flowers, each person needs a $3.50 Picking Pass (free for children 2 and under), and groups are required to purchase at least one picking container, which costs $9 for a small bag that holds about 12 apples. Be sure to check their website before planning your visit!
7. Justus Orchard
Where: 187 Garren Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Key Features: Seasonal fruit picking; Hayrides; Cow train rides; Farm animals; Jump pillow; On-site country store with fresh produce and local products; and Free outdoor playground with a sand box.
Justus Orchard, a fifth-generation family apple farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina, provides visitors with a charming range of attractions, including tractor tours, a honey bee exhibit, and friendly farm animals, complemented by a fun jump pillow and a free outdoor playground set against stunning mountain vistas. Don't miss the serene duck pond for added fun. To complete the experience, their bakery delights guests with mouthwatering donuts, pies, and delicious apple fritters, making Justus Orchard an ideal destination for families and apple lovers alike. In addition to its apple offerings, Justus Orchard grows and sells blackberries during the summer.
8. Coston Farm and Apple House
Where: 3748 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Coston Farm, a fourth-generation family-owned U-Pick apple orchard, provides a budget-friendly experience with fewer crowds, making it ideal for families. Guests can explore the delightful farm store, which offers tasty baked goods, while younger children enjoy the outdoor playground. The orchard features a wide variety of apple options, including Cameo, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, Granny Smith, Fuji, Stayman, Cortland, and Arkansas Black.
9. Windy Hill Orchard
Where: 1860 Black Hwy, York, SC 29745
Key Features: Apple picking (reservations required); Hard cider tasting; and Live music events.
This cozy, family-owned farm in York, SC, about 90 minutes from Greenville, SC, offers a charming atmosphere with a variety of fun activities, including apple picking, hard cider tasting, and live music events. While it may be smaller and have fewer activities compared to larger orchards in the Upstate or North Carolina mountains, it features a unique appeal that makes for an enjoyable visit. Just be sure to make an online reservation in advance for apple picking!
10. Linda's Plants & Shrubs
Where: 308 Stepp Acres Ln, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Key Features: Diverse selection of plants and shrubs; Personalized landscaping services; Seasonal plants; and Pumpkin maze.
Linda's Plants & Shrubs in Hendersonville is a delightful spot where you can find a thoughtfully curated selection of ornamental and landscape plants, along with friendly gardening advice to help you spruce up your outdoor spaces. This fall, don’t miss their super fun pumpkin maze, featuring winding tunnels, dead ends, two giant corn pits, and a gigantic Jack-o’-lantern perfect for a photo op! Wear your costumes for an extra dose of fun, and enjoy a straw playground. Plus, when the fall festivities wrap up, the place turns into a cozy Christmas wonderland while keeping the maze and corn pits open for holiday fun! During our last visit, a kid's ticket for the maze was $5, and no registration was needed! Just be sure to check their website or give them a call for the latest information before you head out. Enjoy your adventure!
11. J&M Farms
Where: 3016 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Key Features: Country store; Chickens; Live music on select weekends; and Creative bale art.
J&M Farms in Hendersonville is the perfect destination that has a bit of everything for everyone sans the crowds! They offer a wide variety of apples, local food items, and crafts, plus you can enjoy wine tasting from a local winery. Kids will have a blast visiting the chickens, playing corn hole, and snapping pictures with the most creative hay bale art out there. Be sure to check them out!
If you’re planning a fun apple-picking outing in Hendersonville, you’re in for a treat! Apples are usually ready for picking from early August all the way to October, but the sweet spot is definitely mid-September to October when the weather is cooler and the fall leaves are simply stunning. You'll find delicious varieties like Jonagold, Gala, and Honey Crisp waiting for you, along with classics like Rome, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious that come a bit later in the season.
Remember, fall doesn't last forever, so make the most of apple picking season while it lasts. Each orchard has its unique charm and fun activities, making each visit a different and memorable experience.
After the Orchard: Great Experiences Nearby
Planning a day around apple picking in Hendersonville is a great idea, as there's so much to enjoy! After your apple adventure, why not explore Downtown Hendersonville, where you can stroll through charming streets filled with craft breweries, tasty restaurants, and unique shops; be sure to check out the free Mineral & Lapidary Museum. For a family-friendly activity, visit Elijah Mountain Gem Mine and Goat Farm for some gem mining and adorable goat interactions. If you're up for some outdoor fun, DuPont State Forest offers stunning waterfall hikes—just get there early for the popular 3-waterfall trek!
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