Apple Picking Guide in the Charlotte Area
The crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy sweaters all signal one of our favorite fall traditions—apple picking! The season is short in the Charlotte area, but that makes the experience even sweeter.
I’ve enjoyed apple picking since I was a child growing up in Ohio. Apple orchards nearby offer not just fresh apples, but also hayrides, cider, donuts, and plenty of family fun. Here are a few of our top picks for apple picking adventures this fall in the Charlotte area.
Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill
📍 1860 Black Hwy | York, SC | (803) 684-0690
Just a short drive from Charlotte, Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill is our top choice for local apple picking. Known for its homemade apple cider donuts, live weekend music, and family hayrides, Windy Hill is full of fall charm. Adults will love sampling the delicious hard cider, while kids enjoy the festive atmosphere. Mark your calendars for the Apple Heritage Festival on October 15th, a celebration of all things apple!
Carrigan Farms
📍 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy | Mooresville, NC | (704) 664-1450
Carrigan Farms offers a wide range of apple varieties throughout the season, from Red and Golden Delicious in September to Evercrisp and Gold Rush in October. Each visit includes a hayride to the orchard and a stop at the farm’s petting zoo. For thrill-seekers, don’t miss Scarigan Farms, a haunted trail experience on select October nights (recommended for ages 12+).
Sky Top Orchard
📍 3403 Greenville Hwy | Flat Rock, NC | (828) 692-7930
🕘 Open daily, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (cash only)
Located about 90 miles from Charlotte, Sky Top Orchard is worth the trip for its stunning mountain views and some of the best apples around. Families love the orchard’s play area, the farm stand filled with apple goodies, and the fresh hot cider paired with apple cider donuts. Whether you make it a weekend getaway or a day trip, Sky Top is a fall must-do!
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
📍 170 Stepp Orchard Dr. | Hendersonville, NC | (828) 685-9083
🕘 Mon–Sat 9:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sun 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
A fourth-generation family farm, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 40 acres of apple trees and 26 apple varieties, it’s one of the largest orchards in the region. Families can enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, jump pads, apple cannons, and even bring along the family dog! Be sure to try the pumpkin doughnuts, fritters, and kettle corn, and keep an eye out for pumpkins as the season progresses.
Tips for Apple Picking Success
- Call ahead or check online for availability—apple varieties ripen quickly and may sell out.
- Wear comfortable shoes—orchards can be muddy or hilly.
- Bring cash for farm stands (some orchards are cash-only).
- Don’t forget your camera—between hayrides, orchards, and mountain views, there are plenty of photo ops!
For more Fall Family Fun, check out our posts here, here, and here.
Happy Fall Y’all!
Credits
Photography – Sarah Sofia Productions
I have never been apple picking, but I am determined to go- this year. For us, it may require a bit of a drive, but I think it would be really fun to do it one weekend this fall! Your kids looked like they enjoyed it!
Hey Logan, it’s totally worth the drive to go apple picking! We all really do enjoy it and you can make a entire day out of it if you go somewhere with a petting farm and place to hike! Happy Fall!
I need to find an apple picking place here in Florida! This looks like so so much fun!
Sounds like we have a lot in common–I grew up in Ohio (and taught there and took students to local apple orchard each fall) and just moved to Charlotte. I am looking for great orchards, but I like you, don’t want to break the bank!
What a wonderful family tradition! Thank you for sharing!
Janae Smith
http://www.hiyallblog.blogspot.com
I need to find somewhere to go apple picking in Texas, it seems like such a fun family thing to do!
Old World New
We went apple picking a couple of weeks ago! It was so much fun! We look forward to it every year!
What a fun memory and tradition! Great pictures too!!!