Get To Know Your City: Your Guide to the Best Apple Picking Near Charlotte, NC

Deeandra Michel,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – There’s a certain magic in the air when summer’s swelter gives way to crisp mornings and golden afternoons. Fall tiptoes in with its cozy sweaters, cinnamon-scented candles, and—perhaps the best seasonal rite of all—apple picking.

It’s the ultimate “hello” to cooler days: wandering rows of trees, filling baskets with juicy reds and tart greens, and pretending you’re in a rom-com set in the countryside. Whether you’re chasing the perfect apple pie ingredient or just an Instagram-worthy cider moment, Charlotte is a short drive from some of the region’s sweetest orchards.

Ripe Organic Apples In A Wooden Boxes On The Background Of An Apple Orchard.

Here’s where to grab your friends, family, or a date and kick off fall the tastiest way possible.

 Best Orchards for Apple Picking Near Charlotte

  1. Sky Top Orchard – Flat Rock, NC
    • Drive from Charlotte: ~2 hours
    • Known for its stunning mountain views, farm animals, and famous hot apple cider donuts, Sky Top is practically a fall pilgrimage spot. Go early in the season for the widest variety.

     

  2. Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard – Hendersonville, NC
    • Drive from Charlotte: ~2 hours
    • This family-run orchard offers pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, and grapes. They also have a corn maze and wagon rides, making it perfect for kids and kid-at-heart adults.

     

  3. Justus Orchard – Hendersonville, NC
    • Drive from Charlotte: ~2 hours
    • Great for those who like variety—pick-your-own apples, shop for fresh baked goods, and try their hard cider. They also offer a shady picnic area for lingering over your harvest.

     

  4. Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill – Morganton, NC
    • Drive from Charlotte: ~1.5 hours
    • A charming orchard with pick-your-own apples, fresh-pressed cider, and a bakery that will make you question why you didn’t come hungrier.

     

  5. Carrigan Farms – Mooresville, NC
    • Drive from Charlotte: ~45 minutes
    • Closest orchard to Charlotte. Offers apple picking in early fall plus hayrides and a quarry for swimming (in warmer months). Great for a quick autumn escape.

     

  6. Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill – York County, SC
    • Drive from Charlotte: ~ 1 hour
    • All pick-your-own requires a pre-purchased reservation. Check out the hard cider tastings, and don’t leave without an apple cider doughnut, an apple cider slush or fried apple pie.

7. Perry Lowe Orchard

    • Drive from Charlotte: ~1.5 hours
    • Perry Lowe Orchard offers about 30 varieties of u-pick apples. Advance reservations are required. While you’re there, shop for in-season produce, apple cider and a variety of dried apples. Kids can enjoy the Megaslide, apple cannon, jump pad, tractor playground and bee train.

 

 

🍂 Tips for the Perfect Apple Picking Day

  • Check ripeness & variety schedules: Different apples ripen at different times—call ahead or check the orchard’s website.
  • Bring cash: Many small orchards still prefer cash for entry, produce, or treats.
  • Dress in layers: Fall weather in NC can swing from brisk to warm in a single afternoon.
  • Go early: Avoid crowds and get the best pick of the trees.
  • Don’t forget the donuts: Apple cider donuts are practically a requirement at most orchards—no skipping.