7 Outstanding Orchards: Picking Apples in Hendersonville, NC

Apple picking is a delight at Coston Farm with the mountains as a backdrop to the orchard. Like other orchards, they also offer delicious baked goods and apples already picked for sale.

Distance from Greenville: About 40 miles (roughly 50 minutes)

Open for 2026. U-pick apples are open

Pet Policy: No pets allowed.

Offers:

• U-pick apple orchard from late August–October (see their apple ripening calendar for varieties)
• Farm Store with pre-picked apples, pumpkins, and fall decor

With more than 20 varieties of apples, it’s easy to find a favorite at Grandad’s Apples N’ Such. Enjoy fresh cider, warm donuts, caramel apples, and pies from the on-site bakery, plus plenty of family-friendly farm fun.

Fall Season (September & October)
Opens July 31st, 2026 for Fall season

• U-Pick & Pre-Picked Apples
• Pumpkin Patch (late September–October)
• Farm Store & Bakery
• Corn Maze (additional cost)
• Cow Train (additional cost)
• Apple Cannons (additional cost)
• Play Area

Christmas on the Farm
2026 Open Day mid-November

• NC-grown Fraser Fir Christmas Trees for sale
• Christmas gift shop
• Light displays
• Seasonal baked goods
• Fresh apples for sale (grown right in their orchard)
• Kids’ activities on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, including:
  • MOO-dolf’s Cow Train
  • Apple Cannon
  • Fireside s’mores

Pet Policy: Leashed pets are welcome outdoors — just be sure to clean up after them.

Grandad’s Apples & Such

Enjoy a beautiful fall day picking apples and soaking up the season at this Upstate favorite.

Read our full Kidding Around review →

Jeter Mountain Farm has more than 150 years of Hunsader family farming history and sits on 411 acres near Hendersonville and Brevard, NC. The farm offers a year-round mix of pick-your-own fruits, seasonal produce, and festive activities. Tractor rides provide access to orchards, making it fun for all ages.

2026 U-Pick & Seasonal Offerings

Summer & Fall:

Upick is by reservation for 2026

• U-pick Berries & Peaches: Weekends in July
• Apple U-Pick: Begins mid-August
• Pumpkins: Available early October
• Fruits & Vegetables: Over 20 apple varieties, grapes, and seasonal produce
• Tractor Rides: Access orchards via tractor
• Market Items: Pre-picked fruits, apple cider, apple cider donuts, wreaths, and garland

Christmas at the Farm (Holiday Season):
Opening Day: Mid-November 2026

• Dates TBD
• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Christmas Tree Offerings:

• Trees sourced from local Boone Christmas Tree Farms
• Heights: 6–9 ft, $85–$185 depending on size

Holiday Activities & Amenities:

• Hot chocolate & holiday hard cider, Live Christmas jazz music, Rocking chairs around the fir, plus the usual Jeter Mountain fun.

Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed in u-pick orchards, the market, tap room, coffee shop, or wagon

Jeter Mountain Farm

U-pick fruit and flowers, a wagon ride through 400+ acres, a creamery, and a huge indoor play area make this one of our favorite orchard day trips.

Read the full review →

Located in a picturesque part of Hendersonville with views of the mountains, Justus Orchard is the perfect place to go apple picking. Their apple cider donuts are also a treat not to be missed. This apple orchard in Hendersonville, NC was one of the first in the state to invite customers to not only buy apples already picked but also allow visitors to go into the orchard and pick their own apples.

Distance from Greenville: About 40 miles (roughly 50 minutes)

Open for the 2026 season
Open 7 days per week from 8/4 – early November 
U-pick apples begin August 4th, 2026

Check the Justus Orchard Facebook page for current U-pick status before heading up.

Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs on leash allowed; owners must pick up after them.

Offers:

• Blackberries: July through August
• Apples: Mid August through Early November
• Pumpkins
• Apple Cider donuts/treats
• Taproom
• Bakery
• Apple cannon ($)
• Jumping pillow ($)
• Cow Train ($)
• Playground

Justus Orchard

Take your family for fall fun and apple picking at this beloved WNC orchard, with family activities & taproom!

Read our full Kidding Around review →

This smaller orchard has a lot to offer with much smaller crowds than its neighbors. Start with the farm store which has a wide variety of apples, pumpkins, produce, and decor items. Then, head inside with your purchases to check out. Of course, you’ll pass by the bakery full of apple turnovers, apple cider donuts, pies, tarts, and lots more.

The only way to head out into these orchards is to purchase a ticket to ride on the trackless train. The Apple Express is about a 10-minute ride through the beautiful apple orchards. There is no U-pick at this farm! Purchase tickets for the train at the register in the farm store, or purchase them online and show your receipt.

There’s also a small deck that overlooks the orchards where you can enjoy your baked goods or apple cider slushies while you enjoy the view.

Located in beautiful Hendersonville with views of the mountains, Pilot Mountain Pears is the only dedicated Asian pear orchard in the area. They have more than 5,000 Asian pear trees. Check the Pilot Mountain Pears Facebook page for current u-pick status before heading up.

Distance from Greenville: About 40 miles (roughly 50 minutes)

2026 Season: Pick your own opens September 4th, 2026

Pet Policy: No pets allowed.

Offers:

• Asian pears – Mid August–Early October
• Bakery
• Picnic area

Pilot Mountain Pears

The only dedicated Asian pear orchard in the area, with mountain views and over 5,000 trees.

Pick Asian Pears at Pilot Mountain Pears →

A KAG reader favorite, Sky Top Orchard offers mountain views, ponds with ducks and geese, farm animals, play structures, and apple and fruit trees. Don’t miss the amazing apple cider donuts. Last year there were some concerns about Sky Top getting too crowded, so maybe try to go during the week if you prefer smaller crowds.

Distance from Greenville: About 40 miles (roughly 50 minutes)

2026 Official season-opening date: Now Open.
U-pick for 2026 is by appointment only – make an appointment.

• Open weekends in July for donuts, peaches, wagon rides, and farm store apples; follow their Facebook page for updates.
• Open daily beginning August 7th, 2026.
• Apple u-pick is open for 2026 (by appointment).

Pet Policy: Dogs on leash allowed, but not in the fruit stand.

Offers:

• U-pick apples
• Farm Store with Cider donuts
• Farm animals
• Wagon Rides
• Playground
• Gold Rush Gem Mine
• Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers

Sky Top Orchard

Make the best fall memories at this Western NC favorite, with apple picking, mountain views, and all the autumn charm you’re looking for.

Read our full Kidding Around review →

Open 50 years, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard are experts on organizing their orchard for u-pick. They begin their family fun and farm activities in mid-August and invite you to bring a lunch and spend the day at the orchard.

Distance from Greenville: About 40 miles (roughly 50 minutes)

Apple season opening: Opening day is August 15th, 2026

Check their Facebook page for up-to-date info on what’s available for picking.

Pet Policy: Pet-friendly, on leash only. Not allowed in Apple House or wagon ride.

Offers:

• U-pick tulips in Spring
• U-pick Apples in Fall
• Grapes
• Sunflowers
• Farm Store
• Picnic Space
• Corn Maze ($)
• Jump Pads (on weekends) ($)
• Apple Cannon (on weekends) ($)

Stepp’s Orchard

Pick apples, explore a corn maze, and eat pumpkin donuts at this fall favorite.

Read our full Kidding Around review →