It may be hard to believe, but you can already get a taste of fall in North Carolina. Just a short (and scenic) drive from East Tennessee, you can visit two popular apple orchards. Both Sky Top Orchards and Justus Orchards are located high in the mountains giving their many varieties of apples the perfect climate to grow. Right now, the early apple varieties are ripe and ready to be picked.
But there’s much more to do at these orchards than pick a peck of apples. Sky Top Orchard has a playground, animal barn, apple cannon, Bee Train and more family-friendly activities. There’s even a free coloring and activity book you can download and print. It’s a fun way for children to learn about the orchard and how it operates. You can’t visit Sky Top without sampling some of the delicious desserts like apple cider doughnuts and hand pies. Justus Orchards offers lots of fun and treats too. There is a giant jumping pillow, playground and Cow Train to name just a few of the attractions. You can even have a barbecue lunch at Justus Orchards and follow it up with sweet apple treat. There are new treats for adults this year. The Justus Orchards Taproom has opened. Local seasonal hard fruit ciders, craft beer and wine are now available.
No matter when you plan to pick apples, be sure to call ahead and check with the orchard for availability and hours. If you’re looking for apple picking closer to home, keep in mind the apples grown in the Tennessee Valley ripen later in the fall season. Knoxville Moms put together this list of apple orchards in our region. Happy picking!
North Carolina Apple Orchards and Picking
Sky Top Orchard
3403 Greenville Highway
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 692-7930
Opening Friday, July 29th
Justus Orchard
187 Garren Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792
(828) 974-1232
Opening Mid-August
