Find the area’s best harvest farms for those fall family outings!
Autumn is in the air, corn mazes are open and Apple Orchards are calling all pickers! Autumn is one of the most craved seasons of the year. Why? Asheville can claim some of the best fall farm experiences because of the incredible local farms and their willingness to turn their landscape into a harvest-time adventure for everyone!
Everything from pumpkin patches to apple picking, we have it here in Western North Carolina where the backdrop is properly colorful and doused with crisp, mountain air. Come pick out your family pumpkins after running through the confusing corn mazes where you’ll build your appetite for warm apple cider and pumpkin everything.
[PLEASE NOTE: The following places are confirmed to be operating as of September 15, 2020 for the fall season with safety guidelines. Please be sure to check their websites and follow their social media channels to get updates and to confirm as dates and hours may change.]
Popular Farms for Fall Festive Activities
2 Compton Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
On Friday, September 25th, Eliada’s non-profit Corn Maze and fall event will open. All money raised from the 6-weekend event benefits Eliada’s vast continuum of care for children and youth 0-25 years old.
The event will look A LOT different this year with safety measures in place to keep our community safe. There will never be more than 75 people at the event at any given time with constant cleaning occurring, and enforcement of social distancing.
Event Details:
Dates: September 25th – November 1st (6 weekends total)
Times: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Ticketing: You are required to purchase tickets and reserve your 2-hour time slot in advance. Time slots will automatically close once the 75-person limit is reached. Tickets may be purchased at: eliadacornmaze.mazeplay.com
221 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville, 828-685-9083
Open mid-August through early November, Stepp’s is a 70-acre working farm with mountain views, just 5.5 miles from I-26 (and a mile off US Highway 64).
- Pick your own apples, grapes or pumpkins and shop in their Country Market with apples, pumpkins, cider, apple butter and gifts.
- Take a ride on the farm wagon on weekends through acres of orchard and Farmer Stepp’s pumpkin patch.
- Enjoy fresh apple cider with a doughnut in the picnic area. Kids of all ages love the apple canons!
Flat Rock, NC
More than just an apple orchard. Located on Mt. McAlpine with 360 degree mountain views lives Skytop Orchard, a 100-acre working farm but is a family fall tradition for many. In addition to buying and picking-your-own apples, take a wagon ride, see farm animals, explore the orchards and don’t miss their famous fresh-made apple cider donuts!
2951 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Open August through mid-November, Grandad’s Apples is just two miles from I-26 on US Highway 64. Pick your own in the orchards or find a large selection of pre-picked apples. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts. There is so much to enjoy including apple turnovers, fried pies, apple bread, caramel apples, ice cream, cider and more. No time for apple picking? Explore Grandad’s elaborate corn maze then find pumpkins of every size in the pumpkin patch.
Lyda Farms
3465 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville, NC
(828) 685-3459
A roadside market is open June – November where you can purchase North Carolina apples directly from the orchard plus a large variety of pumpkins and winter squash (and other produce).
For the Adults:
72 School House Rd, Mills River, NC 28759
Enjoy apple cider the most adults do, head out to Mills River, NC to enjoy wide-open spaces and hard cider by the expert cider makers themselves at Bold Rock. Open for limited seating indoor and outdoor dining and relaxing.
Appalachian Ridge Artisan Ciders
749 Chestnut Gap Road, Hendersonville
Want to learn about Normandy-style cider making? Appalachian Ridge Cidery will show you. All of the apples are grown, pressed and bottled on site at St. Paul Mountain Farm. Enjoy a large open deck overlooking the apple trees recently transported from France. Try their Brandy and Pommeau too. Grab some small-batch ciders to-go because they are not sold elsewhere, so stock up!
So, who’s ready for fall now? Come celebrate the most beloved season of the year in Asheville. Our short-term rentals are perfect for the cozy evenings and family gatherings.
