🍎🎃 The Best Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches Near Asheville
A Local’s Guide to Fall Traditions, Mountain Views, and Cider-Sweet Days
Every fall, Western North Carolina turns into a storybook. The air feels crisper, the leaves glow a little brighter, and apples, pumpkins, and cider seem to appear everywhere you turn.
This year, we visited four local favorites ourselves — camera, notebook, and plenty of cider in hand — to help you plan your perfect fall day. Each one offers something different, but they all share the same warmth and sense of community that make this season so special.
Here’s our 2025 lineup: Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, Jeter Mountain Farm, SkyTop Orchard, and Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. (many other local favorites listed below)
🍎🎃 Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such — Hendersonville
Quick Highlights
you pick apples, pumpkins and sunflowers
they grew TEN THOUSAND PUMPKINS THIS YEAR (you pick and prepicked)
Hot cider donuts, apple bread, caramel apples, and pies, slushies, soft-serve ice cream
Cow Train ride looping through the orchard and under willow trees by the pond
Apple cannon over the lake — fun for all ages and great for photos
Farm market full of jams, sauces, apple butter, and local treats
Scenic fall views and family traditions that span generations
pavilion with rocking chairs
Generations of families have been coming to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such for a reason. It’s the definition of fall in Western North Carolina — a little nostalgic, a lot of fun, and full of warmth.
You’ll find rows of pre-picked pumpkins, fresh apple cider, and a bakery that stays busy all day long, turning out hot cider donuts, apple bread, and caramel apples that taste like childhood. Their cow train is always a hit with kids, but I can personally confirm it’s just as fun for adults. It’s surprisingly comfortable if you choose one of the bigger cows. The ride loops through the orchard and passes under beautiful weeping willow trees overlooking the pond, making it a peaceful, storybook moment in the middle of all the excitement.
The farm market is packed with local goodies — jams, sauces, apple butter, and plenty of “one more thing” treats that always end up in your bag before checkout. Everywhere you look, there’s laughter, color, and that smell of warm cider that makes you wish the season would never end.
Why I love it: A true fall classic, full of heart, tradition, and joy, where every generation feels right at home. 🍎
🥧 Bakery Spotlight: Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such
I had the privilege of recording inside Grandad’s bakery, and it was a sensory overload in the best way. (Don’t worry — I’m food-safe certified here in North Carolina and followed all the rules.) The smell alone could have its own fan club: freshly baked pies, apple cider donuts, and pastries so fragrant you could taste them before they even came out of the oven.
The line wrapped around the building, but nobody minded. Families laughed and chatted while bakers slid new trays from the ovens, and people left with pie boxes stacked higher than they could see. The shelves were lined with everything from traditional apple to caramel apple walnut pies, and the donuts were disappearing faster than they could make them.
It’s the heart of Grandad’s — where the whole farm seems to pause for a moment of warm, cinnamon-sugar bliss. If you need to avoid gluten - skip the caramel cookie crumble topping so you can still enjoy their cider slushie topped with soft serve ice cream.
🍎🎃 Jeter Mountain Farm — Hendersonville
Quick Highlights
Paved paths and shuttle service for easy “you pick” and parking lot access
Mountain views in every direction — perfect for photos
1813 Smokehouse BBQ, chicken salad, and Hickory Nut Gap hot dogs
Warm gluten-free chocolate chip cookie (a must-try!)
Old-fashioned ice cream and sparkling cider floats
Massive indoor play area for kids — great for rainy days or breaks between activities
Live local music that adds to the cozy, community feel on weekends
Beautiful gift shop filled with locally made goods, home decor, candles, and keepsakes that capture the spirit of the mountains
Beautiful architecture and family-friendly atmosphere
Jeter Mountain Farm is still the new kid on the block but already feel like they’ve been part of WNC’s fall traditions forever. From the moment you arrive, it feels like walking through the pages of Southern Living Magazine: thoughtful design, mountain views in every direction, and details that make your heart slow down a bit.
Paths are paved and accessible, and there’s a shuttle system so visitors who don’t want to walk from the parking area can still enjoy the orchards and pumpkin fields. The property once hosted weddings, and that care still shows — from the architecture to the grounds, and yes, even the bathrooms are beautiful.
🍽 Food and Drink You’ll Love
Jeter does fall food right. You’ll find BBQ and smoked meats from the on-site 1813 Smokehouse, fresh chicken salad, and Hickory Nut Gap’s all-beef hot dogs — all made with care and local ingredients.
But the real showstopper? Their gluten-free chocolate chip cookie, as big as my face, served warm, and truly the best gluten-free chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever eaten that I didn’t bake myself. Pair one with a scoop of their old-fashioned ice cream or a sparkling cider float, and you’ll understand why it’s impossible to leave without a smile.
Why I love it: Every inch feels intentional — full of charm, hospitality, and that Southern Living level of beauty.
💛 Gluten-Free Spotlight: What I Ate at Jeter Mountain Farm
BBQ and chicken salad — naturally gluten-free and full of flavor
Hickory Nut Gap hot dogs — 100 percent grass-fed beef with that perfect snap (without bun for GF)
Warm gluten-free chocolate chip cookie
Old-fashioned ice cream and sparkling cider floats — gluten-free and classic
If you have celiac or severe allergies, double-check before ordering. Jeter’s team was friendly and informed, but cross-contact is always worth asking about.
🍎🎃 SkyTop Orchard — Flat Rock
Quick Highlights
Ranked #3 apple orchard in the nation by USA Today’s 10Best
Perched high above Flat Rock with panoramic mountain views
Bumblebee train, gem mine, and apple cannons for family fun
Brand-new pizza kitchen with fresh, seasonal options
Gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies baked fresh on-site
Heirloom pumpkins and pre-cut jack-o’-lanterns ready for carving
Accessibility upgrades including paved paths and a wheelchair-accessible hayride lift
Hendersonville Bear art piece by local artist Bethany Joy
Welcoming, family-run atmosphere with plenty of photo ops
Recently named the #3 apple orchard in the nation by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, SkyTop Orchard absolutely lives up to the honor. Perched high on a ridge above Flat Rock, this family-run orchard delivers everything you could want from a mountain fall day — crisp air, stunning views, and that perfect mix of nostalgia and fun.
There’s a bumblebee train for kids, a gem mine, small animal barn, bamboo forest, and apple cannons for some powerful adventure. This year, SkyTop also opened a brand-new pizza kitchen, and it’s already the talk of the season. We tried a hot dog without the bun, and don’t skip the chili — it had just the right amount of kick and paired perfectly with a cold cider.
And then there were the cookies. Their gluten-free snickerdoodles are baked fresh on-site, soft, buttery, and perfectly spiced. They were so good I had to double-check they were actually gluten-free.
This is also where we found our gorgeous heirloom pumpkins — soft greens, creamy whites, and that perfectly weathered orange that makes any porch feel like fall. If you’re carving, they also have pre-cut jack-o’-lanterns ready to go.
SkyTop recently made some wonderful accessibility upgrades, adding paved paths throughout the orchard and a wheelchair-accessible lift on their hayride wagon so everyone can join in on the fall fun.
And don’t miss the Hendersonville Bear, painted by local artist Bethany Joy — a colorful nod to the community’s Bearfootin’ Art Walk.
Why I love it: Nationally recognized but still local at heart — full of warmth, views, accessibility, and cinnamon-sugar magic.
💛 Gluten-Free Spotlight: SkyTop Orchard
Gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies — baked fresh on-site, soft and perfectly spiced
Hot dogs (no bun) — especially good with their chili
Cider and drinks — naturally gluten-free and refreshing
If you have celiac or a severe allergy, check before ordering, as the bakery uses shared equipment and cross-contact is possible.
🍎🎃 Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard — Hendersonville
Quick Highlights
U-pick apples and pumpkins — with a six-acre pumpkin field bursting with color
Scenic wagon rides and orchard tours with mountain views
Corn maze and apple cannons for all ages
Gorgeous sunflower fields — you-pick for fall bouquets
Fresh kettle corn, caramel apple soft-serve, and cider slushies
Farm store stocked with jams, apple butter, and baked treats
Family-run atmosphere full of warmth and small-town charm
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard feels like a big mountain hug — wide open, family-run, and full of those simple fall pleasures that make you want to slow down and stay awhile. It’s one of those farms that has something for everyone — from kids darting through the corn maze to parents taking in the view, cider in hand. You can fill your wagon with pumpkins, pick apples right from the tree, or just sit back and take in the sound of laughter and tractor rides drifting through the fields. Everything here feels wholesome, homegrown, and full of genuine WNC charm.
We lingered in the pumpkin patch until the light began to fade, wagon overflowing with pumpkins in every size and shade — a mix of carving classics and decorative heirlooms. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and before you know it, you’re wondering if “just one more pumpkin” would really hurt.
Why I love it: Family-run, warm, and full of fall spirit — a farm that makes you want to grab one more pumpkin before you go. 🍂
🙏 Thank You and Acknowledgments
I’m so grateful to Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such, Jeter Mountain Farm, SkyTop Orchard, and Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard for taking the time to talk with us, show us around, and share the stories behind what they do. Each visit was a reminder of how much heart and hard work goes into keeping Western North Carolina’s farm traditions alive — and how every jar of apple butter, donut, and pumpkin picked helps keep that legacy growing.
🌾 More Local Farms Worth Exploring
While the four above were our personal visits this season, Western North Carolina has many more farms worth celebrating. Some are places we’ve visited before, and others are ones we’ve learned about through conversations with owners, locals, and longtime fans — and we can’t wait to explore more in future guides.
🍎🎃 Farms You’ll Want to Add to Your Fall List
Hickory Nut Gap Farm — A place we’ve personally visited for years and one that holds a special spot on our fall list. We’ve done many trips here over time, and it never disappoints. Known for its sustainable meats, local produce, and family-friendly atmosphere, this farm is as genuine as it gets. Their all-beef hot dogs are some of the best around, especially if a cozy campfire night is part of your fall plans, and the farm store is always stocked with seasonal favorites and local goods.
Justus Orchard — A longtime local favorite for apple picking, fried pies, and family memories. Simple, classic, and full of old-fashioned charm.
Packa’s Place — A smaller, newer stop that’s quickly gaining attention for its cozy atmosphere, pumpkins, and peaceful mountain backdrop.
Eliada Corn Maze — Right in Asheville, this annual event supports youth programs and features maze walks, food trucks, and plenty of pumpkins.
Nix Pumpkin Patch — A rustic, quiet patch that’s perfect for photos or a low-key fall outing with kids.
The Historic Orchard at Altapass — A nonprofit orchard on the Blue Ridge Parkway, preserving both the land and Appalachian culture. This beloved spot combines heirloom apples, live mountain music, and storytelling that connects generations. It’s as much a cultural experience as it is a farm visit — a reminder that these orchards are about community, not just crops.
Darnell Farms — Set along the Tuckasegee River in Bryson City, known for live music, hayrides, and full fall festival weekends that feel straight out of a country song.
🗺 When to Go + Local Tips
Beat the crowds: Weekends get busy fast. Plan to arrive before 9:00 a.m. or later in the afternoon after 4:00 p.m. for easier parking, shorter lines, and that golden-hour glow for photos.
The loop route: To visit multiple spots in a day, start in Asheville and head toward Hendersonville — it’s easy to loop Stepp’s → Grandad’s → Jeter → SkyTop (or reverse) without backtracking.
Don’t let a little rain scare you off: Some of our favorite memories came from apple picking in the rain — the air smelled amazing, crowds cleared out, and there are plenty of covered spaces at each farm to duck under between showers.
Dress in layers: Now that the weather’s cooling down, bring layers — especially if you’re dressing cute for photos. Mountain mornings can be crisp, and temps often drop again in the evening with hot afternoons. A light rain jacket or umbrella is always a good idea too.
Photo tip: Bring a small towel or napkins to wipe pumpkins and apples before photos. The light right after rain makes colors pop.
Snack tip: Keep wet wipes and an empty box in your trunk — between cider, donuts, and kettle corn, you’ll thank yourself later!
🍂 Wrapping Up
No matter which orchard or pumpkin patch you visit this season, you’ll find a little bit of fall magic waiting — mountain views, fresh cider, and the kind of small-town charm that reminds you what makes Western North Carolina so special.
So grab your boots, your favorite flannel, and maybe a few friends. The apples are ripe, the pumpkins are ready, and the heart of fall is waiting right here in the mountains.
💛 A Quick Note for My Gluten-Free Friends
As someone who has to avoid gluten, I always make a point to share what I personally eat when I visit these farms. Everyone’s level of sensitivity is different, so please keep that in mind. Some of the spots mentioned here are gluten-friendly, meaning they use no gluten ingredients, while others have dedicated gluten-free kitchens or separate prep areas.
Whenever I mention food, it’s something I’ve personally enjoyed safely. But ingredient lists can change, and many bakeries and farm kitchens may use shared equipment, so there’s always a chance of cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or a severe allergy, please always double-check for yourself before ordering.
Most staff were kind and knowledgeable when I had questions, and I’ve added notes where it’s worth asking twice. My hope is that this guide helps you enjoy all the cozy fall flavors Western North Carolina has to offer — safely, deliciously, and without missing out. 💛