Fall means harvest time, and it brings more to mind than just pumpkin spice… everything. Whether you’re looking for a pick-your-own orchard, a corn maze, or just want to take home a taste of fall in the NC Mountains, this list has you covered. From orchards to farm stands, plan your perfect fall outing! Check links for activity and product pricing.
Apple Orchards
The Orchard at Altapass
This historic orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, south of Blowing Rock. There are over 40 apple varieties at the orchard, and you can buy some at the shop or pick your own! Most of the varieties are available from mid-September to late October. The orchard is open Wednesday-Sunday. There are lots of activities, including live music, hiking, and educational programming. It takes about an hour to get to the Orchard at Altapass from Blowing Rock along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The drive is stunning in the fall, and well worth the time!
1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | 828-765-9531
altapassorchard.org
Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins & Corn Mazes
New River Corn Maze
Located along the New River near Deep Gap, this corn maze is a destination for many in the fall. Enjoy tram rides, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and a maze with over a mile of path.
660 Laurel Gap Ridge Rd., Boone, NC 28607 | 828-264-2986
newrivercornmaze.com
Lantern Farm
From mid-September to late October, enjoy a 4-acre corn maze, and pick your own pumpkin patch! Partake in some fresh corn and drinks at their concession stand. Add a hay ride onto your ticket in October. See what Autumn along the Blue Ridge Parkway is all about!
Doe Meadows Dr., West Jefferson, NC 28694 | 828-278-4489
Farm Tours
Apple Hill Farm
This working alpaca farm offers daily public tours by reservation through early October! Get up close to alpacas, llamas, angora goats, guardian donkeys, dogs, and all the other animals that call Apple Hill Farm home. The farm specializes in producing alpaca fiber, and the farm shop has a wide selection of yarns and products made with beautifully dyed alpaca.
400 Apple Hill Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604 | 828-963-1662
applehillfarmnc.com
Produce Stands & Country Stores
Sunset Tees & Hattery
Jack gathers over 25 different varieties of NC apples at his Main Street shop over the fall season. You can purchase them by the bag or the bushel. With so many choices, you might be a bit overwhelmed, but the folks at Sunset Tees will guide you to a new favorite. You can even sample varieties before you decide!
1117 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828-295-9326
Find them on Facebook
J&M Produce
So. Many. Pumpkins! This stand is conveniently located between Blowing Rock and Boone near Tweetsie Railroad. Throughout the fall season, pumpkins fill every vacant spot around the stand. The squash come in a variety of shades, from pale blue-green to vibrant red-orange, ready to make an impressive statement in a fall display. Many are edible, too, just ask the folks about their favorites. J&M has NC apples as well, and a wide selection of local jams, honeys, and other products.
117 Shore Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828-414-9149
Find them on Facebook
Greene’s Trading Post
Located just south of Blowing Rock, this sprawling country store is a must-stop for many that visit the area. From NC apples to country hams, they have a host of fall flavors waiting for you. Add in tons of rustic handcrafts, old-fashioned candies, and roadside snacks, and it’s easy to see why Greene’s Trading Post is a popular destination. They also enjoy an beautiful view from the edge of the ridge!
5361 Blowing Rock Rd., Lenoir, NC 28645 | 828-295-0890
See them on Facebook
Looking for Autumn events? See this year’s seasonal celebrations here!