Chances are you fall in one of two categories: You’re soaking up the last moments of the summer sun or you’re eager for all things pumpkin spice. If you’re the latter, we have some exciting news for you: The apple orchards are starting to open and picking season has commenced.
We’ve rounded up 10+ apple orchards within driving distance of Greenville (with options for you to pick or just pick-up) so you can get your fix of apples, apple cider, and — everyone’s favorite — apple cider doughnuts. We know it’s early, but if you’ve been apple picking in the Carolinas before, you know the earlier in the season you can hit the orchards the better.
Pro tip: Bookmark this map so you have a bushel of apple picking options at your fingertips.
U-pick
Sky Top Orchard, 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Rd., Zirconia, NC | ~35 miles from Greenville | This fan-favorite spot is opens for the season on August 1.
Jeter Mountain Farm, 1126 Jeter Mountain Rd., Hendersonville, NC | ~45 miles from Greenville | Apple picking is expected to begin soon, but you can always check Jeter Mountain’s website to see what fruit is available for picking each weekend.
Justus Orchard, 187 Garren Rd., Hendersonville, NC | ~45 miles from Greenville | This fourth-generation orchard and farm opened a taproom ahead of the 2024 apple picking season. Berries are available for picking now, but keep an eye on its social media for when apple picking begins.
Grandad’s Apples, 2951 Chimney Rock Rd., Hendersonville, NC | ~45 miles from Greenville | Mix-and-match pre-picked apple varieties or u-pick on select weekends + enjoy fun fall weekend festivities like a corn maze.
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, 170 Stepp Orchard Dr., Hendersonville, NC | ~45 miles from Greenville | This dog-friendly orchard features fun farm activities + a farm market and is expected to open in August.
Chattooga Belle Farm, 454 Damascus Church Rd., Long Creek, SC | ~60 miles from Greenville | It’s still peach season at this farm, but keep an eye on when apple picking begins this fall.
Windy Hill, 1860 Black Hwy., York, SC | ~75 miles from Greenville | Opening for the fall season on Thursday, Aug. 15, pick your own apples or grab some fresh apple cider for the kids + a hard cider flight for the parents.
They pick
MacGregor Orchard, 2400 SC Hwy. 11, Travelers Rest, SC | ~20 miles from Greenville | Pick up some fresh apples + try the orchard products like apple butter, apple cider, and apple sauce.
Holt Orchard, 17 Holt Pond Dr., Flat Rock, NC | ~40 miles from Greenville | You can find this farm (with apple cider donuts) at the Greenville Saturday Market beginning Aug. 17.
Bryson’s Apple Orchard, 1011 Chattooga Ridge Rd., Mountain Rest, SC | ~70 miles from Greenville | U-pick at Bryson’s has been hit-or-miss over the past few years, but we recommend swinging by the farm stand to pick up some fresh fruit and crisp apples.
Pro tip: If you’re like us — and one trip for apple cider doughnuts just isn’t enough — check out Kidding Around Greenville’s apple cider doughnut tour.
