North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina and grows 65 percent of the apples in the state. Today Henderson County is home to approximately 200 apple growers. According to Henderson County Extension Service statistics, there are about 5000 acres of apple trees planted in Henderson County. The apple harvest season runs from late August to late October. The most widely-grown apples are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty and Galas. In addition, a number of other varieties are harvested. Fresh apples, cider and many other items may be purchased at one of the many roadside apple markets or produce stands located throughout Henderson County. Some orchards offer tours and allow you to pick your own apples. Enjoy a self-guided driving to tour into the heart of scenic apple country.

Apple Orchards & Tours

Blue Ridge Farm Direct Market Association
Buy apples directly from the grower, Hendersonville, NC 828-697-2775 ext 8 www.ncapples.com

Coston Farm & Apple House
Opens in September
Coston Farm & Apple House, 3748 Chimney Rock Hwy., offers we pick or pick your own apples and pumpkins, Hendersonville, NC  828-685-8352 www.costonfarm.com

Grandad's Apples
Open August - mid-November
Grandad's Apples, 2951 Chimney Rock Rd., offers we pick or pick your own apples, pumpkins, and apple products. Hendersonville, NC  828-685-1685 www.grandadsapples.com

Justus Orchard
Open August – mid-November
Justus Orchard, 187 Garren Rd., offers u-pick or we-pick apples, cider, peaches, blackberries, cabbage, pumpkins, local vegetables, and canned goods, groups are welcome. Four-generation apple growers. Hendersonville, NC  828-685-8033 www.justusorchard.com

Lyda Farms
Open late June - November
Lyda Farms, 3465 Chimney Rock Rd., offers apples, pumpkins, produce and farm animals. Hendersonville, NC  828-685-3459 www.lydafarms.com

Mountain Fresh Orchards
Open August - mid-November
Mountain Fresh Orchards, 2887 Chimney Rock Rd., offers apples and pumpkins, Hendersonville, NC  828-685-7606 www.mtnfreshorchards.com

Sky Top Orchard
Open mid-August - Thanksgiving
Sky Top Apple Orchard, Pinnacle Mountain Rd., offers we pick or pick your own apples & peaches, pumpkins, gourds, hayrides, barnyard animals, and group tours & school groups, Flat Rock, NC  828-692-7930 www.skytoporchard.com

JH Stepp Farm's Hillcrest Orchard
Open late August - October
JH Stepp Farm's Hillcrest Orchard, 211 Stepp Orchard Dr., offers a 70-acre working farm and apple orchard with we pick or pick your own apples, pumpkins, wagon rides and group tours, Hendersonville, NC 828-685-9083 www.steppapples.com