As the crisp air rolls in and leaves start to turn, there’s no better way to celebrate fall than by heading to an orchard and picking your own apples. If you’re near Charlotte, NC, you’re in luck—there are a handful of farms offering apple-picking experiences, as well as some nearby gems just a short drive away.

Here’s a roundup of local and regional farms where you can pick apples, enjoy fall activities, and make the most of the season!

✅ Top Pick: Carrigan Farms (Mooresville, NC)
📍 Approx. 40 minutes from Charlotte Carrigan Farms is one of the few orchards near Charlotte that offers actual apple picking in the fall. Starting in early September, guests can enjoy a tractor-pulled hayride into the orchard and fill a bag with fresh-picked apples. The experience includes scenic views and a family-friendly atmosphere.
• 🍏 Apple picking typically begins in early September
• 🧺 Each guest gets a half-peck bag (included in admission)
• 🚜 Hayrides, swimming quarry (seasonal), and farm-to-table events
👉 Reservation required 🌐 carriganfarms.com/apple-picking

❓ Worth a Visit, Hodges Family Farm (Charlotte, NC)
Located right in Charlotte, Hodges is more of a general-purpose family farm. They offer pick-your-own produce during the season. Still, the pumpkin patch, hayrides, animals, and market make it a great fall outing.
• 🎃 Pumpkin patch and seasonal activities
• 🐄 Farm animals and photo ops
• 🥬 Pick-your-own veggies (check in advance)
🌐 hodgesfarmnc.com Riverbend Farm (Midland, NC) 📍 About 30–40 minutes northeast of Charlotte

🎃Riverbend Farm is best known for its fall pumpkin patch and hayrides, but there’s no indication of apple orchards or u-pick apples. It’s a good option for families looking for a fall day trip—but not for apple picking specifically.

🌐 riverbendfarm.net

🚗 Willing to Drive? Try These! If you’re up for a longer day trip (1.5–2 hours), head to the apple capital of North Carolina—Hendersonville! These orchards offer amazing apple-picking experiences:
• Justus Orchard – Pick your own apples, bakery, farm animals
• Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard – U-pick apples, sunflowers, wagon rides These are ideal for weekend getaways or family fall traditions.

🧺 Final Thoughts If you’re set on apple picking near Charlotte, Carrigan Farms is your best bet. While other local farms provide great seasonal fun, most don’t offer apple picking directly. For a full orchard experience, consider a short road trip to Hendersonville!

🍂 Whether you stay local or venture out, fall in North Carolina offers something for everyone—so grab your basket and go enjoy apple season!