U-Pick available High confidence Spruce Pine, North Carolina

The Orchard at Altapass

Name: The Orchard at Altapass
Address: Blue Ridge Parkway, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777, US
Telephone: (828) 765-9531

Contact & location

Address

Blue Ridge Parkway
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Phone

(828) 765-9531

Website

altapassorchard.org/

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Where The Orchard at Altapass is located

The Orchard at Altapass sits in Spruce Pine, McDowell County, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of North Carolina. The farm's street address is Blue Ridge Parkway, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Most visitors reach The Orchard at Altapass by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Spruce Pine and continue on local county roads to Blue Ridge Parkway. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.

Landmarks in the area include downtown Spruce Pine, nearby farm stands, and small-town diners that make a great pre or post-picking stop. Cell service can get spotty on back roads, so it's smart to download the map to your phone before you leave the highway.

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Offering over 20 varieties to take home either through u-pick or for pick up at the Apple Shed, The Orchard at Altapass is a non-profit heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue and education center. Besides wondering the orchard while taking in the beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, orchard-goers can visit the general store, grab some grub from the Apple Core Grill, enjoy live music or read about the orchard’s history. This is one of the only pet-friendly apple orchards around, so if you’ve got furry friends you don’t want to leave at home, put this place on your bucket list.

Looking for the best apple picking near Spruce Pine, North Carolina? The Orchard at Altapass is a working apple orchard located in Spruce Pine, North Carolina (McDowell County), welcoming families, couples, and photographers each fall for a classic American harvest experience.

The Orchard at Altapass sits inside one of North Carolina's most beloved apple-growing regions. Between the smell of fresh cider, warm apple donuts, and rows of Honeycrisp and McIntosh trees heavy with fruit, it's the kind of place that turns a simple Saturday into a memory your kids will still talk about years later.

Pick-Your-Own Apples at The Orchard at Altapass

Pick-your-own apples at The Orchard at Altapass is exactly what it sounds like, you walk the orchard, pick apples directly off the tree, and pay by the bag or pound when you're done. Staff will point you toward the rows that are ripe that week, hand you a picking bag or bucket, and give you a quick tip on how to twist (not pull) the apple.

On-Farm Activities

education centerfarm standgeneral storegrilllive musicpet-friendlypick-your-ownu-pick apples

Best Time to Visit

Apple season at The Orchard at Altapass runs from late August through late October, like most orchards in North Carolina. The sweet spot for a first-time visit is the last two weeks of September through the first two weeks of October.

Weekends between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. are the friendliest time to arrive. Weekdays are the most peaceful, a Tuesday or Wednesday morning may have entire rows to yourself.

What to Bring

• Cash (backup for the farm stand)
• Closed-toe walking shoes
• A light jacket or flannel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water bottles for the walk
• Reusable bags for the ride home
• A camera or phone charged for photos
• Small bills for cider and donuts

Where The Orchard at Altapass is located

The Orchard at Altapass sits in Spruce Pine, McDowell County, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of North Carolina. The farm's street address is Blue Ridge Parkway, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

Open in Google Maps →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Orchard at Altapass offer pick-your-own apples?+

Yes, The Orchard at Altapass offers pick-your-own apples during the harvest season. Guests walk the rows, pick apples straight from the tree, and pay by the bag, bucket, or pound at the farm stand.

When is apple picking season at The Orchard at Altapass?+

Apple season at most U.S. orchards runs from late August through late October. Call ahead or check The Orchard at Altapass's website before your visit to confirm which varieties are ripe.

What are The Orchard at Altapass's hours?+

Hours at The Orchard at Altapass vary by season. We recommend calling ahead at (828) 765-9531 or checking their website the morning of your visit.

How much does apple picking cost at The Orchard at Altapass?+

Pick-your-own apple prices in the U.S. typically run $1.50–$3.00 per pound, or $20–$40 for a half-bushel bag. The Orchard at Altapass sets prices at the entrance each season based on the current crop.

What apple varieties can I pick at The Orchard at Altapass?+

The Orchard at Altapass grows several classic apple varieties. Popular picks include Honeycrisp for eating, Cortland for baking, and Granny Smith for pies and cider.

Is The Orchard at Altapass good for kids and families?+

Absolutely, The Orchard at Altapass welcomes families and offers education center, farm stand, general store, grill, and more.

Can I bring my dog to The Orchard at Altapass?+

Most working orchards ask that pets stay home for food-safety reasons. Call The Orchard at Altapass to confirm their current pet policy before bringing your dog.

Is there parking at The Orchard at Altapass?+

The Orchard at Altapass has on-site parking that's free for guests. Fall weekends are the busiest, mornings are the calmest time to visit.

What should I bring to The Orchard at Altapass?+

Bring cash, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, water, and a camera. The Orchard at Altapass usually provides picking bags or buckets.

Data source: Google Places · Confidence: High