Carter Mountain Orchard
Contact & location
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Where Carter Mountain Orchard is located
Carter Mountain Orchard sits in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of Virginia. The farm's street address is 1435 Carters Mountain Trl, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Most visitors reach Carter Mountain Orchard by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Charlottesville and continue on local county roads to 1435 Carters Mountain Trl. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.
Landmarks in the area include downtown Charlottesville, 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.
Blue Ridge mountaintop orchard with PYO apples and stunning views.
Looking for the best apple picking near Charlottesville, Virginia? Carter Mountain Orchard is a working apple orchard located in Charlottesville, Virginia (Albemarle County), welcoming families, couples, and photographers each fall for a classic American harvest experience.
Carter Mountain Orchard sits inside one of Virginia'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.
Apple Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard
Apple picking availability at Carter Mountain Orchard depends on the week and weather. Call ahead the morning of your visit to confirm.
Apple Varieties Grown Here
Carter Mountain Orchard grows 5 apple varieties. Each ripens between late August and late October, so what's available depends on when you visit.
On-Farm Activities
Best Time to Visit
Apple season at Carter Mountain Orchard runs from late August through late October, like most orchards in Virginia. 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.
Hours & Season Dates
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 Carter Mountain Orchard is located
Carter Mountain Orchard sits in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, one of the classic apple-growing pockets of Virginia. The farm's street address is 1435 Carters Mountain Trl, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
Most visitors reach Carter Mountain Orchard by car; the drive winds past rolling farmland that's especially pretty during peak fall color. From the nearest highway exit, follow signs toward Charlottesville and continue on local county roads to 1435 Carters Mountain Trl. GPS is reliable to the farm entrance, and there is on-site parking once you arrive.
Landmarks in the area include downtown Charlottesville, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carter Mountain Orchard offer pick-your-own apples?+
Contact Carter Mountain Orchard directly to confirm whether pick-your-own apples are available on the date you plan to visit, availability can change week to week based on ripeness and weather.
When is apple picking season at Carter Mountain Orchard?+
The apple season at Carter Mountain Orchard generally runs from Mid August to Early November. September and October are the busiest weekends, arrive early for the best selection.
What are Carter Mountain Orchard's hours?+
Carter Mountain Orchard is open Daily 9am-6pm. Hours can shift with the weather and harvest, so confirm before you drive out.
How much does apple picking cost at Carter Mountain Orchard?+
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. Carter Mountain Orchard sets prices at the entrance each season based on the current crop.
What apple varieties can I pick at Carter Mountain Orchard?+
Carter Mountain Orchard grows Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Winesap. Early-season varieties like Gala and Honeycrisp come in first, followed by mid-season Empire and McIntosh, and finishing with late-season Fuji, Cameo, and Pink Lady.
Is Carter Mountain Orchard good for kids and families?+
Absolutely, Carter Mountain Orchard welcomes families and offers Pick-your-own, Views, Winery, Cider.
Can I bring my dog to Carter Mountain Orchard?+
Most working orchards ask that pets stay home for food-safety reasons. Call Carter Mountain Orchard to confirm their current pet policy before bringing your dog.
Is there parking at Carter Mountain Orchard?+
Carter Mountain Orchard 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 Carter Mountain Orchard?+
Bring cash, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a light jacket, sunscreen, water, and a camera. Carter Mountain Orchard usually provides picking bags or buckets.
Data source: Manual entry · Confidence: High
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