The Asheville area, home to the iconic Biltmore Estate, is surrounded by picturesque apple orchards offering a variety of apple-picking experiences. These orchards, located within a 20-30 mile radius of Biltmore Estate, provide visitors with opportunities to pick fresh apples, enjoy scenic mountain views, and participate in family-friendly activities. From Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard to Sky Top Orchard, each location offers unique features and a wide selection of apple varieties, making them perfect destinations for autumn outings.
Where Are the Best Apple Orchards Near Biltmore Estate?
Several apple orchards are located within a short drive from Biltmore Estate:
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard (25 miles south)
- Grandad’s Apples N’ Such (20-25 miles south)
- Justus Orchard (25 miles south)
- Jeter Mountain Farm (25-30 miles south)
- Sky Top Orchard (30 miles south)
Each of these orchards offers a unique experience and a variety of apple types for picking.
What Makes Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard Special?
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, located about 25 miles south of Biltmore Estate, stands out for several reasons:
- 26 apple varieties available for picking
- 5-acre corn maze
- Apple cannon
- Jump pad
- Wagon rides on weekends
- Picnic area
- Bakery with apple cider donuts
Dog lovers will appreciate that leashed dogs are welcome in most areas of the orchard, except in the Apple House and on wagon rides.
How Does Grandad’s Apples N’ Such Differ from Other Orchards?
Grandad’s Apples N’ Such, situated 20-25 miles south of Biltmore Estate, offers:
- Over 20 apple varieties, including unique types like Candy Crisp and Arkansas Black
- 5-acre corn maze
- Pumpkin patch
- Country Store and bakery
- Apple cider and donuts
- Playground for children
This orchard is known for its wide variety of apples and family-friendly atmosphere.
What Unique Features Does Justus Orchard Offer?
Justus Orchard, located 25 miles south of Biltmore Estate, provides:
- 19 apple varieties for picking
- Cow train rides
- Farm animals
- Pond with ducks
- Bakery specializing in apple-based goods
- Playground for children
The cow train rides and farm animals make this orchard particularly appealing for families with young children.
Why Should Visitors Consider Jeter Mountain Farm?
Jeter Mountain Farm, situated 25-30 miles south of Biltmore Estate, stands out for its:
- 23 apple varieties, plus other fruits like peaches and blueberries
- Hard cider taproom
- BBQ food truck
- Coffee house
- Giant indoor playground
- Courtyard for relaxation
The combination of a taproom, food options, and indoor playground makes this orchard suitable for all-day visits.
What Makes Sky Top Orchard a Must-Visit Destination?
Sky Top Orchard, located 30 miles south of Biltmore Estate, offers:
- Over 25 apple varieties for picking
- Panoramic mountain views
- Orchard ponds with ducks and geese
- Barnyard area
- Bamboo forest
- Hayrides
- Farm store with various apple treats
The stunning mountain views and diverse landscape features make Sky Top Orchard a scenic choice for apple picking.
When Is the Best Time to Visit These Apple Orchards?
The best time to visit apple orchards near Biltmore Estate varies depending on the apple varieties you’re interested in picking. Here’s a general guide:
| Month | Apple Varieties |
|---|---|
| August | Early varieties like Gala and Honeycrisp |
| September | Mid-season varieties like Golden Delicious and Jonagold |
| October | Late-season varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji |
| November | Very late varieties like Pink Lady and Gold Rush |
It’s always best to check each orchard’s specific ripening schedule before planning your visit.
What Apple Cider Options Are Available at These Orchards?
Most orchards near Biltmore Estate offer apple cider options:
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard: Apple cider and apple cider slushies
- Grandad’s Apples N’ Such: Fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts
- Jeter Mountain Farm: Hard cider taproom with six varieties on tap
- Sky Top Orchard: Fresh apple cider, apple cider donuts, and hard apple cider
Jeter Mountain Farm stands out for its hard cider taproom, offering a unique tasting experience for adult visitors.
Are There Guided Tours Available at These Apple Orchards?
While formal guided tours are not typically offered at these orchards, visitors can enjoy self-guided explorations:
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard: Self-guided exploration with weekend wagon rides
- Grandad’s Apples N’ Such: Self-guided orchard and farm exploration
- Justus Orchard: Self-guided exploration with Cow Train rides
- Jeter Mountain Farm: Self-guided exploration of orchard and facilities
- Sky Top Orchard: Self-guided exploration with hayrides available
These self-guided experiences allow visitors to explore at their own pace and focus on their areas of interest.
How Accessible Are These Apple Orchards?
Accessibility varies among the orchards:
- Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard: Generally accessible, with some areas suitable for walking and others for wagon rides
- Grandad’s Apples N’ Such: Generally accessible, with some walking areas and others for exploring the corn maze and farm store
- Justus Orchard: Generally accessible, with some walking areas and others for riding the Cow Train
- Jeter Mountain Farm: Generally accessible, with some walking areas and others for exploring the indoor playground and taproom
- Sky Top Orchard: Generally accessible, with some walking areas and others for hayrides and exploring the bamboo forest
It’s advisable to contact the specific orchard for detailed accessibility information before visiting.
What Should Visitors Bring for Apple Picking?
When visiting apple orchards near Biltmore Estate, consider bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottles
- Cash for purchases (some orchards may have limited card facilities)
- Bags or baskets for picked apples (though many orchards provide these)
- Camera for capturing memories
- Light jacket (especially for early morning or late afternoon visits)
By being prepared, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable apple-picking experience.