Apple Picking Near Waxhaw, NC: Family-Friendly Orchards to Visit This Fall
Fall is here, and nothing says family fun quite like a crisp afternoon spent in an orchard. Apple picking near Waxhaw, NC, is more than just filling a basket—it’s about hayrides, cider donuts, and creating memories with your kids that last long after the season ends. To make it easy, we rounded up five of the best orchards within driving distance of Waxhaw, each with something special for families.
1. Sky Top Orchard – Flat Rock, NC
📅 Open Daily: 9 AM – 6 PM through the fall season
📍 Location: Flat Rock, NC
🔗 Visit Website
Families love Sky Top because it’s more than just apples—it’s an adventure. Kids can enjoy hayrides, an apple cannon, gem mining, and a playground, while parents savor fresh cider donuts and the mountain views.
2. Justus Orchard & Taproom – Hendersonville, NC
📅 Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM; Fri–Sun 9 AM–6 PM
📍 Location: Hendersonville, NC
🔗 Visit Website
This orchard is perfect for families who want a full day out. Along with U-Pick apples, there’s a bakery with apple treats, a playground, and picnic spaces so kids can play while parents relax.
3. Hall Family Farm – Lancaster, SC (Waxhaw area)
📅 Fall Season: Dates vary; check farm updates
📍 Location: Lancaster, SC, just minutes from Waxhaw
🔗 Visit Website
Close to home, Hall Family Farm is a Waxhaw favorite. Known for strawberries in spring and pumpkins in fall, this farm also has apple picking and a laid-back, family-focused vibe perfect for quick outings.
4. Wise Acres Organic Farm – Indian Trail, NC
📅 Fall Season: Opens Sept. 20 - Hours vary; check weekly schedule
📍 Location: Indian Trail, NC (15 minutes from Waxhaw)
🔗 Visit Website
For families who want a healthier spin, Wise Acres offers organic U-Pick apples. Parents love the eco-conscious focus, while kids enjoy exploring nature trails and seeing farm animals up close.
5. Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery – York, SC
📅 Fall Season: Now open for 2025 season
📍 Location: York, SC (30 minutes from Waxhaw)
🔗 Visit Website
Windy Hill combines apple picking with Southern charm. Families can pick apples, enjoy cider donuts, and for the adults—sample fresh hard cider while kids run off energy on the farm.
Whether you’re looking for a mountain adventure, an organic option close to home, or cider and donuts with your apples, there’s an orchard near Waxhaw that’s perfect for your family. These spots make it easy to soak in fall while giving your kids a taste of farm life.
🍏 Pro Tip: Go early in the season for the best apple selection and bring a cooler for your apple haul and fresh bakery treats.