Orchard
The Orchard At Altapass
U-pick apples in Spruce Pine, North Carolina
From the farm's website
The farm's own words, quoted as posted on its website, with the page each line comes from and the day we read it. Seasons, hours and prices change: check with the farm before you go.
U-pick
“Our U-Pick Apple Tours are a walking experience through the Orchard.”
“Given changing conditions, strollers are not encouraged for U-Pick experiences but decisions are up to the individual visitors.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/plan-your-visit, checked October 6, 2026
“During apple season, our U-Pick Apple Tours start at the Red Barn where you will meet your tour guide.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/u-pick-guidelines, checked October 6, 2026
Crops and picking times
“During apple season, school groups are welcome to participate in our hourly U-Pick Apple Tours.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/plan-your-visit, checked October 6, 2026
“As you walk through the Orchard, we know it is tempting to pick apples, but please only pick apples that you have paid for, in areas directed by our staff.”
“Our field experts let us know when, what, and where the ripe apples are.”
“Don’t climb the trees, throw apples, or mishandle the picking poles.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/plan-your-visit, checked October 6, 2026
“As a small-batch heirloom Orchard, we have several dozen varieties of apples, and while some are ripe as early as July, they each peak at different times throughout the season.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/u-pick-guidelines, checked October 6, 2026
“Other apples ARE NOT RIPE.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/u-pick-guidelines, checked October 6, 2026
Hours
“Friday-Sunday 11 AM – 4 PM”
Source: altapassorchard.org/apple-core-grill, checked October 6, 2026
Before you go
“All pets must be leashed and well-behaved.”
“Good-natured dogs (and cats) are always welcome throughout our grounds including the Red Barn and Music Pavilion.”
“Owners are expected to provide disposal bags and clean up after their pets.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/plan-your-visit, checked October 6, 2026
“There is no reservation needed.”
“Feel free to taste before you buy, but it’s recommended that apples be washed before eating; if you taste it, please pay for it by putting it in your bag”
“Pets are welcome on leashes, but please pick up after them”
Source: altapassorchard.org/u-pick-guidelines, checked October 6, 2026
Besides picking
“Climb aboard for a tractor ride through the Orchard and enjoy the trees, mountain views, and beauty of the season.”
“Tractor Rides will be available later in the season.”
“Visitors are always welcome to bring a blanket or use one of our many picnic tables to enjoy a picnic lunch brought from home.”
Source: altapassorchard.org/plan-your-visit, checked October 6, 2026
What you can pick
- Apples
Crops and months read from the lines quoted above; a crop with no months is one the farm names without a picking window.
| Crop | How | Months | When (farm) | Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apples | U-pick | Not stated | – |
Typical North Carolina seasons (a published harvest calendar, not this farm's dates)
- Apples: August–October. Source: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Lenoir County Center: Fall Is for Apple Picking in North Carolina (September 17, 2025), read October 6, 2026.
At a glance
- Price
- Admission to the Orchard FREE admission
- Admission
- Admission to the Orchard at Altapass is FREE! This includes all exhibits in our Education Center, Butterfly Garden, live music
- Address
- 1025 Orchard Rd, Spruce Pine, NC 28777McDowell County
More from the farm’s website
The farm lists Admission to the Orchard as free.
The farm prices Group Tractor Rides at $150.
On admission, the website says "Admission to the Orchard at Altapass is FREE! This includes all exhibits in our Education Center, Butterfly Garden, live music".
Prices
| Item | Price | Notes | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission to the Orchard | FREE admission | Year not stated | |
| Group Tractor Rides | $150 | Year not stated |
As the farm publishes them. Prices change during the season; older prices are removed.
Besides picking
- Café
- Wagon rides
- Picnic area
The Orchard At Altapass: questions
Does The Orchard At Altapass have U-pick?
Yes. The farm's website says: "Our U-Pick Apple Tours are a walking experience through the Orchard."
How much does U-pick cost at The Orchard At Altapass?
Admission to the Orchard: FREE admission. Prices as the farm publishes them; they can change during the season.
Is there an admission fee at The Orchard At Altapass?
Admission to the Orchard at Altapass is FREE! This includes all exhibits in our Education Center, Butterfly Garden, live music, according to the farm's website (checked October 6, 2026).