Seasonal / Outdoor
Apple Picking in the Smokies
Apple orchards surrounding the Smokies open for u-pick season starting in August with early varieties and running through October. Apple Barn in Sevierville is the most accessible, while Justus Orchard and others in the NC mountains offer a longer drive for a more traditional orchard experience.
What to Know
Best Seasons
August through October, peaking in September and early October. The best combination of variety selection and fall atmosphere is the third and fourth weeks of September. Apple Barn operates their full experience through the fall season.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven orchard terrain. Container for carrying apples (usually provided). Cash for u-pick charges (typically per pound). Sunscreen for sunny September days.
Find the Right Fit
Check What is Ripe
Different apple varieties ripen at different times. Early varieties like Gala and Golden Delicious ripen in August. Honeycrisp and Fuji peak in September. Winesap and Granny Smith run into October. Call ahead to confirm what is available for picking.
Pick Your Orchard
Apple Barn in Sevierville combines picking with a cider mill, winery, and restaurants. For a more traditional orchard experience with extensive u-pick, Justus Orchard near Hendersonville NC is worth the 1.5-hour drive.
Get There Early
U-pick orchards sell out of the most popular varieties quickly on October weekends. Arriving at opening time (usually 9 AM) gives you the best selection.
0 Options Across the Smokies
Sorted by visitor rating and review count. Click any card for full details, photos, and directions.
Tips and Getting There
Insider Tips
- The Apple Barn complex in Sevierville is more than an orchard. It includes a cider mill where you can watch cider being pressed, a winery, a general store, a restaurant, and a candy kitchen. Plan two hours minimum.
- For pure u-pick at a working orchard, drive an extra hour south to Hendersonville NC. The Henderson County orchard trail has dozens of farms with serious apple variety selection.
- A bushel of apples is more than you think. For most groups, a half-peck (about 5-6 lbs) per person is plenty for eating plus taking home.
Getting There and Parking
Apple Barn is at 230 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, off US-441 south of Pigeon Forge. Easy access with a large parking lot. For Hendersonville orchards, take I-40 East through the mountains (1.5 hours from Gatlinburg). GPS Justus Orchard for directions.
Finding the Right Apple Picking for Your Group
For Families with Kids
Apple picking is a classic family activity for kids of all ages. The combination of picking, seeing the cider mill, and the farm atmosphere creates a memorable afternoon.
For Fall Leaf Lovers
Combine apple picking with a fall foliage drive. The second and third weeks of October line up perfectly: peak leaf color in the mountains and peak apple harvest at the same time.
For Cooks and Bakers
Serious apple pickers come for variety selection. Ask farm staff which varieties are best for pie, sauce, or cider. Heirloom varieties available at smaller orchards offer flavors unavailable in grocery stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to go apple picking near the Smokies?
Mid-September through mid-October is peak season for variety selection. September has earlier varieties plus good weather. October combines later varieties with fall foliage.
How much does u-pick apple picking cost?
U-pick is typically priced by weight. Expect $1.50-$3.00 per pound depending on variety. A half-peck (about 5-6 lbs) runs $8-$15.
What is the Apple Barn?
Apple Barn Farm Market in Sevierville is a complex including an orchard, cider mill, winery, candy kitchen, restaurant, and general store. It is one of the most popular agricultural attractions in the Smokies.
Are there orchards inside the national park?
There are remnant apple trees on old homestead sites in the park, particularly in Cades Cove. These are historical trees and picking is not permitted.
What varieties are grown near the Smokies?
Common varieties at local orchards include Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Winesap, and Granny Smith. Specialty orchards have heritage varieties including Limbertwig, York Imperial, and Smokehouse.
Can I visit the Apple Barn without picking apples?
Yes. The Apple Barn complex is open for market shopping, cider tasting, winery tours, and restaurant dining without a u-pick ticket.
Stay Within Reach of Apple Picking
Make your Smokies fall trip complete. A Vantage cabin surrounded by fall color, with a deck to sort your apples, and a kitchen big enough to bake that pie.
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