Visiting Local Farms This Fall: Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards 

There’s something magical about fall. The air turns crisp, the leaves burst into brilliant colors, and local farms open their gates to share the season’s best harvests. Visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard isn’t just about picking produce—it’s about creating memories, connecting with the land, and soaking up autumn’s charm.

If you’re looking for a cozy way to celebrate the season, a trip to your local farm should be at the top of your fall bucket list. Here’s your guide to top local farms across eastern and middle Tennessee, western North Carolina, and north Georgia—for family fun on the farm.

Pumpkin Patches: A Fall Tradition

Nothing says autumn like wandering through a pumpkin patch in search of the perfect one. Local farms often offer far more than just pumpkins—you’ll find wagon rides, corn mazes, and festive photo opportunities for the whole family.

Why visit a pumpkin farm?

• Perfect for carving or baking (homemade pumpkin pie, anyone?)
• Fun family-friendly activities like hayrides and petting zoos
• A chance to support local farmers and seasonal traditions

Tip: If you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, look for large pumpkins with smooth sides. If you’re baking, pie pumpkins (also called sugar pumpkins) are sweeter and easier to work with.

Apple Orchards: Crisp Bites of Fall

Apple picking is another quintessential fall experience. Rows of trees heavy with fruit make for a picturesque (and tasty!) outing. Many orchards let you pick your own apples by the basket, then offer apple butter, cider, or even donuts to take home.

Why visit an apple orchard?

• Fresh-picked apples taste better than store-bought
• Great way to stock up for homemade pies, treats, and cider
• Many orchards also offer festivals, tastings, or live music on weekends

Tip: Early fall brings varieties like Honeycrisp and Gala, while later in the season you’ll find Granny Smith, Fuji, and Arkansas Black.

Apple Recipes

What do I do with all these apples? If you brought home more apples than you know what to do with check out these amazing apple recipes:

• Apple Rosemary Compote
• Apple Pie Dip
• Make your own apple sauce
• Baked Vegan Apple Cider Donuts
• Dairy Free Caramel Apples

More Fun At Local Farms

Beyond pumpkins and apples, many farms expand their fall offerings with:

• Corn mazes that challenge kids and adults alike
• Flower Farms where you can pick your own bouquet
• Sunflower fields perfect for golden autumn photos
• Farm markets with local seasonal veggies, jams, breads, and more
• Bonfires & fall festivals where you can sip hot cider under the stars

Why Support Local Farms?

Visiting local farms is about more than just seasonal fun—it’s about connection. Every pumpkin or apple you buy supports a family business and keeps traditions alive in your community. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to eat locally and seasonally.

This fall, skip the grocery store pumpkins and mass-produced cider. Instead, head out to your nearest farm for a day filled with fresh air, delicious flavors, and memories that will last long after the leaves have fallen. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, baking an apple pie, or just enjoying a hayride with friends, local farms bring the best of autumn straight to you.

Fall Farm Escapes: Pumpkin Patches & Apple Orchards in the South

Autumn in the South means crisp air, vibrant foliage, and family fun on the farm. Here’s your guide to the most charming fall destinations across eastern and middle Tennessee, western North Carolina, and north Georgia—where memories are made among pumpkins and apple trees.

Tennessee: From East to Middle

East Tennessee Favorites

• Oakes Farm (Corryton) – A full day of fun with hayrides through the pumpkin patch, giant slides, corn hole, and a huge corn maze—perfect for families.
• Ballinger Farm (Jefferson City) – Jumping pillow, barrel slide, petting animals, corn maze. Great for active kids.
• The Ocoee Valley Farm (Benton) – Home of the River Maze an 8-acre corn maze, hayrides, flower fields with sunflowers and zinnias, campfires and fall photo ops.
• Apple Valley Orchard (Cleveland) – Check their website for U-pick dates.
• Wheeler’s Orchard & Vineyard (Dunlap) – Sustainably grown apples and grapes. They also offer raw, fresh-squeezed unpasteurized apple cider.
• Flat Top Mountain Farm (Chattanooga) – From hayrides with mountain views to pumpkins, a corn maze, U-pick flowers, food trucks and pony rides, Flat Top Mountain’s Fall Festival offers something for everyone.

Middle Tennessee Picks

• Walden Pumpkin Farm (Smyrna) – Enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, fall treats, and a country store with jams, décor, and carving kits.
• Flying Ghost Pumpkin Patch (Nashville area) – Huge selection of pumpkins and mums, photo displays, pet-friendly, and completely free to enter.
• Gentry Farm (Franklin) – A working farm that centers activities around hands on learning. Very family friendly.
• Cedarwood Pumpkin Patch (McMinnville) – Enjoy petting zoos, a corn/hay maze, and super slides.

If you don’t see a local farm listed near you try checking the Pick Tennessee Products website for more options.

Western North Carolina: Apple Orchards with Mountain Ambiance

Hendersonville / Western North Carolina

• Numerous Orchards in the greater Asheville area – Known for ideal apple-growing climate. Enjoy U-pick or market shopping in this charming mountain region. This region is still recovering from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024 but many areas are open for business and need your support. By visiting you are supporting the local economy and contributing to recovery efforts.
• Popular orchards include Stepps Hillcrest Orchard, Creasman Farms, Justus Orchard, Mountain Fresh Orchards, Owenby’s, and others in the Hendersonville and Flat Rock area.

North Georgia: From Orchards to Scenic Drives

• Ellijay is the “Apple Capital of Georgia” – The most apple-filled region in north Georgia, perfect for picking, cider, and fall festivals.
• B.J. Reece Orchards (Ellijay) – U-pick apples, cider donuts, farm slides, petting zoo, corn maze, pony rides, and more. A fall must-see.
• Hillcrest Orchards (Ellijay) – Home to Georgia’s only Apple Tree Maze, plus wagon rides, sliding hills, mini golf, petting farm, pony rides, and U-pick apples.
• Mercier Orchards (Blue Ridge) – Since 1943, this 300-acre farm offers U-pick fruit, a bakery, cafe, market, candy kitchen, farm winery, and tractor tours.
• Georgia Apple Festival (Ellijay) – Every October, this fair features handmade crafts, music, parades, antique cars, and tons of apple treats.

Tips For Visiting Local Farms

• Go early or on weekdays—popular farms fill up fast on weekends.
• Call ahead and check websites for hours, crop availability, and festival dates.
• Dress for the farm— Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Check the weather before you go. A light drizzle won’t ruin the day but heavier storms might.
• Bring cash—some vendors may not accept cards in remote spots.

From Tennessee’s sprawling farms to North Carolina’s scenic apple hillsides and Georgia’s festival-filled orchards, this autumn brings the best of agritourism. Take a road trip and visit a farm near you. Pack a sweater, grab a harvest donut, and go make some memories.