A Day At Jeter Mountain Farm - Apple Picking in the Blue Ridge

Nothing says “fall is near” quite like a day at Jeter Mountain Farm. If you’ve been searching for the perfect spot for apple picking in Hendersonville, NC—complete with wagon rides, fresh cider, and sweeping views—you’ll want to add this family-owned farm to your list. It’s one of the top things to do in Hendersonville NC in the fall, and it’s easy to see why.

 

By the end of the afternoon, you’ll head home with a bag of apples, a smile, and probably some warm cider donuts tucked under your arm.

 

I put this guide together so you’ll know what to expect—and a few insider tips to make your visit even better.

 

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Getting There & First Impressions

 

 

Located just outside Hendersonville and a short drive from Asheville or Greenville, SC, Jeter Mountain Farm is easy to reach. As soon as you pull in, the scenery sets the tone: a big red barn against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, kids buzzing with excitement for wagon rides, and families walking toward the orchard market. Even before you step out of the car, it feels festive.

 

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Things to Do at Jeter Mountain Farm

 

U-Pick Orchards

 

 

This is the heart of the farm experience. Depending on the season, you’ll find apples, peaches, berries, grapes, or even pumpkins ready for picking. The wagon ride that takes you out to the orchards is half the fun—and very kid-friendly.

 

Worth noting: it’s not a free-for-all. Certain orchard rows are roped off, and staff guide you to the areas that are ready for picking. This keeps things organized, ensures healthy trees for future seasons, and guarantees there’s plenty of fruit for everyone.

 

Pro Tip: Wagon rides usually stop loading around 3:30 pm, so don’t wait too late if you want the full apple picking in North Carolina experience.

 

 

Sip & Snack

 

 

• Apple Cider Donuts: Warm, sugary, and just as delicious as you’ve heard.
• 1813 Smokehouse: Slow-smoked BBQ and Southern sides—perfect if you want a full
  meal.
• Orchard Coffee House: A cozy spot for a latte made with locally roasted beans.
• The Cider Barn: For the adults, rotating flavors of hard cider
  (Original was my favorite). Enjoy one on the porch while the kids play, and you’ve hit peak fall vibes.

 

 

 

Relax & Play

 

 

On weekends, live bluegrass music adds to the mountain atmosphere. Kids can burn energy in the indoor and outdoor play areas while parents soak up the scenery.

 

 

Shop Local

 

 

Inside the market, shelves are stocked with apple butter, local honey, jams, candles, and other handmade treasures. It’s the perfect stop if you’re looking for a gift—or just want to bring a piece of the Blue Ridge farm experience back home.

 

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When to Go

 

 

• Best Season: Late summer through fall, especially September and October for peak apple season.
• Best Days: Weekends have that bustling, festival feel. For a quieter trip, aim for a Thursday or Friday.
• Weather Check: Since this is an outdoor-heavy experience, dress for the fields if it’s muddy or rainy.

 

 

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Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

 

 

• Arrive before lunch so you can pick fruit first, then grab BBQ or donuts afterward.
• Wear comfortable shoes—orchards and barns aren’t flip-flop friendly.
• Bring a cooler if you plan to stock up on cider, donuts, or apples.
• Plan to stay a few hours—this is more than just an orchard; it’s a full fall activity near Asheville.

 

 

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Why You’ll Love It

 

 

Jeter Mountain Farm is more than a North Carolina apple orchard—it’s an experience. Between the wagon rides, the smell of BBQ, the crisp bite of a just-picked apple, kids laughing on the playground, and music drifting through the barn, it feels like a day pulled straight out of a fall postcard.

 

Whether you’re visiting with kids, planning a date, or meeting up with friends to soak in the mountain views, Jeter Mountain Farm leaves you with that perfect mix of fresh air, full bellies, and good memories.

 

If you’re anywhere near Hendersonville or Asheville, carve out a day for it—you’ll be glad you did.