Welcome to The Historic Orchard at Altapass ~ Saving The Good Stuff ~ Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Welcome to the Orchard at Altapass, one of the most visited locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Orchard is a non-profit organization, and for over a quarter-century, we have diligently worked to "save the good stuff"—the regional traditions, culture, and the land on which all was built. We accomplish that by propagating the best heirloom apples possible (with the least amount of chemicals) and hosting activities for all ages that educate and entertain.

We invite you to come for a visit. You don't want to leave without a walk through the apple forest. Bring your appetites for the hot apple pie with hand-scooped ice cream. Pick your own apples or purchase them in our soon-to-open Apple Shed. Return to a simpler time for an hour or an afternoon at the family- (and pet-) friendly Orchard At Altapass.

We are "over the apple trees with this exciting news!
Read all about it "Bringing Back the Music"

You miss it. We need it.

Help us move into the future by remembering the past.

CALLING FOR
VOLUNTEERS

SPECIAL EVENTS

Book Signing

FOR ALL

Train Project

FOR KIDS

Learning Fun

CELEBRATE

FOR ALL AGES

Every Day Fun

ORCHARD FOUNDATION

Bill and Judy Carson and Kit Carson-Trubey founded the Orchard at Altapass in 1994. Please listen to Bill as he relates how it came to be and why it's important. Take a bite into the Orchard—just an appetizer for the whole pie.

SAVING THE GOOD STUFF

In 2011, TED Talks asked Bill Carson to tell his story—how he became involved with apples, traditional music, and the preservation of a culture and heritage of the Altapass region along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Covid-19 Update

Even though it's summer in the mountains, and we all hoped for a pandemic-free summer, an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where public interaction happens. COVID-19 and its variants are extremely contagious diseases that can lead to severe illness and death. The CDC has advised all unvaccinated persons are especially vulnerable to the Delta Variant of COVID and a small number of vaccinated persons can be reinfected if exposed to a contagious person. By visiting the Orchard at Altapass, you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to exposure to the virus. We encourage social interaction. Masks are no longer required, but we strongly urge all visitors to wear masks when inside the red barn or in the pavilion during a performance. And although when outside the risk is far less, if you are unsure as to your safety, please wear a mask. Your well-being is important to us.

The Orchard Foundation is not responsible for the conduct, safety, or well-being of unsupervised minors.

Our Mission

The mission of the Altapass Foundation, Inc. is to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains; protect the underlying orchard land with its apples, wetlands, butterflies, and other natural features; and educate the public about the Appalachian experience.

Altapass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit and depends on the generosity of donors to fund programs that support this mission. Click here for information about becoming a member or to make a special donation.