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

We Open May 8

Saturday/Sunday

10 to 5

A Word About Covid-19 and 2021

Even though all indications point to a healthier, COVID-free summer, we all still want to be on the safe side of the pandemic and want the same for everyone with whom we come in contact. At the Orchard we encourage social interaction, but please continue to keep a 6' physical distance. Masks will be worn by all staff; all visitors inside the barn will be encouraged to wear them. Staff will wear gloves, and sanitizer will be available at the store entrance and exit. The trails are open and marked, but respect distancing with other walkers.
Live music is coming back on the Olin Hefner Pavilion; chair distancing will be in place. There will be NO dancing this season. And we await government mandates to bring back 'heyrides'. However, Bill will be on premises Saturdays and Sundays telling tales and entertaining visitors around the red barn and on the deck. We look forward to a great 2021 with lots of activities, adventures, and apples.

Welcome to the Orchard at Altapass, one of the most visited locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 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 alamode with hand-scooped ice cream. Pick your own apples or purchase them in our General Store (in season). Return to a simpler time for an hour or an afternoon at the family- (and pet-) friendly Orchard At Altapass.

In 2020, we began a program called Adopt a Tree. Folks "adopted" heirloom apple saplings that were planted in their (or another's) name. They received a certificate of adoption. This year we replaced the temporary plaques with permanent acknowledgements.

We had 18 trees up for adoption last year. Folks loved the idea; we placed all 18. This year, we decided to find adopters for more heritage trees. For 2021, we have 21 new "babes" up for adoption. The cost is $100 per tree. For more information or to adopt, email.

Oh, we've already adopted out 2 and have 5 7 serious inquiries; only 14 12 to go.

APPLES

Varieties

U-PICK

U-Pick ~ mid July

GENERAL STORE

In the Red Barn

MUSIC ~ MUSIC

In the Pavilion

Music In The Pavilion

JUNE

2:30 to 4:30
June 5 ~ Sam McKinney
June 6 ~ Randy Flack
June 12 ~ Skiffle Creek
June 13 ~ Butterbeans

June 19 ~ Buffalo Cove
June 20 ~ Sound Traveler
June 26 ~ David Wiseman
June 27 ~ Homegrown

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.

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.