PLAN YOUR VISIT
Welcome to the Orchard at Altapass! There is so much to do and see in this beautiful region. Come to enjoy some apples, and stay for the Appalachian experience.
Business Hours
The Orchard at Altapass is open seasonally, beginning in early May through the last weekend of October. Walking trails are open year-round. Be sure to review our Trail Map and Trail Guidelines before your arrival.
Admission to the Orchard
Admission to the Orchard at Altapass is FREE! This includes all exhibits in our Education Center, Butterfly Garden, live music, and hiking trails.
Apples & U-Pick Tours
During harvest season, U-Pick Apple Tours leave from the Apple Shed every hour on the hour. To join a tour, head behind the Red Barn to the Apple Shed where you can select the container size you’d like to use for picking. On the hour, your tour guide will tell you a bit about the apples available for picking, and walk you to the area of the Orchard where apples are ripe and ready for picking. Take a look here for more about our U-Pick Apple Tours.
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible areas include our General Store (including restrooms), access to the back deck, Music Pavilion, and Apple Core Grill.
The Apple Shed is a short walk from our parking area behind the Red Barn.
Our U-Pick Apple Tours are a walking experience through the Orchard trails. Although maintained, the trails are not wheelchair accessible. Given the changing conditions of the trails, strollers are not encouraged for U-Pick experiences but decisions are up to the individual visitors. The State road flanking the Orchard offers views of the fields and a smooth graveled walk for strollers.
If you have accessibility questions or would like to inquire about special arrangements, please contact us in advance.
Pets
We are a pet-friendly orchard. All pets must be leashed and well-behaved. Good-natured dogs (and cats) are always welcome throughout our grounds, the Red Barn, and Music Pavilion. Water is available in front of the red barn. Owners are expected to provide disposal bags and clean up after their pets.
Tractor Rides
Group rides are available Wednesday-Friday.
Reservations are required in advance ~ $150 flat fee.
We hope to bring back our scheduled weekend rides soon.
Check back for updates!
SCHOOL GROUPS
$12 per student
- Hands-on experience, tailored to your group.
- Staff-led tour & discussions
- Orchard activity sheets
- Model train exhibit
- Monarch habitat
- Indoor apiary
- Each participant picks an apple (in season)
- Choice of tractor ride, or hands-on apple peeling
During apple season, school groups are welcome to participate in our hourly U-Pick Apple Tours. These tours operate Wed-Fri, 10 AM-4 PM at the top of every hour. For groups of 25 or more, please call us before arrival.
Food & Beverage
You won’t go hungry at the Orchard! Whether you’re hungry enough for one of our Jumbo BBQ Sandwiches, or are looking to top off your trip with a warm slice of the best apple pie around, we’ve got you covered.
The Apple Core Grill is open from June through October offering a delicious menu of sandwiches and sides with outdoor seating*.
Head to the ice cream counter in the Red Barn to top off your meal with something sweet! People come from miles around for a slice of our hot apple pie with a scoop of icy cold Hershey’s ice cream. Or grab a slice of our homemade fudge, available in a dozen flavors.
Stop in and browse the shelves of our General Store, lined with unique items from a variety of local vendors and small businesses. Choose from a variety of local preserves, specialty sauces, and baking mixes–a great way to bring a piece of the Orchard home or to share as a gift.
Although drinking alcoholic beverages on-premises is prohibited, we are thrilled to offer Molley Chomper’s hard cider, including a special blend made from our own heirloom apples.
Visitors are always welcome to bring a blanket or use one of our many picnic tables to enjoy a picnic lunch brought from home.
*Tables at the Apple Core Grill are reserved for purchased meals.
Area Attractions
The Orchard straddles Mitchell and McDowell counties, centrally located between many popular Blue Ridge destinations.
- Within 15 minutes: downtown Spruce Pine, Little Switzerland
- Within 30 minutes: Linville Falls, Linville Caverns, Downtown Marion, Crabtree Falls, Emerald Village
- Within 90 minutes: Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain
Final Thoughts
The Orchard at Altapass is private property, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
- During your visit, please respect the Orchard—its apples, trees, plants, facilities, games, trails, and staff. We have only a few rules but expect all visitors to be courteous.
- We know it is tempting to pick apples as you walk our trails, but please only pick apples that you have paid for, in areas directed by our staff.
- We know it is tempting to pick apples as you walk our trails, but please only pick apples that you have paid for, in areas directed by our staff
- Please remember that just because an apple is red or yellow, doesn’t mean it is ready to eat. Our field experts let us know when, what, and where the ripe apples are.
- Don’t climb the trees, throw apples, or mishandle the picking poles.
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. Adults, please ensure the children under your supervision are mindful of the land’s fragility and the staff’s hard work to make all Orchard experiences rewarding and memorable for years to come.
