There’s something timeless about an apple orchard in the fall: rows of twisted trees heavy with fruit, golden light filtering through crimson leaves, and families bundled in flannel (or shorts and T-shirts, since we are still in the South) capturing moments beneath the branches.
As a photographer, these orchards are more than just seasonal attractions, they’re living landscapes full of color, texture, and story. In this post, I’m sharing some of the most photogenic apple orchards between Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, places where the apples are sweet, the scenery is stunning, and every visit feels like stepping into a postcard.
This was the first orchard I visited in the area, about 10 years ago! You can tell by the terrible filter on this photo and by the distinct lack of grey hair on my big guy’s snout.
Skytop is probably the most well-known orchard in the area, and rightfully so. Located in Flat Rock, North Carolina (about 45 minutes from both Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC), it has been voted the #3 orchard in the country. The family run orchard has been in business since 1967 and boasts of all the fall activities your heart could desire: hay rides, apple picking, apple cider and apple cider donuts, and the best views in town.
If this name sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the family run operation of Greenville’s favorite meteorologist, Chris Justus! He keeps us weather aware and his family keeps us living our best fall lives.
This orchard is located in Hendersonville, NC, just a short 30 minutes from Asheville and about an hour from Greenville. They have all of the seasonal activities, but also have a cozy taproom where featuring local seasonal hard fruit ciders, local craft beers, and local wines.
Jeter Mountain is home to The Cider Co., which boasts of apples picked at their peak, pressed on-site, and crafted in small batches, producing all-natural, fresh, and perfectly delightful hard cider.
In addition to all of your favorite fall activities, Cider and Wine made on-site, this orchard has a restaurant called The Smokehouse, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor and an in-house bakery. So if food and drink are your main concerns, Jeter Mountain is the place to be.
This fall, experience all of the fall fun at any (or all) of these locations. And if you want a romantic apple orchard photoshoot, you know where to find me!
