Fun at the Farm: Apples, Pumpkins, Corn Mazes and Hayrides

From late summer through fall, many farms in North Carolina come alive as fun destinations for the whole family. Pick mouthwatering apples and picture-perfect pumpkins, find your way through corn mazes, and kick back and enjoy a hayride. Plus, as the fall season progresses, you can experience these activities in the midst of colorful autumn leaves.

1 Darnell Farms

1 Darnell Farms

Bryson CitySee on mapSee on map

This 100-acre farm offers a farmers market, a corn maze, wagon rides, live music and even camping. The Appalachian Trail and Fontana Lake are nearby to explore.

2 Grandad’s Apples 'N Such

2 Grandad’s Apples 'N Such

HendersonvilleSee on mapSee on map

Located on 100 acres, this family-run farm offers more than 30 varieties of apples for purchase. You can also pick pumpkins, explore the corn maze, visit barnyard animals, and shop at the country store and bakery.

3 Hickory Nut Gap Farm

3 Hickory Nut Gap Farm

FairviewSee on mapSee on map

About 15 miles southeast of Asheville, this farm features educational classes, hayrides and horse rides. You can also buy fresh, local products such as apples, ciders, baked goods, jams and cheeses.

4 Sky Top Orchard

4 Sky Top Orchard

Flat RockSee on mapSee on map

At an elevation of 3,000 feet, Sky Top Orchard has a wide variety of pick-your-own apples throughout October, and activities continue through late November or early December. Aside from panoramic views, the orchard also offers hayrides, an animal park, a playground and gem mine.

5 Creasman Farms

5 Creasman Farms

HendersonvilleSee on mapSee on map

This family-run farm boasts 35 acres of apples for picking, as well as pumpkins, gourds and beans. Don't miss out on the baked goods and apple cider slushies.

6 The Orchard at Altapass

Aerial of Orchard at Altapass with green trees surrounding grounds with mountains in background

6 The Orchard at Altapass

Spruce PineSee on mapSee on map

This historic farm is more than 100 years old. In addition to apple picking, the orchard celebrates the people, music and natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s a special event here every weekend day of apple harvest season mid-September through late October.

7 Smith’s Nursery

7 Smith’s Nursery

BensonSee on mapSee on map

Smith's Nursery offers pumpkin picking, goat walks and yoga, hayrides and more in the fall. Plus, there’s a farm stand. During its annual Fall Festival, visitors are treated to bluegrass and folk music, storytelling and pumpkin painting.

8 Vollmer Farm

8 Vollmer Farm

BunnSee on mapSee on map

On fall weekends, Vollmer Farm’s Back Forty Playground opens and the fun really begins. A Great Pumpkin Jump trampoline, a 100-foot underground slide, hayrides and a kids' zip line are just a few activities the family can enjoy, in addition to pumpkin picking.

9 Rural Hill's Amazing Maize Maze

9 Rural Hill's Amazing Maize Maze

HuntersvilleSee on mapSee on map

Wander through 7 acres of corn maze that will test your knowledge and directional skills. You can also pick pumpkins (in October) and take hayrides around the farm.

10 Lineberger’s Farm

10 Lineberger’s Farm

DallasSee on mapSee on map

Lineberger's Farm has an abundance of fall produce including pumpkins, gourds and Muscadine grapes.

11 Ken’s Korny Corn Maze

11 Ken’s Korny Corn Maze

GarnerSee on mapSee on map

This 6-acre corn maze is North Carolina’s first and longest-running corn maze. There’s also a small maze for kids, pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn box and a hay jump.

12 Maize Adventure at Kersey Valley

12 Maize Adventure at Kersey Valley

ArchdaleSee on mapSee on map

In addition to a 10.5-acre corn maze, you can also pick pumpkins, ride trains, mine for gems, dig for fossils and much more. General admission includes unlimited rides.

13 Gross Farms

13 Gross Farms

SanfordSee on mapSee on map

This farm’s 10-acre corn maze comprises three puzzles with checkpoints to track progress. There’s also a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a Pumpkin Jump and a 40-foot slide.

14 Sonlight Farms

14 Sonlight Farms

KenlySee on mapSee on map

Plan a day of family fun, including a corn maze and kids' maze, the Bouncin' Barnyard, a giant slide, hayrides, plenty of outdoor games and pumpkin picking. Sonlight Farms is open from late September through October.

15 Hill Ridge Farms

15 Hill Ridge Farms

YoungsvilleSee on mapSee on map

Celebrate this farm’s multiweek Fall Festival from late September through late October, complete with hayrides, a pumpkin patch and gemstone panning. There is also a jumping pillow plus an 80-foot slide at Hill Ridge Farms.

16 Mike’s Farm

16 Mike’s Farm

BeulavilleSee on mapSee on map

A year-round agritourism destination, this farm offers hayrides and a pumpkin patch during October. Visitors will also find a barnyard full of friendly animals and a bakery known for its fudge and other treats.

17 Hubb’s Corn Maze

17 Hubb’s Corn Maze

ClintonSee on mapSee on map

Hubb's Corn Maze covers more than 10 acres and includes several mazes of various skill levels. Plus, there’s a shorter, easier maze for children as well as a "past dark" flashlight maze in late October. You’ll also find pumpkins, hayrides and other family activities.

18 Briley’s Farm Market

18 Briley’s Farm Market

GreenvilleSee on mapSee on map

Fall activities at Briley's Farm Market include a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, hayrides and a haunted field. Children can enjoy pony rides and a kids' play area.

 

Updated August 4, 2023
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