It is still August, and summer should be in full swing. But the last few days—cloudy, cooler with that crisp in the air—triggered something different from expected… fall vibes. I can’t be the only one craving the pleasant temperatures with pumpkin spice in the air.

Autumn has always held a special place in my heart, and for good reason. The leaves changing color, the weather cooldown and outdoor activities are more feasible. The bugs are not as predominant. Football season kicks off. Lately, one other thing has been added to my list of Fall favorites—apple-picking.

Let’s be honest, apple picking is such a cool activity for all ages. Further, your entire family can join the fun. If you’re seeking an enjoyable afternoon with your loved ones, I’ve put together a selection of “nearby” orchards, perfect for a delightful apple-picking adventure.

So, why not grab a basket and prepare for a day of indulging in the world of apples?

When Is The Best Time for Apple Picking?

There are dozens of different types of apples; some of the most popular varieties are in season during the autumn months.

The Fuji apple is at its peak from September to November, while the Granny Smith apple can be found from October to December. Other popular varieties include Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious apples.

Of course, the best time to pick any apple is when it is fully ripe. This ensures that the apple will be sweet and juicy. For most varieties of apples, this means waiting until the skin has turned a deep shade of red or yellow.

But hang on, there are some exceptions. For instance, Granny Smith apples actually taste best when they are still mostly green. So if you’re planning on going apple picking this fall, be sure to do your research and choose a variety that is ripe and in season.

Unfortunately, there are no orchards near Augusta. Most of them are a 2-4-hour drive. It is important to prepare for the trip.

Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill

Let’s start with the closest one to us. The Windy Hill Orchard is located in York, SC, just 2.5 hours from Augusta. Before jumping in the car, check their website as they are not open every day of the week.

This orchard offers apple-picking experiences, or you can just purchase at the counter. The “u-pick”, where you are actively picking the apples, have a small window. It is from September to October.

If you are planning on apple-picking at this farm, be sure to do an online reservation on their site.

In addition to apple picking, Windy Hill Orchard and Cider Mill also offers several other fun activities, wine and hard cider tasting, live music, fire pits, hayride, and so much more. It is worth checking their calendar for the activity you are looking for.

As expected, they also have a country store on site, where you can purchase apple cider, jams, and other local goodies.

Sky Top Orchard

Located in Flat Rock, NC, Sky Top Orchard is a great option for apple-picking. It is about three hours away from Augusta. The Orchard is located on top of a 5,500-foot mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Tailored towards families with little ones, Sky Top Orchard offers apple picking, as well as a variety of other fall activities. On the weekends, you can even go gem mining at their lake. If you are not feeling up to touching the cool water, you can choose to ride the Buzz Buzz, the bee train pulled by a tractor.

Sky Orchard has most of a farm vibe. The animals roam around the grounds all year round. It is not unusual for the patrons to run into peacocks, sheep, bunnies, geese, and all kinds of farm animals.

The orchard has a country store on site, where you can purchase apple cider, apple pies, caramel apples, apple cider doughnuts, and other local goodies.

Check their website before visiting.

Mercier Orchards

Let’s drive the other way now. The fourth generation of farmers and veterans, Mercier Orchards is located in Blue Ridge, Georgia. If you go through Atlanta, you will get there in four hours.

With over eight thousand reviews on Google, this farm is one of the fans’ favorites. The orchard grows a wide variety of apples, as well as peaches, nectarines, and plums.

From hayrides to fishing to sitting on Santa’s lap (when the time comes), there are plenty of things to do on the farm. The country store has a wide variety of items, including vegetables, fruits, and apparel.

Mercier Orchards’ apple picking season is from August through October. With a variety of different flavors, it is also a great place to get apple cider, as hard-pressed beverages are available year-round.

Reservations are NOT required for tastings, so you can come and try them out at any time; children under 2 are free.

If you are willing to make the drive, this will be well-worth it.

The Folk Collaborative

The Folk Collaborative, located in McCaysville, Georgia, offers more than apple-picking. It’s an experience. Nestled deep in the heart of southern Appalachia and surrounded by old-growth trees and cool mountain air, the views are breathtaking.

Aside from what you are usually expecting—apple picking, country store, baked goods, etc—The Folk Collaborative offers a lot more than that. With magical views, they offer picnics around the grounds and a fire on the mountain.

The fire on the mountains is a getaway where you can experience the local culture. The package offers a meal by the fire to the sound of local music and even storytelling.

In addition to apple picking, there are other activities to do at Deep Roots Orchard. You can take a hayride through the orchard or visit the petting zoo. They also offer classes or workshops.

Be sure to check their site for more information on classes and other events.

B. J. Reece Orchard

Located in Ellijay, Georgia, B.J. Reece is a good 3.5 hours away from Augusta. The apple-picking season starts in late August through the end of October.

Aside from the u-pick, this orchard has some interesting activities. This includes a corn box. It is the same principle as a sandbox, but it is filled with corn. It is an interesting sensory experience.

Another interesting activity is the human hamster wheel. You walk into this super oversized drain tube and spin yourself down the track and back up. If you are curious, worth a try.

To me, the most interesting one is the pig races. That’s a great family fun competition. You choose your competitor, someone in your family, to go down into the track and chase the pig to the finishing line. The winner of each race gets a free fried pie.

Be sure to check out B.J. Reece’s website for more information on their activities and schedule.

Conclusion

These five orchards offer very distinct experiences. While there are other orchards within the same driving range, these stand out for one reason or another.

It is important to highlight that if you are planning a trip to the North Georgia Mountains, keep in mind that at certain times of the year, the traffic is a nightmare. It is something to consider, especially if you are planning a day trip.