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Closed until May 3, 2025
The Orchard At Altapass
The Orchard At Altapass
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until May 3, 2025
About
The Orchard is closed for the season. We look forward to seeing you in May! The Orchard at Altapass is a non-profit preservation, heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue, and cultural heritage center along the Blue Ridge Parkway, an area rich in historical and cultural lore. As a preservation orchard, with some trees over 100 years old and still producing, we propagate the best heirloom apples possible (with the least chemicals), create a pollinator-friendly environment, and host activities for all ages that educate, enlighten, and entertain. Hours and apple availability vary as the season progresses. Check website and Facebook for frequent updates.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
192 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
43
Average
21
Poor
10
Terrible
3
Momofboys
Cincinnati, OH38 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Great history and ongoing endeavor at this orchard. It was very quaint, beautiful and thriving on a sunny October Sunday. That said, some things didn’t make sense. Hours of operation posted until 5pm but the band and cafe are done at 4pm, though people were trying to make purchases. We came for the pie which ran out long before we got there. We were sold “mini pies” which were fine but more crust than filling. Knowing all this I don’t think we would have made a special effort to venture out there. If you’re going, get there before 2p to experience the whole property.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
Bradenton, FL26 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We drove past the orchard several times while traveling on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then we read some reviews and decided we had to stop by and have some of their apple pie a la mode. Good decision! Excellent pie with a perfect flakey crust. Choices of ice cream flavors but we went with traditional vanilla. Besides the ice cream, fudge and pie section, the general store offers various fruit ciders, fruit butters and jams as well as other gift shop items. The staff are very friendly and helpful. There is also a fascinating display about the Over the Mountain Men who passed through this area en route to the Battle of King's Mountain, which was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. My husband's ancestors fought in that battle, so he was very interested in the film and the written presentation. Off to the side of the general store is an open air pavilion where an old time blue grass band was playing, and older folks were flat footing, which is an old dance form in the mountains. The view from the back porch of the general store is wonderful. We were too full of pie to walk up to the butterfly garden or the orchards. But we will return!
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for all your kind words. Hope that you make it up to the Butterfly Garden. That was Judy's (a co-founder) passion. We wrote and got a grant and received several memorial donations with which we "cleaned" it up and enlarged. Hopefully, we'll be able to keep the pollinator plants going and the weeds gone.
Written September 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TRPADVSR1200
Jacksonville, FL29 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
Worth a stop! The view from the back porch is incredible! There was live music in the afternoon, basic food from the grille (burgers, etc), and a cool shop. We got food and pie and sat on the porch to listen to the music and enjoy the view. The staff was very nice.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review. The Orchard itself is a wonder with views that will never change; trees, some over 100 years old, that will be replenished into the future and the clean air, that hopefully will remain. Add to that natural beauty, a staff that tries hard to make everyone feel welcome and it's a winning combination for someone just wanting to get away and "be."
Written September 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Noah S
Mebane, NC186 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We went with a group of four hoping to pick apples. We went into the general store and saw a long line. We weren’t sure if we were supposed to wait in line to go apple picking, or if we were supposed to go somewhere else. Once we determined that we were supposed to wait in the line with those checking out from the store and ordering ice cream, we were told that there weren’t many apples to pick, and that we could pay $10 for a bag, and if we were unable to fill it, they would fill the bag with apples that had already been picked. We went out to the orchard and found that there weren’t any apples to be picked. We then returned to the store, and ordered some of the home-made apple pie. It was delicious! We browsed the store for several more minutes and found some jellies and salsas. Overall, however, there was not a wide variety of items for sale in the store. Hopefully, with more apples, it would be more enjoyable. I would give it a second chance next time I’m in the area.
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. Apologies for the long lines. We had to redo everything for c-19 and utilizing line traffic was one. Hopefully, it will be in a less congestion arrangement next season, no matter what the situation. I do hope that you did get your bag filled upon your return. Seems that people have been over exuberant with the apple picking and ending up with more than their share or picking the unripe apples. It happens, but makes less for others near end of season. And glad you loved the pie. Please do give us a second chance next season. We have great things planned and do want to see everyone happy with their experience. Again, thanks for your comments. They help.
Written October 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John G
Asheville, NC444 contributions
Jun 2022
The histroy of this place is very interesting. We took the wagon tour but the wagon had one flat tire so we didn't get the full tour. The band was nice to listen to which was one of the main reason we came on a Saturday.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apologies for the lateness of this response. Remember the flat tire. Not according to plan, but it will happen rarely. Glad you enjoyed your visit. Come back.
Written September 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jill S
49 contributions
Jul 2021
A visit to the historic Orchard can't help but make you wonder about its early days and all the work that went into making it the must stop that it is. Nothing like sitting on the huge back deck and watching the butterflies, honey bees, hummies and barn swallows come and go. Bonus - on weekends they feature local musicians playing out in the pavilion and if you're lucky you'll get to see grandmas and grandpas get up and start clogging or square dancing. Just the best.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. Being a non-profit, lots of early days and lots of work but for a great cause—Saving the good stuff.
Written July 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traveler746191
64 contributions
Oct 2021
At first I thought it was a great experience but now I am not so sure. Free entry.The apple pie and ice cream was tasty. The hot apple cider was just barely warm, not hot, and not filled to the top of the cup - $4 was expensive for that. It was $10 for a bag of small apples and the apples had splotches all over them. Now that I have googled it, it is sooty blotch and flyspeck - two fungal diseases. Are the apples sprayed or organic? well if organic, they don't advertise it. If sprayed, then there shouldn't be fungus on the apple skin. The apple cider is very expensive and it isn't organic and it is in a plastic gallon jug (not glass).
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
First, thanks for the review. It's a hard middle of the road for a "just right" warmth for cider, and apologies for the cup not completely filled. $10 would have been for U-pick apples that would have been half peck. Bagged apples were $6 for half peck. We are not an organic orchard and make certain that folks know that the few pesticide(s) we use are for the critters that can rot out/through the apples; we do not spray for the two "fungal diseases" you referenced as they do not effect the taste or rot the apple. Most commercial orchards use far more pesticides than the O, ergo their blemish-free appearance (as those available in the grocery stores). We opt for taste. Our apples, all heirloom varieties, are more flavorful than ones that are heavily sprayed. Don't really have a response for the glass vs. plastic cider. The orchards for which I'm familiar that offer cider do use plastic. Glass is far more expensive, and being a non-profit small batch heirloom apple orchard, we rely on the generosity of our donors and visitors in order to continue to "Save the Good Stuff." Thanks again for allowing me to clarify some of your concerns and hope you'll make it back to the O in 2022. This was an unusual year in that we had apples up to our last day (Nov. 1) and we thrilled to be able to give people the Orchard experience of U-Picking.
Written November 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maps229673
Wigan, UK66 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This was recommended by the lady from the previous stop off. It was so worth a turn round as we missed it as we went past . Apple pie to die for with the best ice cream. Bill Carson came over and asked if we’d like to hear the story of how he and his sister got the orchard and saved the land from developers. Take my hat off to this gentleman what a story as you eat your apple pie. Well worth a stop off.
Written August 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,114 contributions
Oct 2021
We came on Saturday, October 9 and it was crazy busy. There was a person directing us into the parking lot and she told us where to park. We really just came to get some apple pie. We got a slice of apple pie for $4.40. It was really good but a bit small. Definitely stop by if you like apple pie!
Written November 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your comments. We do appreciate all. And even if you just came for pie, we had to find you a place to park. We were extremely lucky this year with our apple crop and yes, it was crazy busy the last few weeks, but think all got to u-pick, got to buy apples by the bag, and enjoy apple pie...if that was what they wanted. Hope you come by again in 2022 for another slice.
Written November 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suzie b
banner elk10 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Any silly visitor who thinks this should be a hustling place in the middle of a pandemic, needs to go back to wherever they came from. Friendly ppl, great gifts, yummies & fun drive♡ When pandemic was not a thing, we liked the banjo pickers. Great apples & cider♡♡♡ Amazing location.
Written January 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don't know when you visited, but in January we are closed. That said, we appreciate your words and thank you for your visit whenever it was.
Written September 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I just read a recent review noting there are not any apples to pick. I also had been gearing myself up to try their heirloom varieties as noted on the website. Different from a couple of the other orchards I have visited in the Hendersonville area. My question is, do they have any that are already bagged? Or are there flat out none at all this year that will be for sale?
Written September 24, 2018
Hi! They do have some bagged apples from another orchard. I recall Golden Delicious and we purchased a boat of Stayman Apples. Those were the only two varieties. Good luck.
Written September 25, 2018
Do I need reservations for hayride
Written September 21, 2017
No. But the rides fill up quick, so just get there early. And be there 10-15 min before the ride starts. It is first come, first seated...
Written September 24, 2017
There is a house dog there who loves to play
Written September 10, 2015
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