Apple Season in the Blue Ridge: 10 Ways to Spend Fall in Hendersonville, NC

When the Blue Ridge Mountains trade summer green for red and gold, Hendersonville, NC turns into one of the best small-town basecamps for fall in the Southeast. From apple orchards and mountain-view vineyards to waterfall hikes and cider by the glass, here are 10 ways to spend the season.

Outbound

San Francisco, California · August 17, 2026

1. Apple picking at U-Pick Orchard:

Apple season in Hendersonville begins in August! Harvest new memories as you fill a basket with your favorite varieties straight from the tree. Apple picking is a fall tradition the whole family can enjoy together, and that'll leave you feeling grateful to the core. Local orchards worth a visit:

2. Delight in All the Apple Treats:

Reward your apple-picking efforts with freshly baked treats, ranging from cider donuts to warm apple pies, fritters, and turnovers. Oftentimes, you can find these delicious baked goods at the U-Pick Orchards! Most of the orchards listed above pair the harvest with a bakery. Grandad's Apples even has two extraordinary signature desserts this time of year: the Ice Cream Sammich (vanilla soft serve ice cream served between two of our apple cider donuts) and the Mountain Glacier (apple cider slushee topped with vanilla soft serve ice cream and caramel apple cookie crumble).

3. Attend the North Carolina Apple Festival:

Hendersonville is the official home of the North Carolina Apple Festival, a four-day celebration that recognizes the importance of the apple industry to Henderson County and North Carolina. The Apple Festival is always held during the Labor Day weekend (Friday through Monday), which falls right in the middle of peak apple harvest season. 2026 dates are September 4th through 7th. Festival-goers can choose from a variety of events, with the most popular event being a street fair on Main Street.

4. Catch Fall Color in the Blue Ridge Mountains:

As the mountains trade their summer greens for shades of red, orange, and gold, fall color becomes part of nearly every outdoor adventure. Scenic overlooks, waterfall trails, and mountain vistas offer a front-row seat to Mother Nature's annual redecorating project. Some of the best spots for fall foliage in Hendersonville:

5. Spend an Afternoon at a Mountain-View Vineyard:

This certified American Viticultural Area (AVA) is home to eight boutique wineries producing award-winning vintages from European vinifera, French-American hybrid grapes, and native North Carolina varieties. You don't need an international passport to visit a wine region that rivals world-class. Just follow the mountain roads, raise a glass, and embrace that unmistakable feeling the area refers to as Gratitude at Altitude™. The eight wineries to visit:

6. Sip Artisanal Cider:

One of the tastiest ways to experience apple season is by the glass. Hendersonville's cideries transform locally grown apples into everything from dry, European-inspired ciders to fruit-forward seasonal pours. See how generations of apple-growing tradition continue to find new expression in the glass. Cideries in Hendersonville:

7. Hike to a Waterfall:

As the Blue Ridge Mountains begin changing colors, nearby DuPont State Recreational Forest is one of the best places to catch the fall foliage on full display at Western North Carolina's most photographed waterfalls. Follow trails to 3 waterfalls —all located within just over a mile of one another.

8. Walk or Bike the Ecusta Trail:

The Ecusta Trail originally began in the early 20th century as a railway line that carried passengers and freight through the foothills of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Now, it's a scenic greenway that starts from downtown Hendersonville and takes you through six miles of pine forests, bamboo groves, pastureland, and the rippling waters of Shaw Creek. So, take in the beauty of Western North Carolina—and when you're ready to unwind after your adventure, our friendly cafes and breweries eagerly await to reward you for a day well spent!

Explore the Ecusta Trail

9. Cast a Line:

Fall is a particularly good time of year to spend a few hours on the water. As temperatures cool, trout become more active in rivers and streams throughout Henderson County and Western North Carolina. Book a guided excursion with local outfitters such as:

Learn the fundamentals while fishing some of the region's most respected trout waters.

10. Bring Something Home from the Farmers' Market:

You can find the Hendersonville Farmers Market at the Historic Train Depot (650 Maple Street) in downtown Hendersonville's Seventh Avenue District each Saturday from May through the end of October from 8:00 A.M. to 1 P.M. Bring home the season's harvest as you browse fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and handmade finds. Local musicians set the soundtrack while neighbors and visitors wander from booth to booth carrying produce, bouquets, and warm pastries.

Learn more about the Hendersonville Farmers Market

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