Here in Virginia, we just adore the fall season. And while it’s disappointing to think of the summer season ending, there’s no denying the excitement of experiencing autumn in Virginia. That’s especially true if you have an itinerary full of corn mazes, beautiful hiking trails framed in fall foliage, and perhaps even a visit to a mountain-top apple orchard. This family-run attraction promises homemade cider, apple picking, and the famous apple cider donuts. We visited Carter Mountain Orchard just a couple of weeks ago, right at the beginning of the apple-picking season, and had an absolute blast. Here’s more on why we absolutely love this fall day trip destination in Virginia.

Come fall season, Carter Mountain Orchard is the place to be for all sorts of family-friendly festivities.
Carter Mountain Orchard / Facebook
This picturesque mountaintop orchard is open year-round, yet this time of year is known to attract apple pickers, cider drinkers, and homemade donut enthusiasts alike.
Carter Mountain Orchard/Facebook
One of the most charming experiences you can enjoy at Carter Mountain is picking your own bushel of apples.
Carter Mountain Orchard / Facebook
Even if nothing is available for you to pick, you're still likely to find an array of delicious produce you can purchase.
Carter Mountain Orchard / Facebook

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There are some sections of the orchard that are open to visitors. Before you go, be sure to check out Carter Mountain Orchard online or call ahead to see what's in season.
Carter Mountain Orchard/Facebook
And while the fruit is certainly the main attraction, there are plenty of other sweet treats that will tempt you to make the trip up the mountain. The homemade apple cider donuts have a cult-like following, and you'll understand why as soon as you sample one.
Carter Mountain Orchard/Facebook
We loved enjoying a fresh donut while overlooking the mountains. The combination was absolutely incredible!
There's also a cidery located on the property for those who wish to sample some of the apples in another creative form.
Beth C., Contributed Photo
Bold Rock Cider at Carter Mountain offers mostly hard apple ciders, but there's a non-alcoholic option as well, and it's delicious!
No matter your reason for visiting, you're bound to be utterly charmed by the experience and views waiting for you at this quintessential fall destination.
Beth C., Contributed Photo
And don't forget to come back in the summer for some mouthwatering peaches. There's so much to love about this seasonal Virginia orchard!
Beth C., Contributed Photo
Catch a glimpse of Carter Mountain on a busy fall day when you watch the brief drone footage below, courtesy of Creative Dog Media:

After exploring all that Carter Mountian has to offer, be sure to stop by the gift shop to peruse the one-of-a-kind items for sale. It’s the perfect spot to find a souvenir. Have you visited Carter Mountain Orchard before? What did you think of your experience there? We’d love to hear about it! For related content, be sure to read about this breathtaking fall foliage hike in Virginia. And don’t forget to wear your coziest flannel shirt for all your autumn outings this season!

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More to Explore

fall in Virginia

Beth C. | September 19, 2023

What are some of the best fall hikes in Virginia?

Hiking in Virginia is an absolute must during the autumn season. Below you'll find a list of some of the best fall hikes in Virginia:

  • Old Rag Mountain Loop
  • McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail
  • Dark Hollow Falls Trail
  • Bear's Den Park Trail
  • Blackrock Summit via Trayfoot Mountain and Appalachian Trail
  • Scott's Run River Trail
  • Appalachian Trail to Apple Orchard Falls to Cornelius Creek
  • Cedar Run, White Oak, Old Rag, Weakley Hollow, and Nicholson Hollow Trail
  • Appalachian Trail: Sinking Creek to Stony Creek
  • Burke Lake Trail
  • Cedar Run Falls Trail
  • White Oak Canyon Trail
  • Cumberland Marsh Hiking Trail
  • Great Marsh Trail
  • Bluebird Trail
  • James River North Bank and Buttermilk Loop Trail
  • North Bank Trail

 

Curious to learn more about these trails? Check out our ultimate guide to the best hiking trails in Virginia. There's really something for every kind of hiker on the list!

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1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA