Straight from the source: U-Pick Farms in Appalachia

U-pick farms have become an increasingly popular attraction in the rolling hills and winding valleys of Appalachia, where farmland stretches between dense forests and mist-covered ridges.

These farms offer visitors the chance to pick their own fruits and vegetables while experiencing the agricultural traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.

Families visit to pick apples in the fall, strawberries in the spring, or pumpkins for Halloween, often making a day of it with hayrides, corn mazes, and farm-to-table markets.

Beyond being a family-friendly activity, U-pick farms also help preserve small-scale farming, encourage agritourism and strengthen local food systems.

Appalachia’s diverse landscape is home to numerous U-pick farms, offering visitors the opportunity to harvest their own fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Here are some notable U-pick farms in the region:

1. The Folk Collaborative – McCaysville, Georgia

Nestled on a hillside in southern Appalachia, The Folk Collaborative is a family-owned apple orchard that offers U-pick experiences. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, indulge in fried pies, and explore the mercantile. The farm also offers organic herbs, teas, salves, and workshops that share traditional Appalachian knowledge.

2. Snow Farm Blueberries – Vilas, North Carolina

Located near Boone and Appalachian State University, Snow Farm Blueberries is a family-owned farm offering U-pick blueberry experiences. Visitors can enjoy the serene countryside while picking fresh, delicious blueberries during the season.

3. Jeter Mountain Farm – Hendersonville, North Carolina

Spanning over 400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jeter Mountain Farm grows a variety of fruit in its U-pick orchards.

“From mid-July through the end of October, we are proud to be able to offer a variety of fruits for your family to enjoy picking together. Peaches, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, pumpkins and over 20 varieties of apples are among the fruits that you can look forward to selecting from our orchards before taking them home,” reads the website.

4. Sunset Berry Farm – Alderson, West Virginia

Sunset Berry Farm in Alderson, West Virginia, is best known for its U-pick strawberry fields and family-friendly atmosphere. The farm hosts seasonal events, including a popular strawberry festival, and offers fresh, locally grown produce in a scenic Appalachian setting.

5. Doe Creek Farm – Pembroke, Virginia

Doe Creek Farm in Giles County, Virginia, offers a U-pick apple experience in its historic orchard, allowing visitors to harvest various apple varieties each fall. The farm provides a scenic and family-friendly setting where guests can enjoy the crisp mountain air while picking fresh apples straight from the trees.

“Apples have been grown on Doe Creek Farm for over 100 years. We have transformed from a large commercial orchard to a pick-your-own apple orchard. Our dwarf trees make picking easy for guests of all sizes,” reads the website.

6. Family Roots Farm – Wellsburg, West Virginia

Family Roots Farm welcomes visitors to their farm from late May until the end of June to walk among over 10,000 strawberry plants and make a memory or two. On the website, the farm promises that “whether you are cultivating a young family or a young love, our strawberry fields will provide a day you'll love and a new tradition to usher in the summer.”

U-Pick farms are essential to preserving Appalachian agriculture. They offer a hands-on way for people to learn about farming, sustainability, and the importance of supporting local food systems. For many families, visiting a U-pick farm is an annual tradition, connecting them to the rhythms of the land in a way that grocery store shopping never could.

As interest in local food and farm experiences continues to grow, U-Pick farms in Appalachia are well-positioned to thrive. With creative adaptations, including online reservations, expanded farm stores, and collaborations with local artisans and chefs, these farms can continue to attract visitors while sustaining Appalachian agriculture.

The economic boost extends beyond the farm gates as well. Visitors stopping at a U-pick farm are likely to explore nearby attractions, eat at local restaurants, and stay at bed-and-breakfasts, contributing to the broader tourism economy. In regions where coal and manufacturing jobs have declined, agritourism has provided a new source of income for many Appalachian communities.

For those looking to support small farmers, visiting a U-Pick farm offers more than just a fun day outdoors—it’s a way to invest in the region’s agricultural heritage, strengthen local economies, and ensure that Appalachia’s farmland remains in the hands of those who know and love it best.

Whether picking a bushel of apples, gathering fresh blueberries, or selecting the perfect pumpkin, every trip to a U-Pick farm is a small but meaningful way to celebrate the land and the hardworking farmers who cultivate it.