Henderson County kicks off apple harvest season Labor Day weekend with Orchard Trail Days

Hendersonville will celebrate the start of North Carolina’s 2020 apple harvest season over Labor Day Weekend with Orchard Trail Days September 4-7.

North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the country and Henderson County in western North Carolina is the largest apple-producing county in The Tar Heel State.

Henderson County growers produce 85 percent of North Carolina’s apple crop, generating about $30 million to the local economy. Apple harvest season begins in late August and runs through mid-November.

During Labor Day Weekend, many Henderson County orchards will be offering crafts and family activities such as corn mazes, apple cannons, inflatables, wagon rides, food trucks and tours. Details about weekend activities will be featured on the Hendersonville Visitor Center website.

Fresh apples, pumpkins, cider, produce, baked goods, jellies, honey and other items will be available for purchase at various roadside apple markets and produce stands located throughout Henderson County. Some orchards allow visitors to pick their own apples.

Earlier apple varieties harvested in Henderson County include Ginger Gold, Gala, Fuji, Jonagold and the popular Honey Crisp. The most widely grown apples are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Rome Beauty. Fall varieties, which are available in later October, include Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Staymen, Winesap and Cameo. The taste of the fruit ranges from sweet to tart, depending on the variety.

Orchard Trail Days will follow federal and state mandated guidelines for cleaning, social distancing and limiting of crowd size. The self-guided Crest of the Blue Ridge Orchard Trail brochure allows you to have the flexibility of mapping out your own route by starting at the business of your choice.

Pick-up a Crest of the Blue Ridge Orchard Trail brochure at the Visitor Center, 201 South Main Street, in downtown Hendersonville, or download a copy here.