With whispers of fall starting to mix in the air, my family decided it was the perfect time to take advantage of local fall activities like apple picking around Chattanooga.
While there are actually quite a few apple orchards around Chattanooga, we decided to visit Wheeler’s Orchard first. Wheeler’s Orchard is located in Dunlap, TN, which is about a thirty minute drive from Chattanooga.
While at the orchard, you are given a tour and shown how to pick the apples properly. After you are done picking apples, you are welcome to feed their farm animals any fallen apples. Afterwards, they have cider and apple treats available for purchase. U-pick options are available on Saturdays this year.
There are other beautiful apple orchards around Chattanooga too.
Fairmount Orchard, Inc. is located on Signal Mountain. The orchard began in 1971 and has been passionately serving its community since then. Although this is not a “you-pick” orchard, the farm is committed to offering its community the very best of their products. Currently, their charming store in Signal Mountain is selling a variety of apples, cider, and jams. They are open every day of the week from 9am until dark. If you would like more information, be sure to check out their Facebook page, Fairmount Orchard, Inc.
Oren Wooden’s Apple House is located in Pikeville, TN. It is a one-stop location for an orchard, farm market, farm to table restaurant and bakery, and gift shop! With one look at their southern menu at the Oren’s Orchard Cafe and the Pie Shop, your mouth will be drooling. Check their website to see daily cafe specials!
Last week, the kids and I decided to visit Oren Wooden’s Apple House. The restaurant, bakery, and farm market are connected in one large building. The sweet aroma of apple pie lingered into the farm market. The kids and I quickly found ourselves in the bakery line.
We enjoyed a slice of apple cake and chocolate chip cookies from the bakery. Afterwards, we walked around the property to stretch our legs. A large pavilion with several picnic tables was located outside of the restaurant. While you eat, you have a beautiful view of the apple orchard.
While Oren Wooden’s Apple House is not a “you-pick” orchard, there are lots of lovely components to this location that makes it a favorite among its community. Be sure to come shop, dine, indulge in apple treats, and view the beautiful orchard in the distance, while you enjoy your time at the Apple House!
Apple Valley Orchards is located in Cleveland, TN. This orchard offers hayrides and a scheduled tour of the orchard that includes a trailer ride, information on how they take care of the orchard, the story of Johnny Appleseed, and a tour of the packing/cider room.
The store does have apples, cider, and bakery items available. You can enjoy these items in their picnic area that overlooks the orchard. Be sure to check out their website for which apples are being currently harvested and call ahead of time to see which apples are available. They are open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and 12pm-5pm on Sunday.
Even though it’s in Blue Ridge, GA, I can’t write this post without mentioning Mercier Orchards. This beautiful farm is the perfect place for a day trip. It is one of biggest and most well known apple orchards in the tri-state area. There’s a café and storefront, plus you can pick your own apples in their huge orchards. Make sure to check their schedule for u-pick days as they aren’t an every day occurrence. They also offer tractor rides across their grounds, which your kiddos will love.
Ellijay, GA is the apple capital of the South, so if you’re up for a day trip, check out this list of orchards!
Our family absolutely loved visiting the apple orchards around Chattanooga. We can’t wait to visit them all. It was so nice to be in nature and for the kids to see where one of their favorite snacks actually comes from, while supporting local farmers and our community.
Do you plan to add apple picking to your family bucket list this fall?
Thinking of venturing out of town further? Check out these in Knoxville and East Tennessee and these in North Georgia.
