What apples can you pick at Carter Mountain Orchard in October?

As of the orchard's early October posts, Fuji and Granny Smith are available, along with the Virginia heirlooms Winesap and Stayman. Four varieties in total were open for picking.

Do I need a pass to visit Carter Mountain Orchard on a weekend?

The orchard asks weekend visitors to pick up entry passes through the link in its Instagram bio. Get yours before you drive up.

What are the hours at Carter Mountain Orchard?

Carter Mountain Orchard is listed as open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check its social pages for the weekend field report on picking conditions.

Does Carter Mountain Orchard sell cider donuts?

The orchard highlighted cider donuts and apple pie as its fall favorites on the mountain in an October 6 post.

Carter Mountain Orchard Apple Picking, October 2026

As of October 2026, Carter Mountain Orchard is open for fall pick-your-own apples, with Fuji, Granny Smith and two Virginia heirlooms, Winesap and Stayman, ready to pick. The orchard sits on the mountaintop above Monticello in Albemarle County, and it also sells cider donuts and apple pie on the mountain.

Quick Facts

Now picking: Fuji and Granny Smith, plus Winesap and Stayman (four varieties currently available)
Fall treats: cider donuts and apple pie
Weekend visits: entry passes are requested via the link in the orchard's Instagram bio
Hours: daily, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Charlottesville, Albemarle County

What Is Ripe Right Now

The orchard's own posts give a clear picture of the season. On October 8 it announced that Fujis and Granny Smiths had arrived for picking, which it described as two of the most beloved varieties: one sweet, one tart. A day later it noted that four varieties were available for pick-your-own, including the Virginia heirlooms Winesap and Stayman.

Those two are worth seeking out. Heirloom apples are the ones you rarely find in a grocery bag, and a Piedmont orchard is the right place to meet them. The orchard posted a field report with picking conditions for the weekend of October 10 through 12, so check its Instagram before you drive up.

The Fall Treats

On October 6, Carter Mountain highlighted its fall favorites on the mountain: cider donuts and apple pie. The caption simply asked which you would pick. A sensible plan is to fill your bag first and take a donut on the way out, or the reverse if you have no willpower.

Planning a Weekend Visit

Get your pass first. The orchard asks weekend visitors to pick up entry passes through the link in its bio. Do this before you leave home.
Check the field report. The weekend report from the orchard lists what is easiest to pick that day.
Go early. The orchard opens at 9:00 AM daily, and morning light on the mountain is the better part of the visit.

Pair It With the Rest of the Day

Carter Mountain is a natural first stop before a quieter afternoon. A Charlottesville cidery, Potter's Craft Cider, makes farmhouse-style hard cider from Virginia apples and is open Thursday through Sunday (check hours below). If you would rather stay with the history, the orchard is on the mountaintop above Monticello, and the nearby Ivy Creek Natural Area offers hiking-only trails for a longer walk.

Planning Your Visit

Venue: Carter Mountain Orchard, Charlottesville, Albemarle County, VA
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone: (434) 977-1833
Website: chilesfamilyorchards.com/carter-mountain-orchard/
Passes: weekend entry passes via the link in the orchard's Instagram bio
Nearby, Potter's Craft Cider: Thursday 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM; closed Monday through Wednesday. Phone (434) 244-2767.