Carter Mountain Orchard Charlottesville VA
A mountaintop orchard offering stunning views, seasonal fruit picking, and legendary apple cider donuts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, best donuts!
Carter Mountain Orchard Charlottesville VA
Best Time
Beat the crowds, best donuts!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mountaintop orchard offering stunning views, seasonal fruit picking, and legendary apple cider donuts.
"The views are stunning, the apple cider doughnuts are amazing, and the fall vibes are giving."
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
For peak season weekends, booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended to guarantee entry.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and potentially uphill, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Apple Cider Donuts
Warm, fresh, and utterly irresistible. These are a must-try and a signature treat of Carter Mountain Orchard.
Panoramic Views
Perched high above Charlottesville, the orchard offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and city.
Pick-Your-Own Apples
Experience the classic fall activity of harvesting your own apples directly from the trees.
Seasonal Fruit Picking
Beyond apples, enjoy picking fresh peaches in the summer and other seasonal fruits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Peak Season Ticket Strategy
Timing for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
For peak season weekends, booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended to guarantee entry. +2
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and potentially uphill, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🍩 Don't Miss the Donuts!
The apple cider donuts are legendary. Arrive early as they often sell out quickly! +1
🚗 Parking & Access
Parking can be challenging during busy times. Consider arriving early or checking for shuttle options if available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Tickets Online
For peak season weekends, booking tickets in advance online is highly recommended to guarantee entry. +2
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain and potentially uphill, so comfortable footwear is a must.
🍩 Don't Miss the Donuts!
The apple cider donuts are legendary. Arrive early as they often sell out quickly! +1
🚗 Parking & Access
Parking can be challenging during busy times. Consider arriving early or checking for shuttle options if available.
📱 Check Website for Hours
Hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Always check the official website before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carter Mountain Orchard for its breathtaking views, delicious apple cider donuts, and fun pick-your-own experiences. While the scenic beauty and seasonal treats are highlights, some guests note limitations in lunch options and occasional crowds during peak times. The friendly staff and country store add to the overall positive experience.
"We visited Carter Mountain early August 2025, on a Friday. It was one of those rare low humidity days. My husband and I just moved to Central Virginia and we found out about Carter Mountain through, “Only in Your State” email. They mentioned how good the ice cream is. It was good! The staff were very friendly and the gift shop was full of delicious items and nice gifts.
The only drawback was, that they don’t offer anything to eat for lunch! I was told by an employee they have food on the weekends for events. We honored their posting, that you can’t bring your own food and drinks. Okay, I understand that. I thought they would have some type of food for lunch. We thought it would be nice to eat lunch and enjoy the nice view. So we didn’t stay as long as we would’ve liked. But we enjoyed our brief stay and hopefully come back in the fall."
Sylvia Wood
"Our Early August visit was fantastic, the Peach Orchard was something out of a Fairytale scene; Big Luscious Peaches hanging, I was very impressed. This atmosphere is family friendly and the Mountain View’s are picturesque. The apple cider donuts were delicious."
Temeka Roach Munden
"Fun place to chill and pluck peaches and apples, based on the season!
The plucking requires a mild walk uphill for the peaches. Do ask someone to understand what's a good peach. Only red might not be enough for it to be great, if it has a green hue. Something which is red and orange, might be best.
In terms of food we tried the apple cider donut and peach cookies, quite decent. We also tried three peach drinks, slushie, cider and hard cider. I found the slushie and cider a bit too sweet. Although, the hard cider was amazing, I would the selection of those over the cider.
Even though we loved the hard cider, it would have been nice if they had a paid tasting option for multiple ciders. Upon asking if we can taste, the person helped us with one and said they can give only one tasting. The person attending didnt sound keen on the interaction."
Tanvi Goyal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carter Mountain Orchard is conveniently located just a short drive (about 10 minutes) from downtown Charlottesville, VA. Take Carters Mountain Trail directly to the orchard. +1
Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on busy fall weekends. Arriving early is your best bet to secure a spot.
Public transportation options directly to the orchard are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Carter Mountain Orchard.
The address is 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902. 
Carter Mountain Orchard is approximately a 3-hour drive from Washington D.C., making it a popular day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
During peak seasons, especially fall weekends, tickets are often required for entry. It's highly recommended to check the official website and purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. +2
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around $10 per person during peak season for entry. Check the website for current pricing.
Yes, special events like sunset series or live music may have separate ticketing requirements. Always consult the orchard's website for event-specific information.
While sometimes possible, it's best to buy tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits, as they can sell out.
Admission tickets typically grant you access to the orchard grounds, including areas for apple picking and enjoying the views. Specific activities like hayrides may have separate fees.
🎫 🍎 Onsite Experience
Activities include pick-your-own apples and peaches, hayrides, enjoying panoramic views, visiting the country store, and indulging in seasonal treats like apple cider donuts. +2
Absolutely! Apple picking is a primary attraction during the fall season. You'll purchase a bag and head to the designated picking areas.
The entire orchard offers stunning views, but the terrace area provides particularly breathtaking panoramic vistas of Charlottesville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. +2
Yes, hayrides are a popular activity, especially during the fall season, offering a scenic tour of the orchard.
Yes, it's a very family-friendly destination with activities like apple picking and hayrides that kids love.
🍽️ 🍩 Food & Dining
The orchard is famous for its delicious apple cider donuts, peach cookies, and various apple cider drinks (slushies, hot cider). They also offer Bold Rock hard ciders and wines.
While picnicking is encouraged, especially at the viewpoint areas, you are generally not allowed to bring your own food and drinks.
Historically, full lunch options have been limited, with food primarily available during weekend events. It's best to check their current offerings or plan to eat elsewhere if you need a substantial meal.
Yes, they offer Bold Rock hard ciders and wines. While a full tasting option might not always be available, you can often purchase individual drinks to sample.
The apple cider donuts are a non-negotiable must-try! Also, consider the apple pie a la mode, peach cookies, and apple cider slushies.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic viewpoints offer stunning backdrops. The orchards themselves, especially during picking season, provide beautiful natural scenery. Don't forget to capture those iconic cider donuts! +1
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged throughout the orchard. Capture the vibrant colors of the fruit and the expansive views.
Golden hour, both in the morning and late afternoon, offers beautiful lighting for photography. The sunset from the terrace is particularly spectacular.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the orchard management directly before flying a drone on the property.
Look for signs indicating designated photo spots, or simply find a scenic overlook. The rows of apple trees and the country store also make for charming photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the activities, the famous apple cider donuts are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. The family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to experience a bit of farm life make it a memorable outing. Just be prepared for potential crowds on weekends and consider arriving early to make the most of your visit with little ones.
couples
Savoring the famous apple cider donuts and perhaps a glass of Bold Rock hard cider or local wine adds a touch of indulgence to your outing. It's a perfect blend of outdoor activity, delicious treats, and beautiful scenery for a memorable date.
Day-Trippers from DC
Plan your visit to include apple picking (in season), enjoying the stunning mountain views, and, of course, indulging in the legendary apple cider donuts. Consider combining your trip with other Charlottesville attractions like Monticello or the historic downtown area for a fuller experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Apple Cider Donuts
+2These donuts are often paired with other seasonal beverages like hot apple cider or frozen apple cider slushies, creating the perfect autumnal pairing. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in, and the taste lives up to the hype. If you're planning a visit, consider them a non-negotiable part of your Carter Mountain experience.
Beyond the donuts, the country store offers a variety of other baked goods and local produce, but the apple cider donuts remain the undisputed star of the show. They are a testament to the orchard's commitment to quality and tradition, making them a highlight for both locals and tourists alike.
Seasonal Picking Experiences
+1As summer transitions into fall, the focus shifts to apple picking. Various apple varieties are available, allowing visitors to choose their favorites for eating fresh or baking. The act of harvesting your own apples directly from the trees is a cherished activity, creating lasting memories for families and friends.
+1Beyond apples and peaches, the orchard may offer other seasonal fruits. The experience is enhanced by the stunning mountain views that serve as a backdrop, making the picking process not just about the harvest, but also about enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Remember to check the orchard's website for the most up-to-date information on what fruits are in season and available for picking.
The Breathtaking Mountain Views
+2Visitors often describe the views as 'stunning' and 'breathtaking,' especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The terrace area is a prime location to enjoy these vistas, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon or a romantic evening. Even on a cloudy day, the expansive landscape offers a sense of tranquility and awe.
These views contribute significantly to the overall experience, transforming a simple visit to an orchard into a memorable outing. Whether you're there for apple picking, a quick snack, or just to enjoy the scenery, the commanding views are a constant, beautiful companion.
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