Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Farm Adventures This Season

There’s something special about fall in the Carolinas - and few things capture it better than visiting a farm. Whether you’re looking to pick the perfect pumpkin, sip fresh cider, wander through a corn maze, or pick apples straight from the tree, Charlotte is surrounded by farms offering cozy, family-friendly fun all season long. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and corn mazes near Charlotte for fall 2025.

The Union Exchange

Location: Monroe, NC
Opening Day: September 6
Website: theunionexchange.com

Activities: Wagon rides, animal encounters
The Union Exchange kicks off fall with pumpkin picking, adorable farm animals, and good old-fashioned wagon rides. It's a perfect first stop for families looking to ease into the season.

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Wise Acres

Location: Indian Trail, NC
Opening Day: September 20
Website: wiseacresorganic.com

Activities: Organic pumpkins, U-pick, farm store
This certified organic U-pick farm is known for its beautiful pumpkin patch, delicious fall snacks, and peaceful setting. It’s one of the most picturesque fall spots around Charlotte.

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Carrigan Farms

Location: Mooresville, NC
Opening Day: September 2
Website: carriganfarms.com

Activities: Pumpkin patch, quarry views, apple orchard
Carrigan Farms offers fall hayrides, scenic pumpkin picking, and apple orchard access in a stunning setting. With quarry views and weekend snack shacks, it’s one of the most unique farm experiences around.

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Hall Family Farm

Location: Lancaster, SC
Opening Day: September 19
Website: hallfamilyfarm.com

Activities: Hay rides, goat walk, corn maze
This long-loved family farm brings all the fall hits—pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, a goat walk, and a sweet treat stand. There’s plenty of space to run around and explore.

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Hodges Family Farm

Location: East Charlotte, NC
Opening Day: September 27
Website: hodgesfarmnc.com

Activities: Hay bales, barnyard animals
Hodges is a no-frills, super chill pumpkin patch with a country feel right in Charlotte city limits. Think pumpkins, cute animals, and a wholesome DIY vibe.

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Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

Location: York, SC
Opening Day: August 14
Website: windyhillorchard.com

Activities: Apple picking, cider flights, hard cider bar
Windy Hill is your go-to for fresh apples, cider tastings, live music, and apple cider donuts. They’re also home to a hard cider bar—perfect for a fall date day.

Sweetwater Farms

Location: Near Charlotte, NC
Opening Day: September 17
Website: sweetwaterfarmsnc.com

Activities: Pumpkin patch, family-friendly fun
Sweetwater Farms is a laid-back, family-focused destination with a pumpkin patch and kid-friendly activities. It’s great for a mellow fall outing.

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Outlaw Acres

Location: Kannapolis, NC
Opening Day: September 20
Website: Outlaw-Acres.com

Activities: Old West town, corn maze, animals
Outlaw Acres blends a pumpkin patch with a Wild West twist—complete with a themed town, a legit corn maze, and lots of kid-friendly fun.

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Cherry Place Farm

Location: Rock Hill, SC
Opening Day: October 4
Website: cherryplacefarm.com

Activities: Hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkins, corn maze
A great late-season spot with all the fall staples: pumpkin patch, petting animals, hayrides, and a well-kept corn maze. Bonus points for the chill rural setting.

Rural Hill Corn Maze

Location: Huntersville, NC
Opening Day: September 6
Website: ruralhill.net

Activity: Giant corn maze experience
Rural Hill hosts one of the biggest and best corn mazes near Charlotte. It’s a local tradition and ideal for groups looking to take on a challenge (or just get lost on purpose).

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Final Fall Tip

No matter your vibe - romantic orchard date, kid-friendly pumpkin day, or a fall photo shoot - these local farms bring out the best of autumn in the Carolinas. Check each farm's site for exact dates, ticket info, and weather updates.

Follow @CLTBucketlist for more fall fun, events, and things to do in and around Charlotte.

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