Apple Picking
Apple picking returns in September 2026.
Looking for the authentic apple picking experience near Charlotte? Look no farther than Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, just 30 minutes north of the city in the Lake Norman area. Conducted every September since 1975, our tractor-drawn apple orchard hayrides are the authentic pick-your-own experience! Perfect for children, the apple trees are on dwarf rootstock, meaning they are short, so no ladders are needed for picking. Great for children and families, apple picking is available at select times in the fall.
The apple picking experience includes picking a half-peck bag of apples for each participant. Although the apples vary in size based on the variety and the season, a half-peck bag holds five to six pounds. Weekends typically sell out so it’s best to reserve ahead. On weekdays there’s good availability for walk-in customers.
Carrigan Farms grows several varieties of apples. The first to get ripe are the Red Delicious and Golden Delicious in September. And we can tell you from experience that the delicious apples, are truly delicious! By September 19th, most of the reds and goldens are finished and we are out of apples until mid-October when we have apples get ripe at our new orchard.
In 2022, William Carrigan, planted a new block of apples and these are just now starting to bear fruit. We are very happy to welcome customers to the new orchard starting this year. We ask that you please be gentle to the new young trees.
The young orchard has two varieties: Evercrisp and Gold Rush. The Evercrisp get ripe around October 10 and will last until about October 23 and the Gold Rush get ripe around October 15 and will last until around October 23rd.
Each apple-picking trip includes a hayride out the the orchard to pick a half-peck bag of apples, as well as a stop at the petting zoo.
Please reserve ahead to go apple picking. Use the “Book Now” button above to reserve (coming soon).
To schedule a school field trip, please contact us. Include your preferred date/ time, # of students, and contact information in the email.
Strawberry picking begins in late April. Open swim runs from Memorial Day through at least Labor Day weekend. The pumpkin patch and haunted trail are open in October. We are currently taking reservations for weddings, company picnics and Christmas parties.