Welcome to The Historic Orchard at Altapass ~ Saving The Good Stuff ~ Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Early June ripe for purchase

The Orchard is Open

Wednesday-Sunday

Through October

10 to 5

Welcome to the Orchard at Altapass, one of the most visited locations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Orchard is a non-profit organization, and for over a quarter-century, we have diligently worked to "save the good stuff"—the regional traditions, culture, and the land on which all was built. We accomplish that by propagating the best heirloom apples possible (with the least amount of chemicals) and hosting activities for all ages that educate and entertain.

We invite you to come for a visit. You don't want to leave without a walk through the apple forest. Bring your appetites for the hot apple pie with hand-scooped ice cream. Pick your own apples or purchase them in our soon-to-open Apple Shed. Return to a simpler time for an hour or an afternoon at the family- (and pet-) friendly Orchard At Altapass.

APPLES

Varieties

U-PICK

U-Pick ~ August

GENERAL STORE

In the Red Barn

MUSIC ~ MUSIC

In the Pavilion

Music In The Pavilion

2:30 to 4:30
All Welcome ~ All Free

July 24 ~ Rewind
July 25 ~ Good Ol' Boys
July 31 ~ Eric + Addie

Aug 1 ~ Hodnett Family Band
Aug 7 ~ William Ritter

(2:30-3:30)
~ Sam McKinney

(3:30-4:30)
Aug 8 ~ Slight Departure
Aug 14 ~ Town & Country
Aug 15 ~ Smokey Joe &
the South Toe Syndicate
Aug 21 ~ Good Ol' Boys
Aug 22 ~ The Scatterlings Band

DANCING

In the Pavilion

We are "over the apple trees with this exciting news!
Read all about it "Bringing Back the Music"

You miss it. We need it.

Help us move into the future by remembering the past.

CALLING FOR
VOLUNTEERS

CELEBRATE

FOR ALL AGES

Every Day Fun

ORCHARD FOUNDATION

Bill and Judy Carson and Kit Carson-Trubey founded the Orchard at Altapass in 1994. Please listen to Bill as he relates how it came to be and why it's important. Take a bite into the Orchard—just an appetizer for the whole pie.

SAVING THE GOOD STUFF

In 2011, TED Talks asked Bill Carson to tell his story—how he became involved with apples, traditional music, and the preservation of a culture and heritage of the Altapass region along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Covid-19 Update

Even though all indications point to a healthier, COVID-free summer, we all still want to be on the safe side of the pandemic and want the same for everyone with whom we come in contact. We encourage social interaction. Masks are no longer required but strongly urge visitors who have not yet been vaccinated to wear them.

Live music is back on the Olin Hefner Pavilion. And we are thrilled. The need for social distancing on the pavilion has been relaxed, allowing DANCING to return. We look forward to a great 2021 with lots of activities, adventures, and apples.

Our Mission

The mission of the Altapass Foundation, Inc. is to preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains; protect the underlying orchard land with its apples, wetlands, butterflies, and other natural features; and educate the public about the Appalachian experience.

Altapass Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit and depends on the generosity of donors to fund programs that support this mission. Click here for information about becoming a member or to make a special donation.