Carter Mountain Orchard is a tasty destination set high above Charlottesville, Virginia. This scenic location, conveniently located in Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe’s neighborhood is an itinerary item that’s perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With multi-season activities and attractions awaiting, a visit to Carter Mountain Orchard is ideal for savoring the seasons and taking in the stunning views.
Getting to Carter Mountain Orchard
Carter Mountain Orchard is a short drive from downtown Charlottesville. It is also a matter of minutes from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the historic Michie Tavern, and James Monroe’s Highland in Albermarle County. With so many popular attractions nearby, I had long promised myself that I would someday make the drive up to Carter Mountain Orchard.
During a brief birthday getaway to the Monticello Wine Trail for Virginia Wine Month in October, we finally made time for an early morning visit to the orchard. I’m so glad we did.
As our car climbs the hill there is an air of anticipation. Once we arrive at the parking lot and our destination, it is clear, the views and scenery are worth taking that turn onto Carters Mountain Trail.
Carter Mountain
Carter Mountain is steeped in history. The orchard sits upon land that is part of what was a 10,000 acre land grant that was given to the Carter family by the Virginia House of Burgesses during colonial times. Over the years, the orchard has had several owners, but today it is run by the Chiles family, who add a host of special touches to make your time on the mountain truly magical.
At an elevation of 2,341 feet, this working commercial orchard has been thriving for over a century. Located in Albemarle County, known for its historic figures, the mountain is even mentioned in some of Thomas Jefferson’s writings. With such a rich history and stunning location, a visit to the top of Carter Mountain offers not only breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge but also a touch of history.
Exploring the Orchard
For our visit, we arrive shortly before 10:00 am on a Monday morning. The crisp fall temps and brilliant sunshine enhance our visit immensely. Our timing also proves to be excellent as autumn is an extremely busy time of year at the orchard and we are ahead of the rush.
Fall festivities at the orchard include apple-picking, pumpkins, hay rides, and an array of activities that come along with the season. Since it is just me and my husband, we are more interested in exploring the market and enjoying the views.
Country Store & Bakery
The Country Store is brimming with fall apparel, cute décor, and memorabilia that makes browsing a must. We come across so many items that we immediately begin a list of must-haves to purchase at the end of our visit.
With a variety of options like delicious apple butter, zesty apple salsa, rich apple pies, and their renowned apple cider donuts, there’s something for everyone, all crafted from the finest local ingredients.
After browsing the store and compiling our wish list, we treat ourselves to a tasty cup of hot apple cider and an apple cider donut. Both are delicious, and the view makes them even more enjoyable.
Savoring the Seasons
Carter Mountain Orchard is open year-round and there is always something in season. Whether it’s the beautiful apple blossoms in spring, the sweet, juicy peaches of summer, or the crisp apples and vibrant pumpkins of fall, guests can truly savor the changing seasons.
Peak weekends are in the fall (9/14-11/10) and do require admission tickets for guests 12 years and older. You will want to reserve a ticket in advance if you plan to visit on one of the peak weekends. However, if you can work it into your itinerary, fall weekdays are less crowded and don’t require a ticket.
Carter Mountain Orchard is situated along the award-winning Monticello Wine Trail, which was named Wine Region of the Year in 2023 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The orchard has been growing and harvesting grapes for generations, and in 2019, they launched their own label of vintages, serving both estate wines and fruit wines. Each year, they broaden their selection with new varietals and invite visitors to sample their wines while enjoying the views from the highest elevation tasting room in Charlottesville.
Wine and Hard Cider
For the grown ups, there is a wine shop where guests can purchase Virginia wine by the glass, flight, or bottle. Enjoy the finest estate wines, fruit wines, and seasonal specialty drinks while relaxing and enjoying the view.
There is also the Bold Rock Tap Room featuring delicious craft hard ciders and seltzers made with local apples (including Carter Mountain Orchard).
We arrive a little too early to enjoy the adult beverages, but I can only imagine how spectacular a sunset at Carter Mountain Orchard is while sipping a cool beverage and soaking in the scenery.
Tips for Planning Your Visit to Carter Mountain Orchard
A visit to Carter Mountain Orchard is a fantastic itinerary item by itself but also pairs nicely with a trip to one of the surrounding attractions such as Monticello, Michie Tavern, or Highland. As previously mentioned, tickets are required for peak fall weekends, but week days are less crowded.
A visit to the orchard is a great kid-friendly adventure and field trips and home school groups are welcomed, but you will want to contact the orchard to plan your group visit.
Additionally, there are many special events throughout the year such as their Thursday Evening Sunset Series, fall hayrides, food trucks, and more. Check out their event calendar on the website to discover all the exciting activities at Carter Mountain Orchard.
On a practical note, if you plan to do your own apple-picking, you will want to be sure to dress properly and wear suitable shoes. The ground can be muddy and uneven so keep this in mind. Likewise, picking conditions are always subject to change depending on the weather and the number of customers. All picking is prepaid, with options ranging from a small bag to a full bushel.
We choose to bring home a pre-picked 1/2 peck bag of Honeycrisp apples that are absolutely out-of-this-world. Yum! Oh, and of course we add a jar of apple butter and a half dozen apple cider donuts to our take home order as well.
Parting Thoughts
Carter Mountain Orchard is a place I have driven past a number of times over the years. I would see the bright red apple sign and always say, I need to visit.
Finally, I said, Pull Over and Let Me Out. I’m glad I did. The gorgeous views paired with the apples, baked goods, and crisp fall morning proved to be a winning combination. Even if you only have a short time, it’s worth driving up that mountain to get a glimpse of the valley views below and sample the fruit of the season.
If you find yourself in Thomas Jefferson’s Charlottesville neighborhood or tasting a flight or two along the Monticello Wine Trail, be sure to include a visit to Carter Mountain Orchard and savor the seasons.
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