Apple picking season has arrived! Here’s how long it takes to get to SC orchards from these cities
As fall creeps its way into South Carolina, seasonal decorations, crimson leaves and pumpkin-flavored beverages are all on the horizon.
But if you’re looking for a new way to celebrate the start of autumn, apple-picking is a fan-favorite activity.
Luckily, South Carolina is home to a few apple orchards of its own.
While located in the Midlands and Upstate regions, these orchards are all within a few hours’ drive from other parts of the state, making them perfect for a day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway.
Whether you’re craving fresh cider, warm apple butter or just looking to wander through rows of fruit branches for a U-pick experience, here are three South Carolina apple orchards to visit this fall and the estimated travel time from four county areas in the Palmetto State.
Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery
Address: 1860 Black Highway in York
Windy Hill Orchard and Cidery is a family-owned boutique orchard that’s been in operation since 1978. They offer U-pick apples, ciders and apple treats, like their signature cider donuts. They are open each year from mid-August through Christmas. The orchard is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.
The 2025 season kicked off on Aug. 14, and Windy Hill offers U-pick apple reservations along with pre-picked apples at The Farm Stand. To reserve a U-pick time, visitors can do so online. A calendar of events and updates can also be viewed on their Facebook page or on their webpage.
Note: All travel estimates were calculated using the county area and the best travel route determined by Google Maps, so true travel times may differ based on your location.
Estimated travel distance:
- Beaufort County/Hilton Head: 4 hours
- Horry County/Myrtle Beach: 3.5 hours
- Richland County/Columbia: 1.5 hours
- York County/Rock Hill: Less than an hour
Chattooga Belle Farm
Address: Damascus Church Road in Long Creek
Chattooga Belle Farm, located in Long Creek, is more than just an orchard, but includes a Farm Store, produce stand, on-site bistro, distillery, wedding or event venues, and more.
The Farm Store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those looking for a U-pick option, over 20 varieties of apples are available for $1.50 per pound, and the farm asks that all picked apples be bagged and brought to the register by 4:45 p.m. for checkout.
As an active wedding venue, parts of the farm may be temporarily closed during ceremonies. The farm also states that they are currently about two weeks ahead of their anticipated ripening schedule.
Throughout the seasons, Chattooga Belle Farm offers a diverse selection of fruits, including peaches, muscadines, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. They also have exotic crop varieties like persimmons, Asian pears and figs.
Estimated travel distance:
- Beaufort County/Hilton Head: 5.5 hours
- Horry County/Myrtle Beach: 5 hours
- Richland County/Columbia: 3 hours
- York County/Rock Hill: 2.5 hours
MacGregor Orchard
Address: 2400 SC Highway 11 in Travelers Rest
MacGregor Orchard is a family-owned orchard known for its 11 different fruit options and 111 unique varieties.
During fall, visitors can enjoy a wide range of farm-made goods, including fresh apple cider, apple butter, apple sauce, fruit preserves, and other fruit butters—all crafted right on the farm. They also carry seasonal local fruit and vegetables.
Apple season began on Aug. 23 for the farm, and they are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To stay up to date with their offerings, visit their website or Facebook.
Estimated travel distance:
- Beaufort County/Hilton Head: 4.5 hours
- Horry County/Myrtle Beach: 4.5 hours
- Richland County/Columbia: 2 hours
- York County/Rock Hill: 1.5 hours
