Find a local pick your own farm here!

Blackberry U-Pick Orchards in Triangle area of North Carolina in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blackberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blackberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Chatham County

  • Farrells Creek Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm
    1970 Martha's Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27523. Phone:(919) 592-4981. Email: farrellscreekfarm@gmail.com. Open:Mid June to Mid July Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 12pm. Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: From I-40, take the Jordan Lake Exit for Route 751. Proceed 8.5 miles to Marthas Chapel Road and take a right. Proceed 3/4 mile to 1970 Marthas Chapel Road and turn left into Farrells Creek Farm - look for a stone entry way. From Route 64, turn on to 751 towards Durham and proceed 4 miles to Marthas Chapel Road. Take a left onto Marthas Chapel Road and in 3/4 of a mile, take a left into Farrells Creek Farm through the stone pillars. June 1 to July 15 for Blackberries and Blueberries Honey is available year round;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Venmo, PayPal, ApplePay.
    You Pick only - we do not pre-pick Click here for our Facebook page. All the mapping/directions sites direct you to our neighbors, Sun Star Farm. Please proceed 1000 feet further down the road and you will see our farm entrance on the left. (ADDED: June 15, 2020)

Durham County

  • Herndon Hills Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, blackberries, blueberries, muscadine grapes, picnic area
    7110 Massey Chapel Road\/arbee Road, Durham, NC 27713. Phone: (919) 544-3313. Email: nancy_herndon@yahoo.com. Open: Please call or check our facebook page for picking hours and days. Directions: From I-40, take exit 276 \(Fayetteville Road\) and turn south. Take the first left on Herndon Road. Go 12 mile. Turn right on Barbee Road. Go 14 mile to farm on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . From I-40, take exit 276 (Fayetteville Road) and turn south. Take the first left on Herndon Road. Go 1/2 mile. Turn right on Barbee Road. Go 1/4 mile to farm on right. . We use natural practices, but are not yet certified Organic. Our farm is our home. We can only accommodate individuals and families, not groups. Children must be supervised at all times. We are a 200-year-old family farm in southern Durham. We grow blueberries, blackberries and 10 varieties of muscadine grapes. All our crops are USDA certified organic.
    Comments from a visitor on May 21, 2011: "fruit and berries are not sprayed with chemicals"
  • Many Rivers Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, apples, blackberries, Asian pears, peaches, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), U-pick and already picked
    502 John Jones Rd, Bahama, NC 27503. Phone: (919) 358-8920. Email: maustin1040@gmail.com. Open: See website for dates and times. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, PayPal. . Peaches: July - August Apples: July - October. We use integrated pest management practices. We grow an eclectic collection of heirloom and modern apples: Akane, Arkansas Black, Arkansas Sweet, Ashmead Kernel, Blue Pearmain, Braeburn, Caville Blanc, Chestnut Crab, Cortland, Dula Beauty, Enterprise, Esopus Spitzenburg, Florina, Freedom, Goldrush, Granny Smith, Gravenstein, Grimes Golden, Harrison, Hewes Virginia Crab, Honeycrisp - Firestorm, Hooples Antique Gold, Kentucky Limbertwig, Kidd's Orange Redd, King David, King of Pippins, Liberty, Myers Royal Limbertwig, Orleans Antique, Pink Lady, Pristine, Red Astrachan, Reverend Morgan, Roxbury Russet, Rubinette, Stayman Winesap, Strawberry Pippen, Sundance, Swiss Limbertwig, Victoria Limbertwig, Virginia Beauty, White Winter Pearmain, Wickson, William's Pride, WineCrisp, Zestar. (ADDED: December 05, 2020)

Franklin County

  • Vollmer Farm - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, Jumping pillow, farm animals, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours
    677 NC highway 98 East, Bunn, NC 27508. Phone: 919-497-3076. Email: fun@vollmerfarm.com. Open: Starting mid April to July 31st for Strawberry, Blueberry and Blackberry pick - your - own. Directions: From highway 64E 1. Take highway 39N to highway 98E \(Food Lion\) 2. Take a right hand turn at Food Lion 3. Vollmer Farm is 1 mile on the left. From 401N98E 1. Take 98E 9 miles to Bunn. 2. Turn right and stay on 98E at Bunn Exxon Station. 3. Stay on 98E 2 miles 4. Farm is on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
    Vollmer Farm Facebook page. . From highway 64E 1. Take highway 39N to highway 98E (Food Lion) 2. Take a right hand turn at Food Lion 3. is 1 mile on the left. From 401N/98E 1. Take 98E 9 miles to Bunn. 2. Turn right and stay on 98E at Bunn Exxon Station. 3. Stay on 98E 2 miles 4. Farm is on the left. Christmas Celebration at the farm is always 1st two weekends in December; Nativity Scene, singing performices, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Santa Train rides, and all the Back Forty play area attractions - Open Saturdays 2pm to 7pm first two weekends in December. We are certified organic for all crops!

Johnston County

  • Smith's Nursery, Inc. - blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins, strawberries, other vegetables, Honey from hives on the farm, prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
    443 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504. Phone: 919-934-1700. Email: smithsnursery@aol.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: See our website for directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Fax: 919-934-2055. . Crops are usually available in April, May, June, July, September, October, November. (UPDATED: January 26, 2016)
  • The Berry Patch - blackberries, U-pick and already picked
    78781 Weaver Road, Kenly, NC 27542. Phone: 919-525-7974. Email: vicradford@embarqmail.com. Open: Monday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 8:00pm, June 12 to August 15. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. .

Nash County

  • Almost-A-Farm - blackberries, raspberries, corn, perhaps even other pyo crops, too
    5385 Autry Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803. Phone: (252) 451-0334. Open: Please call for availability. Directions: Located between Halifax Road and Old Carriage Road.They offer many . Click here for a map and directions. . crops, and seem to be willing to allow pyo for many. Ask! They also grow Cabbage, Collards, Cucumbers, Grapes, Greens, Honey, Muscadine, Squash, Vegetables, berries, grapes, honey, beeswax, eggs & heirloom beans(white half runner and greasy cut short). And they have honeybee demonstrations. (ADDED: May 04, 2010, phone call)

Orange County

  • Eno River Farm - blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, pumpkins, Christmas trees
    2127 St. Marys Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919)245-8775. Email: info@enoriverfarm.com. Open: Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm Friday-Sunday 9am-7pm . Directions: farm entrance can be found on the corner of Lawrence and St. Mary\'s, on the top of the hill. You will be greeted by the beautiful scenery of rolling hills, farmed with abundant blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and tulips. From Mid-March to Mid-June, the SPRING season boasts Pick-Your-Own strawberries and blueberries, a vibrant greenhouse selection of ornamental plants, vegetable plugs, and annuals, and an overflowing produce stand with our very own vegetables, honeys, and jams! FALL- from Early September to the end of October- brings with it homegrown mums, pumpkins, and hayrides- both haunted and a little less heart-racing! The last season of the year, WINTER, which stretches from Mid-November to . Click here for a map and directions. . farm entrance can be found on the corner of Lawrence and St. Mary's, on the top of the hill. You will be greeted by the beautiful scenery of rolling hills, farmed with abundant blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and tulips. From Mid-March to Mid-June, the SPRING season boasts Pick-Your-Own strawberries and blueberries, a vibrant greenhouse selection of ornamental plants, vegetable plugs, and annuals, and an overflowing produce stand with our very own vegetables, honeys, and jams! FALL- from Early September to the end of October- brings with it homegrown mums, pumpkins, and hayrides- both haunted and a little less heart-racing! The last season of the year, WINTER, which stretches from Mid-November to Christmas Eve brings the Holidays to the farm- hot chocolate, poinsettias, and Christmas trees
  • Minka Farm, LLC - blackberries, blueberries, figs, muscadine grapes, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, restrooms, farm animals, school tours
    120 Minka Farm Lane, Efland, NC 27243. Phone: 919-304-4999. Email: farmer@minkafarm.com. Open: daily from 7 am to 8 pm June through July; Call for fruit availability. Directions: From the Efland exit \(number 160\) on I-85, turn away from town \(south\). The first stop sign and flashing red light is at West Ten Road Continue straight for 3 miles to the next stop sign at Buckhorn Road. Turn left and go 12 mile. Turn left onto Minka Farm Lane. Take the first left to the PYO area and farm store. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Minka Farm, LLC Facebook page. . Bring your own baskets or use ours. Cash is preferred, but if you need to use a card please use the Contact Us form or email to make an appointment or visit us on Saturdays 10am-2pm Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. From the Efland exit (number 160) on I-85, turn away from town (south). The first stop sign and flashing red light is at West Ten Road Continue straight for 3 miles to the next stop sign at Buckhorn Road. Turn left and go 1/2 mile. Turn left onto Minka Farm Lane. Take the first left to the PYO area and farm store.
  • Sweet Retreat Orchard - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, Asian persimmons, blackberries, bush cherries, haskap berries, and mulberries
    2925 Frank Perry Rd, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Phone: (919) 973-5536. Email: info@sweetretreatorchard.com. Open: Typical season for persimmons is from early October to November; Sunday from 8 am till noon; Blueberry season is June - July; Check our Facebook page and website for current schedule. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Sweet Retreat Orchard Facebook page. . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Asian astringent and non-astringent persimmons. They grow Oriental persimmons, jujubes, blueberries, blackberries, bush cherries, haskap berries, and mulberries, and we have various dried leaves to make caffeine-free teas. (UPDATED: March 04, 2019) (ADDED: January 30, 2016)

Person County

  • Carver Farm Nursery - strawberries, beans, beets, blackberries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, flowers, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pumpkins, tomatoes,
    105 Carver Farm Rd, Roxboro, NC 27573. Phone: 336 599 4901. Email: carverfarmnursery@charter.net. Open: Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 7 am to 12 pm; closed on Sunday. Directions: Highway 501 North outside of Roxboro, NC towards South Boston, VA. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. Carver Farm Nursery .

Vance County

  • Parks' Blackberries - No pesticides are used, blackberries,
    1589 Bearpond Road, Henderson, NC 27537. Phone: 252-438-6919. Open: Monday to Saturday, from 7 am to 7 pm; Sunday Closed. Directions: Just South of Henderson from US1, take the Bearpond Road exit East. Farm is located a half mile down on the left. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . We do not use pesticides on the crops. Thornless and trellised blackberries. Buckets for picking are provided.

Wake County

  • Granny Pearls Farm - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, blueberries, figs, flowers, grapes, muscadine grapes, pears, pecans , plums, walnuts, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties, school tours, group reservations
    7209 Mitchell Mill Rd, Zebulon, NC 27587. Phone: (919) 426-1772. Email: info@grannypearlsfarm.com. Open: by appointment; Call for appointment please; Memorial Day until Labor day; Availability outside these time windows are available by appointment. Directions: 3 Miles from Rolesville, NC on Mitchell Mill Road 12 mile from Fowlers Cross roads and 2.5 miles from Highway 96. About 5 miles from Wake Forest, 6 miles from Knightdale, Wendell and North Raleigh. 10 miles from Zebulon. 20 miles From Louisburg. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Granny Pearls Farm . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. 3 Miles from Rolesville, NC on Mitchell Mill Road 1/2 mile from Fowlers Cross roads and 2.5 miles from Highway 96. About 5 miles from Wake Forest, 6 miles from Knightdale, Wendell and North Raleigh. 10 miles from Zebulon. 20 miles From Louisburg. Raspberries: May 29 to September 30, Blue Berries June 1 to July 10 , Blackberries: June 10 to July 30, Grapes: July 15 to September 3. We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. (UPDATED: May 09, 2018)
  • Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), beans, you-dig carrots, cucumbers, lettuce or salad greens, onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, summer squash, Heirloom tomatoes, paste or Roma tomatoes, tomatoes, other vegetables, Other vegetables, sunflowers, flowers, Basil, Mint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Honey from hives on the farm, Fresh eggs, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area you may bring your own food
    1008 Davis Drive, Apex, NC 27523. Phone: (919) 637-9894. Email: val@neighborboyinc.com. Open: Check Facebook and our website for our hours, which vary seasonally. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Neighbor Boy Farm and Country Store Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Our pick-your-own season starts mid-June;. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Additional pick your own: large variety of seasonal flowers and wildflowers, spinach. Pumpkins and Christmas Trees available during the season. (UPDATED: April 30, 2022) (ADDED: July 12, 2021)
  • Page Farms - blackberries, pumpkins, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    6100 Mt. Herman Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617. Phone: 919-596-3227. Email: pagefarms@frontier.com. Open: Saturday and Sunday; 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Directions: coming from raleigh take glenwood Avenue to briar creek pkwy. take a right. go to the stoplight and take a right onto acc blvd. drive a half a mile to mt. herman road take a left and we are a half a mile down on the left. from durham take highway 70 towards raleigh. take a left on leesville road drive 4 miles to 4 way flashing light. take a right and we are 14 mile on the right. pick your own strawberries start around the third week in April; we offer several varieties of strawberries; the season typically last until the first week in june; the pumpkin patch is . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards.
    Page Farms Facebook page. . Alternate Phone: 919-451-5534. . coming from raleigh take glenwood Avenue to briar creek pkwy. take a right. go to the stoplight and take a right onto acc blvd. drive a half a mile to mt. herman road take a left and we are a half a mile down on the left. from durham take highway 70 towards raleigh. take a left on leesville road drive 4 miles to 4 way flashing light. take a right and we are 1/4 mile on the right. pick your own strawberries start around the third week in April; we offer several varieties of strawberries; the season typically last until the first week in june; the pumpkin patch is open from the last week of September until halloween; school field trips are available every day of the week for pumpkins and strawberries. we are a 4th generation farm. it is a working farm. we are in the city of raleigh but still just a little bit country. fun for the entire family. old and young alike.
  • Tate's Apiaries - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blackberries, lavender, other berries, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, school tours
    7424 Turner Fish Road, Willow Spring, NC 27592. Phone: (336) 972-3583. Email: tatesapiaries@yahoo.com. Open: Call for current hours. Directions: Interstate 40 exit 295 on Gorman Street, turn right, left on Tryon, right on Lake Wheeler, left on Ten Ten, right on Fanny Brown, right on Old Stage, left on Carlie Adams, right on Turner Fish, destination on right about .4 mile. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    Tate's Apiaries Facebook page. . We minimize use of pesticides and other chemicals. We have workshops year around, stay posted. (UPDATED: June 12, 2019) (ADDED: May 07, 2019)

 

Blackberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Wild blackberries for making jamIn the U.S. Blackberries typically peak during June in the South, and in July in the North. Crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local Blackberries, producers depend on ideal spring and early summer weather conditions. See this page for a list of blackberry festivals around the U.S.

Before you leave to go to the farm:

  1. Always call before you go to the farm - And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
  2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
     
  3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for Blackberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
    If you use your own containers, remember that heaping Blackberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
  4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Tips on How to Pick Blackberries

  1. There are two types of blackberries to know about: thorny and thornless! Obviously, the thornless are easier to pick, but some people claim the thorny varieties are sweeter. With the thorny plants, you want to reach into the plant in the gaps, so you don't need to touch anything but the berry you're after, avoiding the thorns.
  2. A ripe blackberry is deep black with a plump, full feel. It will pull free from the plant with only a slight tug.  If the berry is red or purple, it's not ripe yet.
  3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries.Unlike strawberries, blackberries are usually pretty tough, I dump mine into the bucket. Repeat the picking process with both hands.
  4. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick Blackberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Pick only the berries that are fully black. Reach in between the stems to grab for hidden berries ready for harvest. Bend down and look up into the plant and you will find loads of berries that other people missed!
  2. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunlight any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Blackberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.

When you get home

  1. blackberries, just pick from a pick your own farmDON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
  2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
  3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash  off the others, drain them and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) Blackberries are less perishable than blueberries or strawberries, but refrigerate them as soon as possible after picking. Temperatures between 34 F and 38 F are best, but, be careful not to freeze the blackberries (while they are in the fridge)!
  4. Even under ideal conditions blackberries will only keep for a week in a refrigerator, so for best flavor and texture, use them as soon as possible after purchase

Blackberry Recipes, Freezing and Jam directions

  1. How to make Blackberry jam - It is VERY easy - especially with our free Blackberry jam directions - very easy!
  2. How to make Blackberry jelly
  3. How to freeze berries
  4. Blackberry syrup, make and can it! 
  5. Seedless blackberry pie!
  6. Blackberry Festivals: Where, When and More to Find an Blackberry Festival Near You this year:

Blackberry Facts and Tips

  • Black Raspberries, also known as "black caps" are a very healthy food; packed with anthocyanins!
  • The USDA says 1 cup of blackberries has about 62 calories.
  • 1 cup of blackberries, not packed down weighs about 140 grams.
  • Select plump, firm, fully blackberries. Unripe berries will not ripen once picked.
  • Ohio State University's Article Regarding Their Prevention of Cancer
  • Oregon Berry Black Raspberry Brochure
  • Blackberry tea was said to be a cure for dysentery during the Civil War. During outbreaks of dysentery, temporary truces were declared to allow both Union and Confederate soldiers to "go blackberrying" to forgage for blackberries to ward off the disease.
  • Blackberries were enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, who believed them to be a cure for diseases of the mouth and throat, as well as a preventative against many ailments, including gout.
  • The blackberry leaf was also used as an early hair dye, having been recommended by Culpeper, the English herbalist, to be boiled in a lye solution in order to "maketh the hair black".
  • Guide to blackberry varieties
  • Researchers have known for quite some time that berries contain antioxidants which help to fight cancer causing free radicals.  A study at the University of Ohio has found that blackberries are the most potent cancer fighting berries of them all, by nearly 40 percent!
  • U-pick Blackberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. A quart equals 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh berries.
  • Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as Blackberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
  • You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
  • Want to go to a blackberry festival? See this page for a list!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)