2024 Far Western North Carolina Pear U-Pick orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Pear U-Pick orchards in Far Western North Carolina in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards for pears that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have pears 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.

Buncombe County

• Long Branch Environmental Education Center - apples, blackberries, blueberries, chestnuts, other berries, pears, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), walnuts, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, school tours
  278 Boyd Cove Road, Leicester, NC 28738. Phone: (828)-683-3662. Email: paul@longbrancheec.org. Open: Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 7 pm; Please call or email to make appointments for picking. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Long Branch Environmental Education Center Facebook page. . Also wineberries.

Graham County

• Stoney Hollow Farm - Uses natural growing practices, apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, corn (sweet), flowers, grapes, melons, other berries, pears, peaches, peppers, persimmons, plums, pumpkins, raspberries, summer squash, winter squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, prepicked produce, farm market, gift shop, restrooms
  941 Ollies Creek Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Phone: 828-735-2983. Email: stoneyhollowfarm@outlook.com. Open: 5 days a week, 8 am to 6 pm; Closed Wednesdays and Saturdays. Directions: From the center of Robbinsville (Hwy. 129/Hwy. 143) go North on highway 129 3 miles. Just before the Ted Jordan Bridge, turn right on E. Buffalo Circle. Go 1 mile and turn right on E. Buffalo Road Go .3 mile and turn left on Ollies Creek Road Go .9 mile and you will see the farm on the left. Parking, farm map, and picking buckets are available in the barn at the top of the hill. Click here for a map and directions. Crops are usually available in April through November. Payment: Cash, Check. Jams and baked goods featuring products from the farm are available. Be sure to visit our website and sign up to receive a free e-letter with updates during the peak season. We use natural practices, but are not certified Organic. Click here for our Facebook page. (UPDATED: July 25, 2023, JBS)

Henderson County

• Circle L Farms Pilot Mountain - Asian pears, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties, picnic area
  Circle L Farm Drive, Edneyville, NC 28792. Phone: (828) 685-2605. Email: circlelfarms@morrisbb.net. Open: Thursday to Saturday, from 9am to 5 pm; Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm, September 1 to October 31; Hours vary considerably; please see our Facebook page for current availability and hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Venmo, PayPal, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . . Asian Pear season is typically: September 1 to October 31;. facebook page (ADDED: September 07, 2020)
• Skytop Orchard - apples apples, peaches, Asian pears, grapes, sour cherries
  Pinnacle Mtn Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Phone: 828-692-7930. Email: skytoporchard@gmail.com. Open: see their picking schedule. Directions: Take I-85 south to U.S. 74 at Kings Mountain. Go to I-26 West and take Exit 54. Go 3.2 miles to Exit 5 \(Flat RockU.S. 25\). Turn right and go about a half mile to Pinnacle Mountain Road. Follow the signs. . Click here for a map and directions.
  Skytop Orchard Facebook page. . About 20 varieties of apples more than 50 acres. Usually begin picking in late August, continuing through November. Farm stand open late August until late December. Also fresh cider and other apple products, and pick-your-own pumpkins in October. Prices vary; take-home containers available. Farm stand, playground, petting zoo, picnic area. Hayrides available. 9 am to 6 pm, daily. Take I-85 south to U.S. 74 at Kings Mountain. Go to I-26 West and take Exit 54. Go 3.2 miles to Exit 5 (Flat Rock/U.S. 25). Turn right and go about a half mile to Pinnacle Mountain Road. Follow the signs. Open as usual, with cider, honey, farm stand, playground, petting zoo, picnic area and hayrides. In addition to a long list of apple varieties, visit Sky Top Orchard and you will enjoy panoramic mountain views, orchard ponds with ducks and geese, a barnyard area with sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks and more, a bamboo forest to explore, lots of picnic areas and, of course, a mountaintop of fragrant apple and fruit trees. (UPDATED: August 16, 2020 JBS)

 

pear Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

pears, also known as serviceberries or Juneberries, are delicious and nutritious berries native to North America, mostly in the western Canada and northwestern U.S. . These small blue-purple berries grow on shrubs or small trees and have a unique flavor that is often described as a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and almonds. Here's what you need to know about pears, how to use them, when to harvest them, and how to do it:

Flavor and Uses:

pears have a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, making them a versatile ingredient in various culinary creations. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to fruit salads, used in baked goods such as pies, muffins, and tarts, or even incorporated into jams, jellies, and sauces. pear berries also freeze well. They can be substituted for blueberries in recipes.

If you're looking for great, easy to follow recipes to make jam, jelly, freeze or make pear pie from Saksatoons / Juneberries, see these pages:

• How to make pear jam
• How to freeze pears
• World's best and easiest pear pie
• How to Can pears
• How to make pear jelly
• How to make and can pear syrup
• How to make home-canned pear pie filling to use later
• pear buckle coffee cake: illustrated directions for this great crumb-topping pear coffee cake

Harvesting Season:

The exact timing of pear berry harvest can vary depending on your location and climate, but it generally occurs in the summer months. In most regions, you can expect to start harvesting pears from late June to early August. Keep an eye on the berries as they ripen to determine the best time for harvesting.

Determining Ripeness:

Ripe pear berries are plump, firm, and have a deep purple-blue color. They should come off the plant easily when gently pulled or twisted. Look for berries that have a uniform color and avoid those that are still green or red. Taste a few berries to ensure they have reached the desired sweetness before harvesting the entire crop.

How to pick or harvest:

To harvest pear berries, simply hold the branch beneath the cluster of ripe berries and gently pluck them off with your fingers. It's best to place a container or basket beneath the branch to catch the berries as they fall.

The easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers.  The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

Be careful not to squeeze or crush the berries while harvesting to maintain their shape and quality.

Handling and Storage:

Handle pear berries with care as they are delicate and can bruise easily. After harvesting, sort through the berries and remove any damaged or overripe ones. Store the freshly picked berries in a shallow container, preferably in a single layer, to prevent crushing and allow for proper airflow. Refrigerate the berries and consume them within a few days for optimal freshness. If you have an abundant harvest, consider freezing the berries for longer-term storage.

• Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
• Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
• Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh pears in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked pears will keep 10 to 14 days.
• Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening.  Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed pears freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

 

 

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

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers