Why timed ticketing for U-Pick?

Timed U-Pick entry helps us provide the best picking experience by matching guests with fruit that’s ready and at its peak ripeness.

Are Timed U-Pick Tickets required for guests?

No. Timed U-Pick Tickets are optional. Guests with timed tickets are guaranteed U-Pick. Walk-ups may purchase a U-Pick bag if fruit is still available when they arrive.

Are pre-sale tickets guaranteed specific varieties?

Your reservation guarantees a picking time—not a specific fruit variety. Available varieties depend on ripeness.

U-Pick Apples at Sky Top Orchard

Sky Top Orchard's panoramic views are best enjoyed while picking some of the freshest mountain-grown apples Western North Carolina has to offer. Bring your friends and family, fill a bag of locally grown fruit, and savor an apple-picking experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.

In 2026, we are pleased to announce ADVANCED TIME TICKET ENTRY for those wanting to skip lines and guarantee U-Pick Availability. This is encouraged to guarantee picking in 2026. Those who arrived without a timed ticket, may or may not be able to pick fruit (based on availability.)

Secure Your U-Pick Slot

Advanced Time-Ticket Entry

Please read the FAQs in dropdowns below:

Purchase your Timed U-Pick Ticket online before your visit. ✔ Each $30 ticket includes one U-Pick bag (shared by up to 5 people).✔ New tickets are released Wednesdays at noon.When reserving:• Select the number of U-Pick bags desired.• Each bag admits up to 5 pickers (ages 2+).• Extra pickers are $4 each.• Everyone receives a wristband at check-in.• Your whole group should arrive and enter U-Pick field together.

Don't have a timed ticket? No problem!You're still welcome to visit Sky Top and enjoy our market, fresh donuts, pizza kitchen, scenic orchard, observation tower, photo spots, animal barn, bamboo forest, apple cannon, gem mine, and more.Only the U-Pick fields require a U-Pick bag. If bags are still available, you can purchase one when you arrive. However, walk-up U-Pick is not guaranteed. The only way to guarantee U-Pick on your preferred day is to reserve a timed ticket online in advance.

Guarantee Your U-Pick Spot

Once you arrive at Sky Top, please complete the following steps to begin your U-Pick Experience:

Advanced Sales Guests

If you pre-purchased a ticket, please check in at the Advanced Sales Booth.

A Sky Top team member will scan your barcode and provide your U-Pick bag, wristbands, and any add-ons.
Everyone in your group must check in together and will receive a wristband to enter our U-Pick field.
We’ll provide picking instructions, including what and where to pick. Availability varies daily. What’s picking today?

Walk Up Guests

Before picking, visit our U-Pick Shed (weekends) or Front Register (weekdays) to confirm availability. If U-Pick is available, purchase your bag and begin picking. *WE CAN NOT GUARANTEE U-PICK FOR THOSE WITHOUT AN ADVANCE SALE TICKET

All guests must receive a wristband to enter the orchard in 2026.
One bag can be shared by a group of up to 5 people. Additional pickers are $4 each.
Each container may be filled once.

Please remember that peak u-pick season in Western North Carolina (September & October) can be busy.
We recommend visiting during the weekdays (when possible) for a more relaxed and quieter u-pick experience.

Pre-purchase U-Pick Experience

Our Picking Policies:

Before Picking:

Small groups, please: Only guests with our picking containers and wristbands may enter the orchard.
Arrive early: Plan to get here at least an hour before closing; last U-Pick entry is 1 hour to close.
Stop by the picking shed: Check in before heading to the fields.
Pre-pay for fruit: Use only our containers (up to 5 people per bag; extra pickers $4 each).
Leave personal bags behind: Backpacks, purses, and diaper bags aren’t allowed in the fields.
Strollers stay at the shed: Terrain can be tricky, so we suggest parking them there.

While Picking:

Do not eat fruit in the fields. We recommend washing all fruit at home prior to consuming it.
Bags can only be used once during your visit; do not empty them out and then refill while at the orchard.
Do not throw any fruit on the ground. Any fruit you touch must go into your picking container. (Parents, please watch your children!)
Only pick in the areas you are instructed to enter. Not all fruit is ripe at the same time.
Please exit the fields once you fill your bags. If you want to purchase additional bags, please see our staff and we are happy to help you.

Respect Your Surroundings:

Only pick in the areas you are instructed to enter. Keep in mind that our venue is a working farm—not all areas are open to the public.
Be kind to our trees. Do not climb the trees or shake the branches.
We do not provide stick pickers. If you choose to bring your own, it must be an “official” fruit picker, and not a homemade version, as these are not effective and cause fruit to fall to the ground. No butterfly nets, pool nets, soda bottle on a stick, etc.
Dress properly. Be prepared for a walk of anywhere from 5-15 minutes to your picking destination in the orchard. Depending on the weather, it may be dusty, muddy, slick, etc., and the ground is hilly and uneven. Sturdy, close-toed shoes are recommended. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
Please put litter in its proper place. Trash cans are provided around the property.
Watch your children. Parents are responsible for their children’s actions at all times.

Sky Top Orchard is now open daily from 9-5

U-Pick Apples at Sky Top Orchard

Advanced Time-Ticket Entry

Why timed ticketing for U-Pick?

Are Timed U-Pick Tickets required for guests?

How can we reserve our Timed U-Pick Ticket?

Are pre-sale tickets guaranteed specific varieties?

What if I don't have a ticket?

Advanced Sales Guests

Walk Up Guests

Our Picking Policies:

Before Picking:

While Picking:

Respect Your Surroundings:

Sky Top Orchard

Hours

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