Sky Top Orchard in Hendersonville Nominated for USA Today’s 2025 Top Apple Orchard Award

Mouthwatering apple cider doughnuts (left), Founders & Co-owners David and Lindsey and their son in the early days (center), and beloved photo op 'How Tall This Fall' (right)

We are thrilled to share some exciting news: Sky Top Orchard has once again been named among the Top Ten Apple Orchards in the country by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards! This honor reflects not only our dedication to apple growing but also the unwavering support of our guests who return year after year to make memories on our mountaintop farm.

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A Legacy of Family Traditions

Sky Top Orchard’s story began more than half a century ago, when the Butler family set out to create a place where visitors could experience the magic of apple growing in the mountains of Western North Carolina. From those early years of planting trees, tending rows, and welcoming families, our orchard has grown into a beloved fall tradition for locals and travelers alike. Generations have come to pick apples, enjoy apple cider donuts, and watch the leaves turn against the breathtaking backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Over the decades, our orchard has blossomed into much more than a working farm. It has become a gathering place where children return annually to see how they’ve grown against our ‘How Tall this Fall’ photo op, couples stroll through our apple rows (occasionally experiencing engagements), and families ride the hay wagon together. This recognition from USA Today highlights the long history of hospitality and stewardship that has defined Sky Top since we opened to visitors in 1980.

Growth and Improvements Over the Years

As our orchard has grown, so has our commitment to improving the guest experience. We’ve added fun seasonal attractions like the apple cannon and gem mine, expanded our farm store offerings, and continually invested in maintaining our beautiful walking trails through the orchard and Bamboo Forest and picnic areas. Each year, we look for ways to make Sky Top more welcoming and accessible to all.

In 2025, we are proud to announce two major improvements designed to ensure every visitor can enjoy our farm to the fullest. First, we’ve paved the pathway down to the apple cannon, making it easier for families with strollers and guests using wheelchairs to reach this favorite attraction. Second, we’ve added a wheelchair-accessible lift for our hayride wagon, so that everyone can join in the fun of riding through the orchard. These additions reflect our belief that Sky Top Orchard should be a place where no one is left out of the adventure.

New pathway to increase orchard accessibility added in 2025.

Supporting Hendersonville’s Apple Heritage

Being included in this national competition shines a spotlight not only on Sky Top Orchard but also on the broader apple-growing industry in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Our region is proud to be the largest apple-producing area in the state, and orchards like ours play a vital role in preserving this agricultural heritage. Increased tourism brings much-needed support to local farmers, small businesses, and the community as a whole.

This recognition comes at a particularly meaningful time. The year 2024 was challenging for many in our region as we weathered the impacts of Helene. Yet, as always, our community has shown resilience and strength. The return of visitors to Hendersonville orchards offers both hope and economic support, helping our area recover and thrive.

Vote to Show Your Support

Please consider showing your support by voting for Sky Top! The competition runs through September 8, and you can cast your vote once a day (per device.)

Let’s continue to put Hendersonville apple picking and WNC on the map! https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/sky-top-orchard-flat-rock-north-carolina/

Thank you and we hope to see you at the orchard this year!