The Peach State Has Competition: NC’s Juicy Secret

When you think of peaches in the Southeast, Georgia and South Carolina usually steal the spotlight. But this sweet summer favorite isn’t exclusive to our southern counterparts. 

Much like apples, peaches come in many varieties, each with its own growing needs and unique flavor profiles. For years, plant breeders across the country have worked to develop peach varieties that thrive in cooler climates.

One key factor for successful peach growing in North Carolina is chilling hours—the number of hours temperatures stay below 40°F during winter. Most peach varieties suited to our state require over 1,000 chilling hours to produce fruit.

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, North Carolina saw a significant jump in peach production between 2017 and 2022. The census recorded 356 peach farms across 1,273 acres—a big leap that reflects growing interest in local peaches.

Peaches at Sky Top Orchard

Here at Sky Top, we've partnered with NC State to carefully select varieties that match North Carolina’s growing conditions and are the most flavorful… and BOY, are they delicious!

While we’re best known for apples, we’ve been growing peaches on the mountain since we opened in 1980. The combination of rich soil and recently milder winters creates the perfect environment for juicy, flavorful fruit.

We grow freestone peaches, which means the flesh separates cleanly from the pit—unlike clingstone varieties, where the fruit clings tightly. Freestone peaches are perfect for snacking and make cooking a breeze!

Juicy and sweet, with a firm skin and signature red blush, Sky Top peaches are excellent for fresh eating, baking, canning, and freezing. Their texture and flavor shine in every bite.

Though peaches take a little longer to ripen in North Carolina, they’re absolutely worth the wait.

Sky Top’s peach-picking season begins July 18th. Doughnuts and all your favorite Sky Top activities (hayride, bee train, apple cannon, and gem mining) kick off the same day! Be sure to visit Sky Top this summer and savor our mouthwatering, North Carolina-grown peaches.

View Sky Top's Picking Schedule