The Best Apple Picking & Fall Events Near Route 151: A Local’s Guide

There’s nothing quite like fall in Virginia, especially along the Route 151 Beer & Wine Trail in Nelson County. The rolling hills burst into shades of red, orange, and gold, the air turns crisp, and local orchards, wineries, and breweries come alive with apple picking, harvest festivals, and seasonal events. Whether you’re looking to fill a basket with freshly picked apples, sip on a hot cider by the fire, or celebrate the season with live music and pumpkin patches, this guide has you covered.

As a local who looks forward to fall all year long, I’ve put together my go-to spots for apple picking, cider sipping, and celebrating autumn in and around Route 151. Let’s dive in.

Best Apple Orchards Near Route 151

Nothing says fall like apple picking with mountain views. Here are my favorite orchards near Afton and Nelson County, all within a short drive from Route 151.

1. Carter Mountain Orchard

Location: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
Website: https://chilesfamilyorchards.com/

Why You’ll Love It:

If you want classic Virginia apple picking, Carter Mountain is the place to go. Sitting high above Charlottesville, this orchard offers stunning Blue Ridge views, live music on weekends, and apple cider donuts that are worth the trip alone.

I’ve spent many fall afternoons here, sipping Bold Rock Cider while watching the sunset over the mountains. My tip? Arrive early on weekends—it’s popular, and for good reason.

Must-Try Apples:

• Honeycrisp (early September)

• Fuji (late September)

• Pink Lady (October)

Insider Tip:

Thursday evenings in the fall are Sunset Series Nights, with live music, cider tastings, and fewer crowds.

2. Henley’s Orchard

Location: 2192 Holly Hill Farm, Crozet, VA
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
Website: https://www.henleysorchard.com/

Why You’ll Love It:

Located in the Crozet area, Henley’s is perfect if you want a peaceful, family-friendly experience without the crowds. The orchard has been family-owned for over 80 years, and they focus on heirloom apple varieties you won’t find in grocery stores.

I love coming here for a quiet afternoon of picking, then stopping by Starr Hill Brewery for a post-picking beer.

Must-Try Apples:

• Stayman (great for baking)

• Arkansas Black (a unique dark apple with a crisp bite)

• Winesap (perfect for cider-making)

Insider Tip:

They offer fresh cider pressing on select weekends in October—nothing beats fresh-pressed apple cider straight from the orchard.

3. Silver Creek & Seamans’ Orchard

Location: 5529 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA
Hours: Seasonal, check website for availability
Website: http://www.silvercreekseamansorchards.com/

Why You’ll Love It:

Located right along the Route 151 corridor, this orchard is perfect if you’re planning a winery or brewery-hopping day and want to add some apple picking to the mix. It’s been a family-run farm for over four generations, and they specialize in hard-to-find apple varieties.

I love stopping here after a morning hike at Crabtree Falls, then heading over to Devil’s Backbone Basecamp for a beer by the fire.

Must-Try Apples:

• Mutsu (sweet and crisp)

• Jonagold (a great mix of tart and sweet)

• Granny Smith (classic for pies)

Insider Tip:

This orchard is cash-only, so make sure to bring some bills with you.

Best Fall Festivals & Events Near Route 151

1. Bold Rock’s Annual Apple Harvest Festival

Location: Bold Rock Hard Cider, Nellysford, VA
When: Late September – Early October (weekends)
Website: https://www.boldrock.com/

What to Expect:

• Special seasonal ciders, including their famous Caramel Apple Cider

• Live bluegrass music and food trucks

• Apple pie-eating contests & orchard tours

I’ve made this an annual tradition—nothing beats sitting by the fire with a hot cider and a mountain view.

2. Veritas Vineyard’s Harvest Party

Location: Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Afton, VA
When: Mid-October
Website: https://veritaswines.com/

What to Expect:

• Farm-to-table feast with Veritas’ best wines

• Live music and dancing under the stars

• A bonfire to close out the night

I went last year and felt like I had stepped into a movie scene—string lights, fire pits, and endless glasses of Cabernet Franc.

3. Chiles Peach Orchard’s Pumpkin Festival

Location: Crozet, VA
When: Every weekend in October
Website: https://chilesfamilyorchards.com/

What to Expect:

• Pumpkin picking with a beautiful mountain backdrop

• Hayrides, corn mazes, and family-friendly activities

• Pumpkin ice cream & cider donuts

This is my go-to spot for pumpkin picking and fall treats. Their homemade pumpkin ice cream is worth the trip alone.

Best Time to Visit for Peak Fall Colors

If you want fall foliage at its peak, aim for mid-October. But keep in mind:

• Early October – Best for apple picking and fall festivals.

• Mid to Late October – Peak foliage season with incredible mountain views along Route 151\.

• Early November – Leaves are still golden at lower elevations, and crowds start thinning out.

I always try to do a Sunday morning drive along Route 151 in mid-October—the combination of crisp air, fall colors, and the smell of apple cider in the air is pure magic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the perfect fall day in Virginia, Nelson County and Route 151 have it all—apple picking, craft cider, fall festivals, and some of the best foliage views in the state. Whether you’re coming for a family-friendly orchard adventure or a weekend of winery-hopping and fall flavors, this region never disappoints.

So grab your flannel, bring an empty basket, and get ready for the best fall road trip of the season.