Visitor Guidelines
We look forward to seeing you! Here are the policies for all of our venues, as well as some insider tips, to help you make the most of your time with us.
Pick-Your-Own (PYO) Fruit
Before Picking
Confirm availability prior to visiting by checking the orchard’s Pick-Your-Own page or calling ahead.
Limit the size of picking parties to small groups from the same household (including children). Larger parties may be split into smaller groups for picking.
Arrive at least one hour before closing.
Check-in at our picking station prior to entering the fields.
Pre-pay for PYO fruit. Only containers provided by the orchard will be permitted for picking.
No personal bags—ex. backpacks, purses, diaper bags—are permitted in the fields.
Strollers must be parked at our picking trailer; they are not permitted in the fields.
While Picking
Do not eat fruit in the fields. You should wash all fruit at home prior to consuming it.
Do not mix fruits. Separate containers must be purchased for each fruit (when applicable).
Bags and boxes can only be used once during your visit; do not empty them out and then refill while at the orchard. Don’t overstuff the bags and boxes.
Do not throw any fruit on the ground. Any fruit you touch must go into your picking container. (Parents, 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 containers so we can allow others to enter.
Respect Your Surroundings
Follow all instructions on our signage and from our staff members.
Only pick in the areas you are instructed to enter. Keep in mind that our venues are also working farms—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 each way to the orchard, up and down hills. Depending on the weather, it may be dusty, muddy, slick, etc., and the ground is hilly and uneven. Sturdy, close-toed shoes are recommended. Although we do our best to keep poison ivy at bay, long pants are preferable. 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.
No Ifs, Ands, or Buts
- No dogs or other pets. Service dogs are permitted.
- No outside food or drink.
- No outside alcohol is permitted by ABC law.
- No smoking or vaping anywhere on our property, including parking lots, orchards, or any of our grounds.
- No grilling, fireworks, incense, or open flames.
- No hiking, running, biking, etc. on our road.
- No trespassing. All of our orchards are private property; grounds, buildings, and roads are open to the public only during our posted hours.
- No drugs.
- No stealing. We will prosecute any and all thefts.
- No weapons. The only exception is for law enforcement officers.
FAQs
Not all varieties are ripe at the same time. We carefully monitor the orchards and only open for picking the areas that have ripe fruit. Our staff will direct you to the current picking areas—please respect our property and stay in these areas.
If you must, you may sample one. Keep in mind we always recommend washing your fruit before eating it. Please do not be wasteful.
Please read our photography policies and guidelines.
We regret that we do not permit any pets on any of the properties. Please leave your furry friends at home.
The venues are also working farms, and are not open to the public other than during our posted public dates and hours. Please respect our hours of operation and do no visit outside these hours—it’s trespassing.
We are able to host private events—such as weddings, reunions, company picnics—during certain times of the year. Call or email the venue where you’re interested in hosting your private event to inquire about booking.
Please note, Carter Mountain Orchard is NOT available for private events from mid-September through October, as this is our busiest time of year!
