Little River Orchard offers seasonal u-pick experiences including apples, blackberries, flowers, pumpkins, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelons, and ornamental corn throughout the growing season. Our orchard grows 12 apple varieties that ripen from late June through October, giving families multiple opportunities to visit during the year.
Apple picking season at Little River Orchard typically begins in late June with Pristine apples and continues through early October with Pink Lady apples. Different apple varieties ripen throughout the season, including Honeycrisp, Fuji, Jonagold, Winecrisp, and heirloom apples. Guests are encouraged to check the orchard calendar or Facebook page for current picking conditions and availability.
Little River Orchard hosts two major seasonal festivals each year. The Honeycrisp Apple and Flower Festival is scheduled for August 22, 2026, and the Pumpkin Festival takes place on September 26, 2026. Both events feature local farm vendors, food trucks, family activities, and fresh seasonal produce.
Yes. Little River Orchard is designed as a family-friendly agritourism destination with activities for all ages. Families can enjoy u-pick fruit, an Apple Jump-Pad, an Apple Cannon Range with themed steel targets, scenic mountain views, flowers, and seasonal festivals. The orchard is a popular day trip destination for visitors from Huntsville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, and Rome/Cartersville.
Little River Orchard grows a wide selection of apple varieties including Pristine, Zestar!, Honeycrisp, Early Fuji, Jonagold, Golden Russet, Galarina, Winecrisp, Fuji, Sundance, and Pink Lady apples. The staggered ripening schedule allows visitors to experience fresh-picked apples throughout the season.
Yes. Little River Orchard utilizes regenerative and environmentally responsible farming practices including drip irrigation, no-till methods, cover crops, soil health management, and integrated pest management (IPM). Many apple varieties are disease resistant, and the orchard focuses on maintaining healthy soil biology and pollinator habitats.
Little River Orchard operates as a low-spray integrated pest management (IPM) orchard. The farm uses disease-resistant apple varieties and rootstock to reduce chemical dependency while supporting healthy pollinator populations, including honeybees that thrive throughout the year on the farm.
Blackberry season at Little River Orchard generally begins in June and continues through August, depending on weather and crop conditions. In 2026, blackberry season is expected to begin around June 13. Guests should check seasonal updates before visiting for the most accurate availability information.
Little River Orchard apples are tree-ripened and picked at peak freshness in the cool mountain climate of Mentone, Alabama. Unlike many grocery store apples that are harvested early and stored for months, orchard apples are crisp, juicy, and full of natural flavor when picked fresh by visitors.
Yes. Many visitors combine their orchard trip with nearby outdoor attractions including DeSoto Falls and Little River Canyon National Preserve. The orchard’s mountain location makes it a popular destination for scenic drives, hiking, and weekend family outings in Northeast Alabama.
Yes. Little River Orchard welcomes school groups, clubs, organizations, and birthday parties throughout the season. Group visits can include fruit picking, outdoor activities, and educational farm experiences. Advance scheduling is recommended for larger groups.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. Blackberry season begins in June, summer apples arrive in July, the Honeycrisp Apple Festival takes place in August, and pumpkin season peaks in late September. Apple picking continues into October with late-season varieties like Sundance and Pink Lady apples.