As autumn leaves continue to fall along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Orchard at Altapass has officially wrapped up another memorable season. The Orchard closed for the winter on October 26, marking the end of a vibrant and busy month filled with music, storytelling, and family fun.
Throughout October, visitors from near and far filled the historic mountain farm to enjoy live music, dancing, tractor rides, and the beauty of harvest season. “October is always our busiest month, and this year we were thrilled to welcome so many guests,” said Beth Hilton, Executive Director at the Orchard. “Even on the most crowded days when parking was a challenge, everyone came with smiles and good spirits. We’re incredibly grateful for that kind of support.”
The month was highlighted by storytelling tractor rides through the Orchard, where visitors learned about the history of the land, the Appalachian way of life, and the Orchard’s preservation mission. Rides wrapped up with a special musical tractor ride featuring Suzie and Gary Solomon of Southwind String Band—a perfect finale that captured the heart of what makes the Orchard special.
While the 2025 season was a success, the Orchard faced a unique challenge—running out of apples before the final weekend. Many late-season apple trees were lost when Hurricane Helene destroyed approximately 500 apple trees in 2024. “We know some of our guests were disappointed not to pick this year,” Hilton stated. “But our visitors were so gracious and understanding. We are truly thankful.”
The Orchard at Altapass also expressed deep appreciation for everyone who has stood beside them through the long process of post-Helene recovery.
“Hurricane Helene really took a toll on the Orchard, and while we’ve made great progress, there’s still a lot of work ahead,” continued Hilton. “The outpouring of support from our community has been incredible, and we truly couldn’t have done it without them. It’s that shared love for this place that keeps us moving forward.”
Recovery has been no small feat. The Orchard’s farm crews, administrative staff, and volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare for reopening this spring—and their commitment made this season possible. The Orchard also expressed gratitude to its store associates, grill staff, and the many donors who helped replace damaged equipment and repair vital facilities.
Though much progress has been made, recovery efforts continue. The Orchard sustained significant erosion and damage to more than seven culverts connecting the Parkway to Peppers Creek—damage that threatens both the Orchard’s trees and the surrounding preserved land. With ongoing rainfall, these conditions remain a concern, and work toward permanent restoration will continue through the winter months.
As the Orchard closes for the season, its team reflects with gratitude on another year of community connection and shared joy. “Every smile, every song, every story told here this year—those are what keep the Orchard alive,” Hilton added. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in the spring.”
