Carter Hill Orchard
4.7(639)google
4.2(28)yelp
KidsFall FoliageOutdoorHands-OnLocal LifeFolk Culture
Overview
The Yonge North subway extension (YNSE) is an extension of the eastern branch of the Toronto subway's Line 1 Yonge–University north of Finch station to Richmond Hill in York Region, Ontario. The 8-kilometre (5-mile) extension will add five new stations – three underground and two at surface level – and had an estimated cost of $5.6 billion as of 2021. The three underground stations will be located on Yonge Street at Steeles Avenue, Clark Avenue, and Royal Orchard Boulevard, respectively.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeSeptember and October capture peak harvest season for apple-picking and indulging in fresh, warm apple cider donuts. Hit the hilltop orchard observation tower between 3:30 PM and sunset; low evening sun paints the endless rows of fruit trees and distant mountain ranges in gorgeous, glowing crimson shades.
Getting ThereLocated in the hills north of Concord at 73 Carter Hill Road. Driving is essential. From downtown, follow local roads northwest matching the orchard directional signs up to Carter Hill. Features an expansive, free unpaved surface gravel lot situated right alongside the farm store and bakery barn.
Travel Tips
- Pick-Your-Own blocks fluctuate daily based on crop health; call the crop hotline directly before arriving to verify active fields and avoid wasted trips.
- The rolling hills lack sun shelters and feature active honeybee swarms near fallen fruit; individuals with severe bee sting allergies must keep an EpiPen on hand.
- Fruit harvesting requires pre-purchased proprietary orchard bags; personal bags are banned in picking rows, so obtain valid containers at the farm stand first.
Reviews
Positive
- A fantastic spot for autumn apple picking; the orchard boasts numerous varieties that are large, sweet, and fun to pick.
- The bakery's freshly made apple cider donuts are legendary—one bite delivers an incredibly rich, aromatic flavor.
- The observation platform at the top offers sweeping views of rolling hills, with spectacular foliage colors in autumn.
- It features a small kids' play area and farm animals, making it perfect for the whole family to spend a relaxing weekend.
Heads up
- The crowds on autumn weekends are massive; lines for donuts and checkout stretch out the door, making it heavily congested.
- You pay by the bag for picking, and the per-pound cost breaks down to be noticeably pricier than a regular grocery store.
- Due to high foot traffic, easily reachable fruits on lower branches are picked clean late in the season, leaving hard-to-reach ones.
- The dirt paths get very dusty on sunny days; if you aren't wearing sneakers, your feet will get dirty and tired quickly.