As fall hits northern Alabama, farms around Huntsville start their autumn harvests and invite visitors to join in on the food and fun. If you’re looking for places to pick pumpkins, gather apples, and sip cider slushies, we’ve rounded up some of the best orchards and patches in the area that are open to the public.
Some of these spots have full-on fall festivals with hayrides and apple cannons, while others offer pretty rows of colorful pumpkins, fresh produce, mums, and sweet treats at farm stands. Whether you’re looking to spend a full day at the farm or just grab some gourds and cider doughnuts, here’s a roundup of the best pumpkin patches and pick-your-own orchards around Huntsville.
Tate Farms
8414-A, Moores Mill Rd, Meridianville, AL 35759
If you ask a local where to go pumpkin picking in Huntsville, they’ll almost always mention Tate Farms. Located in Meridianville, the working farm puts on quite a production during the fall season, with hay rides, barnyard animals, apple cannons, corn cribs, a corn train, and so many cute photo spots.
Pumpkin season runs from late September through October 31. A final Pumpkin Destruction Day on November 2 includes pumpkin explosion, monster truck pumpkin smashing, kiddie pumpkin smashing, hay rides, and a fireworks show.
Reserve a ticket here for the pumpkin patch and pumpkin smash!
Scott’s Orchard
2163 Scott Rd, Hazel Green, AL 35750
With rows of apple trees, a play zone for kids, and a country store full of goodies, Scott’s Orchard is a must-visit during fall. The pick-your-own apple orchard is open from early September through mid-October, but you can keep visiting throughout autumn for apple doughnuts, fresh fruit, and cider. The shop also sells syrups, vinaigrettes, mulling spices, honey, pie fillings, and more.
For the pick your own apples, you can reserve a ticket in advance to make sure you get a spot.
Hubert Family Farms
432 Narrow Ln, New Market, AL 35761
When you think of fall pick-your-own experiences, pumpkin patches, and orchards usually come to mind. But did you know that you can actually go pick sunflowers in Madison County, too?
Hubert Family Farms in New Market has both spring tulip and fall sunflower you-pick fields where you can head out with a bucket and fill it with florals. The Fall Flower Festival runs from late September through mid-October, depending on the blooms.
You can check the calendar for other autumn happenings and reserve tickets here.
The Pumpkin Patch at MidCity
5909 University Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
For those who want to pick out their pumpkins from a stand instead of driving out to a farm, the pumpkin patch in the MidCity District is the perfect spot. It’s open all throughout October in the parking lot of The Camp. You don’t need a ticket or reservation; just show up and pick out your pumpkins (in a variety of colors), gourds, mums, and other fall favorites.
The farm stand is put on by Reed’s Farmers Market, who also have a permanent location in Meridianville with pumpkins and produce.
Isom’s Orchard
24012 US-72, Athens, AL 35613
Though it’s just outside of Madison County in Athens, Isom’s Orchards is worth a visit on your tour of local fall farms. The family-run farm has a produce stand and rows of pumpkin displays to pick from.
The you-pick fruits vary based on availability but often include apples and persimmons in the fall. This is also a great spot to stop and grab jugs of cider, apple cider slushies, a variety of squashes, and other fall goodies. They also have photo spots for snapping the perfect autumn memories.
Hidden River Farm
169 Goose Pond Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640
Hidden River Farm is about a 40-mile drive from Huntsville in Hartselle, but it’s worth a trip for the fun fall activities on site. In addition to a pumpkin patch, the farm’s fall pass includes a maze, corn pit, zip line, apple cannon, scarecrow making, and more.
The autumn season runs from late September through early November on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.