From the mountains to the coast, berries are bountiful in North Carolina.
From warm sunshine to brilliant blooms, there’s a lot to love about summer in North Carolina. But if you ask me, the “berry” best part about it is the abundance of sweet, juicy berries. And while we Tar Heels are proud our state produces more sweet potatoes than any other state, we’re no slouch when it comes to berries, either: North Carolina ranks third in the US for strawberry production and seventh for blueberry production.
For a fun time (and addictively divine fruit), forgo the grocery store fare for a fresh farm experience. Whether you want your berries pre-picked or you want to pluck them from the vine yourself, here are some standout berry farms broken down by NC’s geographic regions.
Pro tip: It’s always a good idea to check a farm’s social media and/or call ahead to make sure they’re open and have berries available.
The Mountains
Darnell Farms, Bryson City
Nestled along the scenic Tuckasegee River, Darnell Farms is bustling year-round, thanks to seasonal events, including festivals and live entertainment such as music and dance. A popular destination for strawberries, this working 80-acre spot offers daily U-pick opportunities for strawberry picking, weather permitting—no reservations required. It also offers strawberries at its farm stand and at its three satellite locations in Franklin, Sylva, and Waynesville.
Jeter Mountain Farm, Hendersonville
Come autumn, apple-loving locals rush to this 400-acre family farm established in 2005 for apples, hard and fresh cider, doughnuts, and other apple-studded treats. Jeter Mountain Farm is also a popular destination in the summer, when its bountiful blueberry and blackberry bushes are heavy with succulent bites. To get in on the action, make your reservation for the 2026 season, which starts July 11, here.
The farm also offers a fantastic farm market with pre-pickled fruits and veggies, jams and jellies, baked goods, and more, as well as a smokehouse, coffee shop, cidery with six taps, a covered playground for kids, and live music on the weekends.
Piedmont
Eno River Farm, Hillsborough
Located minutes from historic downtown Hillsborough, Eno River Farm produces mums and other seasonal flowers, veggies, and an assortment of U-pick or pre-picked berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Strawberry season runs from around late April to early May, whereas blueberry season only lasts from about early June to early July. Blackberry season begins around the end of June and lasts through August. While Eno River earns love for its produce, its homemade ice cream is some of the Triangle area’s best.
Ingram’s Family Farm, High Point
Family-owned since 1856, Ingram’s Family Farm draws big crowds for its strawberries, which are typically in season from late spring into early summer. People of all ages love wandering the rows in search of the perfect berries, but if you’re short on time, you can also grab some pre-picked containers. Animal lovers and parents of small children will enjoy meeting and feeding farm animals like chickens, goats, and pigs. And don’t leave without a visit to its Dessert Barn, which features homemade treats like ice cream and milkshakes.
The Coastal Plain
Lewis Nursery and Farms, Wilmington
If you’re looking for scentsational berries, head to Lewis Farm’s seasonal retail location in Wilmington (about 20 minutes away from the flagship farm in Rocky Point). This spot produces roughly 10 acres of strawberries, four acres of blueberries, and one acre of blackberries for U-pick fun. There’s also a greenhouse packed with annuals, perennials, herbs, and more.
The experience is so beloved that it’s become a sweet tradition for area families. Spring strawberries are typically on offer April through May, with blueberries and blackberries available May through July. Before you leave, stop off at the snack bar for some of the farm’s homemade ice cream or jams.
Morris Blueberry Farm, New Bern
For almost a century, Morris Blueberry Farm has been producing big, gorgeous berries. Available for U- and pre-picking, blueberry season here generally runs from Memorial Day weekend through the end of July. While its season isn’t the longest, this farm makes up for it by being open for business seven days a week, starting at 7 a.m. An added charming benefit? If no one’s around, you can pay for your wares using the honor box.
