Each season has its traditional activities. During the winter there’s ice skating and skiing. Summer has hiking to waterfalls and eating ice cream. But fall is this writer’s personal favorite. From roasting marshmallows over a bonfire to getting lost in a corn maze to gazing at the brilliant fall foliage, I love everything about autumn. And let’s not forget the delicious apple and pumpkin recipes that crop up this time of year! It’s no wonder that many local farms take advantage of their harvest season to host local agritourists. If you’re looking to jump on the bandwagon, these Greenville-area farms and orchards are giving hayrides and wagon rides this season.
Fishers Orchard
Website: fishersorchard.com/festival
16.4 miles (~29 min.) from BJU
Fishers Orchard has been family-owned and operated since 1930. Though known for their peaches, the you-pick orchard opens during October weekends for a special Fall Festival. Activities include wagon rides, a pumpkin patch and apple picking. Jams, jellies and cider are also available for purchase.
Wagon ride tickets: $5
Fall hours: Oct. 1–31: Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Greyrock Farms and Green Acres Produce
Website: greyrockfarms.wixsite.com
25 miles (~33 min.) from BJU
One of the last working dairy farms in the Upstate, Greyrock Farms gives a behind-the-scenes look at operations on their dairy and pumpkin wagon tour. Groups of 20 or more are welcomed to schedule a tour, and smaller groups are encouraged to call to see if they can be added to another group.
Everyone who goes on the wagon ride at Greyrock Farms also leaves with a pumpkin. Take your time picking just the right one! Then, visit the Green Acres produce store to stock up on other seasonal fruits and veggies. And don’t forget to stop in to see Annie, Greyrock’s two-headed calf.
Fall hours: September–October by appointment
Stewart Farms
Website: stewartfarms.net
33 miles (~38 min.) from BJU
Stewart Farms hosts many autumn-themed activities, including a corn maze, a pumpkin patch and a wagon ride. Friday and Saturday nights from Oct. 11–26 is the Big Boo event. During these nights, half of the corn maze receives a “family-friendly spooking” and the wagon ride runs after dark. The wagon ride’s scarecrow scenes are lit, and luminaries light the way.
Wagon ride tickets: $4 day ride / $6 night ride
Fall hours: Sept. 21–Oct. 27: Fridays, 4–10 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sundays, 1–7 p.m.; weekdays and November by appointment
Strawberry Hill, U.S.A.
Website: strawberryhillusa.com
42 miles (~50 min.) from BJU
In addition to their corn maze (and flashlight corn maze!), Strawberry Hill, U.S.A., has several other autumnal activities, including a hayride to their pumpkin patch. Right now, the pumpkin patch has sunflowers growing in it, too, which makes for some great Instagrammable moments! Your wagon ride ticket includes a pie pumpkin, but you don’t have to make pie from it. Paint it to make trendy fall decor.
Wagon ride tickets: Combo tickets (corn maze and wagon ride) – $14; Wagon ride only – $10 (includes pie-sized pumpkin)
Fall hours: Sept. 21–Nov. 3: Wagon ride: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sundays, 12–5 p.m. (last wagon leaves at 5 p.m.)
Little Cane Creek Farm
Website: littlecanecreekfarm.com
45 miles (~1 hr. 6 min.) from BJU
We’ve mentioned their Chick-fil-A-themed corn maze, but Little Cane Creek Farm has so many fall activities, it’s practically an autumn theme park. The hayride takes you through the working vegetable farm. They also have a sunflower patch, and they invite guests to take photos. No filters needed!
Wagon ride tickets: $12 adults / $8 kids under 12 (includes corn maze, hayride, apple cannon, inflatables, games and more)
Fall hours: Sept. 27–Nov.10: Fridays, 6–10 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sundays, 2–7 p.m.
