Nothing says autumn in the Carolinas quite like visiting  pumpkin patches in NC and SC. Whether you're looking to find the perfect pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze, or enjoy a hayride, the Carolinas have you covered. In 2024, these top pumpkin patches in North Carolina and South Carolina offer a mix of family fun, beautiful scenery, and festive activities that capture the spirit of the season. Here's a guide to the best pumpkin patches in NC and SC and what else you can do at each farm.

Best Pumpkin Patches in SC:  Upstate & Midlands

Denver Downs Farm in Anderson SC is one of the most beloved pumpkin patches in NC and SC. Located in Anderson, this farm not only boasts an impressive pumpkin patch but also features a massive corn maze, petting zoo, and tractor rides. For those seeking more adventure, Denver Downs offers zip-lining, hayrides, and a giant jumping pillow. On weekends, enjoy live music and bonfires.

Strawberry Hill in Chesnee SC is famous for its strawberries in the spring, but in the fall, it transforms into one of the top pumpkin patches in SC. In addition to pumpkin picking, families can explore the corn maze, take a wagon ride, and visit the farm’s market for fresh seasonal produce. Don’t leave without trying one of their famous ice cream cones made with local ingredients.

Hall Family Farm in Lancaster SC is one of the most popular pumpkin patches in NC and SC, known for its large pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides. Families can also enjoy the farm’s playground, pedal karts, and barnyard animals. After a day of picking pumpkins, stop by the farm store for fresh produce, baked goods, and homemade jams.

Cherry Place Farm in Rock Hill, SC is a charming pumpkin patch destination, known for its festive fall decorations, hayrides, and petting zoo. After picking your pumpkins, be sure to explore the farm’s antique barn, which sells seasonal crafts and decor.

Introduce the kids to farm life on your next pumpkin patch visit. These friendly bovine can be found at the Legare Farms pumpkin patch in Johns Island SC

Best Pumpkin Patches In SC: Lowcountry & Pee Dee

The Great Pumpkin Patch at Holiday Farm in Ridgeland SC is a hidden gem among pumpkin patches in the Lowcountry. This small, family-owned farm offers a charming pumpkin patch experience complete with a petting zoo and hayrides. Visitors can also check out their Halloween-themed train ride and enjoy fresh farm-made ice cream. It’s a great spot for families with younger kids who prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Boone Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the U.S., hosts one of the top pumpkin patches in Mount Pleasant, SC. The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is just one part of their fall festival, which also includes a massive corn maze, tractor tours, and a petting zoo. The setting at Boone Hall is stunning, combining history with the joys of fall, and the farm also features seasonal markets selling local produce and crafts.

Southern Palmetto Farms in Aynor offers one of the best pumpkin patches in NC and SC, with fun activities like a corn maze, hayrides, and a sunflower field. The farm also hosts fall festivals with live music, food trucks, and games for all ages. Their farm store offers local honey, jams, and seasonal decorations.

Best Pumpkin Patches In NC: The Coast

Stokes Family Farm in Greenville is a top destination for pumpkin patches in NC. Their expansive patch provides plenty of pumpkins to pick from, and kids will love the tractor-drawn hayrides around the farm. Be sure to check out their corn maze, bounce houses, and farm animals. The farm also offers educational tours, making it an ideal spot for “old fashioned fun” with the family during the fall season.

Hog Wild at Howard Farms in Onslow County is a great family-friendly destination for pumpkin picking. This farm offers more than just a pumpkin patch; it’s home to an epic corn maze, pig races, and even a mechanical bull for the more adventurous. Families can enjoy hayrides, pony rides, and a variety of food vendors serving seasonal treats.

Humphrey Farm offers one of the most exciting pumpkin patches in NC, featuring more than just pumpkins. With live music, food trucks, and a range of family-friendly activities, it's a weekend favorite. Humphrey Farm in Hubert NC also features a large corn maze, bounce houses, and even a farm-to-table dining experience where you can enjoy meals made from local produce.

Island Farm offers a unique pumpkin patch experience in Manteo NC. Set on a historic farm, visitors can enjoy not only pumpkin picking but also living history demonstrations that showcase 19th-century farming techniques. The farm offers a slower-paced, educational experience, making it perfect for families interested in learning about the region’s history while enjoying seasonal festivities.

Gross Farms turns their fields into a “corn maze crime scene” throughout the month of October! Which of the seven farm animal suspects has acted out!?

Best Pumpkin Patches In NC: The Piedmont

Gross Farms in Sanford is a favorite spot for families seeking pumpkin patches in NC. Their pumpkin patch is filled with a variety of pumpkins, gourds, and squash, and visitors can enjoy a giant corn maze, a sunflower field, and a hayride tour. Gross Farms is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and offers evening bonfires during the weekends, perfect for roasting marshmallows under the stars. Learn more about Sanford NC

Hodges Family Farm is one of the oldest working farms in the region and offers a charming pumpkin patch experience in Charlotte NC. In addition to pumpkin picking, you’ll find hayrides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. It’s a great destination for families who want a traditional farm experience in a scenic setting. The farm also has local vendors selling crafts and seasonal goodies.

Hubb's Farm is one of the top pumpkin patches in NC. Their seasonal offerings in Clinton include a massive pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides. For the adventurous, Hubb’s also offers zip-lining and a giant slide. The farm’s fall festivals feature live music, local food vendors, and a variety of activities for kids.

Chris Douglas of Carolina All Out fishes the Hiwassee Dam on Lake Apalachia

Angling For A Good Time: Fall Fishing On Lake Apalachia

Looking for the perfect fall fishing destination? Head to the Hiawassee Dam on Lake Apalachia near Murphy, NC! Known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish species like smallmouth bass and trout, this secluded spot is a hidden gem for anglers. Whether you're casting your line from a boat or the shore, you'll love the serenity and stunning fall foliage around the lake.

Murphy isn’t just a fishing paradise—it’s also a fantastic getaway for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a peaceful escape in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Fall is the ideal time to visit, with cool weather and vibrant autumn colors making every outdoor adventure memorable. It's even close to a few of the best pumpkin patches in NC!

Chris Douglas of Carolina All Out breaks down here why Lake Apalachia is the ultimate fall fishing destination.

Fall 2024 MyTown Ambassador Sid Eley of Hertford NC

Nominate Your NC/SC Small Town Ambassador

Do you know someone who truly embodies the spirit of your small city or town in North Carolina or South Carolina? Carolina Traveler is on the hunt for our next “My Town Ambassador” to be featured in our upcoming holiday 2024 issue, and we’re turning to you, our readers, to help us find that special someone!

We’re looking for vibrant, community-driven individuals from towns with populations (generally) under 25,000 who have left a memorable mark on their corner of the Carolinas. Maybe it’s a local business owner whose pumpkin patches in NC enchant families every year, a volunteer who dedicates their time and heart to helping others, or even an eccentric SC apple orchards farmer!

From the mountain towns of NC to the coastal gems of SC, we want to showcase someone who is a shining example of what makes these small towns so unique. The ideal “My Town Ambassador” should be personable, passionate, and willing to share their journey and love for their hometown with our writers. Let’s see which town—big or small, from the North or the South—boasts the most unforgettable character in the Carolinas!

Think you know someone who fits the bill? Nominate them today by answering these 3 questions!

The Roanoke River Lighthouse (day and night) and seasonal cookies from Edenton Coffee House