Pumpkin-Picking Patches Around Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — If you’re ready to leave summer behind and embrace all the good things fall has to offer, why not start with a fun-filled family trip to the best pumpkin patch or field near Charlotte.

Mid-September can be a great time to pick up pumpkins before the October rush. Plus, many pumpkin patches offer free hayrides, corn mazes and games for kids.

Visiting an outdoor pumpkin farm is moderately safe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Before you go, it’s best to call ahead to the field or check its website for guidelines and hours of operation.

Here are some of the top pumpkin fields in the Charlotte area to visit in 2021:

• Hodges Family Farm (Opens Sept. 25)

Address: 3900 Rocky River Rd. East, Charlotte, NC (704) 608-889

Attractions: Pumpkin patch, a large hay mountain, barnyard animals, hayrides, a picnic area and treats to be purchased. Parking is free, but costs $5 on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Lindeberger's Maple Springs Farm (Opens Oct. 1)

Address: 906 Dallas Stanley Highway, Dallas, NC (704) 922-8688

Attractions: The farm offers more than 100 varieties of pumpkins and offers $6.50 wagon rides, which includes a pumpkin from the patch. There is a playground, a tire mountain, corn crib and other attractions.

• Carrigan Farms, LLC

Address: 1261 Oak Ridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, (704) 664-1450

Attractions: Says Carrigan Farms, "Come pick your own pumpkin, right off the vine! Carrigan Farms' pumpkin patches are open the entire month of October with shuttles back and forth to the patch every day." Reservations require

• Patterson Farm

Address: 10390 Caldwell Road, Mount Ulla, NC, (704) 636-4005

Attractions: Fall Fun on the Farm Weekends include a corn maze, barnyard visits, pumpkin patch and more. Tickets may be purchased here.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

• Rural Hill

Address: 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC (704) 875-3113

Attractions: The Rural Hill Amazing Corn Maze is open through November and offers a seven-acre maze that owners say will test visitor's knowledge and directional skills.