Apple Hill Farm - Alpaca Farm
Updated: April 2019
Alpacas, Llamas, Horses and Much More
Situated in the beautiful countryside on the picturesque hilltop of Valle Mountain surrounded by trees and lush grounds and without the hustle and bustle of any nearby city, Apple Hill Farm - Alpaca Farm is located north from NC 194 just 6 miles (10 km) east of Banner Elk NC.
Apple Hill Farm had been an apple orchard for 45 years and is now home to 9 kinds of animals, such as alpacas, horses, llamas, angora goats, chickens, cats, dogs, and guardian donkeys. The 10-acre farm encompasses 15 fields and 4 barns as well as several sheds.
Tours of the farm are available daily during the summer months. Tours generally run 60 to 90 minutes. During the off-season, tours are offered on several days throughout the week and last between 30 to 60 minutes.
Apple Hill Farm also features a store, accessible by stairs from inside the barn, where undyed alpaca yarn from their herd can be purchased.
Apple Hill Farm is a working Alpaca Farm on the picturesque hilltop of Valle Mountain 6 miles (10 km) east of Banner Elk, NC. Visitors can take a guided tour of the farm and learn about alpacas, llamas, horses, angora goats, and even donkeys.
The 10-acre Apple Hill Farm had been an apple orchard for 45 years. In 2002, Lee Rankin purchased the apple orchard to realize her dreams. Pursuing her love for alpacas, she turned the apple orchard into a working alpaca farm.
The main barn is the starting point for the guided tours. While waiting for the tour to begin, you can watch alpacas and llamas grazing under the old apple trees. The chicken coop next to the barn provides fresh farm eggs, which are available for purchase in the store at the barn.
When you arrive, you can park your car in the designated parking spots across from the barn. The store on the second floor is accessible by stairs from the inside or by walking around the building to the back.
The ground floor houses several stalls. If you are lucky, you can meet one of the residents.
Did You Know?
Alpacas typically live in the South American Andes at an altitude of 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) and 16,000 feet (5,000 meters).
Although alpaca fiber is in many aspects similar to sheep’s wool, however, it is warmer, naturally water-repellent, difficult to ignite and not prickly, which makes it hypoallergenic.
According to the Peruvian classification system, alpacas come in 52 natural colors. They are sheared once a year usually before winter.
As you can see, the alpacas are adorable and photogenic.
Well, a young angora goat is also adorable.
Tours usually end on the second floor of the barn, where a display showcases different animal fibers, which you can touch and feel the difference between them.
The onsite store offers a wide selection of alpaca yarn. Items marked with a yellow label are made of yarn from the farm’s herd.
Although alpaca fiber is in many aspects similar to sheep’s wool, however, it is warmer, naturally water-repellent, difficult to ignite and not prickly, which makes it hypoallergenic. According to the Peruvian classification system, alpacas come in 52 natural colors. Alpacas are sheared once a year usually before winter.
The second herd of alpacas is making its way back to the lower barn on this perfect fall afternoon.
When the weather is sunny, you can also enjoy picturesque long range hilltop views from an altitude of 3,757 feet (1,145 meters) on the top of Valle Mountain.
400 Apple Hill Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Tel.: → (828) 963-1662
Jan. to May:
Tours:
Wed., Sat.: 2pm.
Tours last 45 to 60 min.
Store:
Wed. to Sat.: 10am to 4pm.
Weather permitting.
June to Mid Oct.:
Tours:
Mon. to Sun.: 2pm.
Sat.: 11pm, 2pm.
Tours last 60 to 90 min.
Store:
Mon. to Sat.: 10am to 4pm.
Sun.: 12pm to 4pm.
Nov. and Dec.:
Tours:
Fri. to Sun.: 10am, 4pm.
Tours last around 30 min.
Store:
Wed. to Sun.: 10am to 4pm.
All year.
Jan. to May:
Tours:
Adults: $12.
Children (4-10): $7.
Children (3 and younger): free.
June to Mid Oct.:
Tours:
Adults: $12.
Children (4-10): $7.
Children (3 and younger): free.
Nov. and Dec.:
Tours:
Adults: $12.
Children (4-10): $7.
Children (3 and younger): free.
Free on-premise parking.
Tours are kid friendly.
Second floor store can be accessed by wheelchair from the back of the main barn.
Wheelchairs need to be navigated on gravel paths.
Tours are not wheelchair friendly.
Restrooms are located in the main barn.