Apples
Fall is Apple Picking Season at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard!
The Stepps have been welcoming families to our farm for apple picking since 1969, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of eating a crisp apple you just hand-picked yourself! Apples are a versatile fruit and are good for eating, baking, or enjoying a healthy snack. Apples are also fat and cholesterol-free, high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Luckily, our warm days and cool nights combined with good soil make Henderson County an ideal place to grow apples. Did you know Henderson County is the top apple-producing county in North Carolina and is in the top 20 apple-producing counties in the United States? Here at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, we offer a taste of autumn with over 25 unique apple varieties ripening under the perfect Henderson County sky.
Quick Links: What’s Ripe Now | Ripening Schedule | Apple Buying Guide
In an effort to keep guests safe while on the farm, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard will no longer allow driving in, or to, the orchards. Cars must stay parked in the parking lot at all times.
You Pick: Gala, Ginger Gold, and Honeycrisp Apples; Fredonia Grapes; Zinnias
Pre-Picked Apples: Gala and Ginger Gold
No Reservations Required
With thousands of apple trees and more than 25 varieties ripening throughout the season, there’s plenty to discover every time you visit. Visit whenever it works best for your family—no reservations are needed for u-pick apples. Simply stop by during our regular business hours, choose your container, and head into the orchard.
Choose The Container That’s Right For You
Whether you’re picking a few apples for snacks or stocking up for baking and applesauce, we’ve got a container that fits your needs. We have 3 container sizes available: ½ peck, peck, and ½ bushel! All u-pick containers are provided by Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard.
Ready To Pick?
Our apple varieties ripen throughout the season, so different apples become available at different times. Throughout the orchard, simply follow the “Ready to Pick” signs located at the end of each row to find the varieties that are ripe during your visit.
Save With Our Online-Only Fall Fun Bundles
Make your visit even easier with our Online-Only Fall Fun Bundles! Save money and time with ready-to-go u-pick containers, bundled activity tickets, and express check-in access. Each bundle is prepared in advance based on your adult or child selections, so when you arrive, simply check in and we’ll have everything ready for you.
Regular u-pick containers and activity tickets are still available for purchase on-site, but Fall Fun Bundles are available online only and quantities are limited each day.
Ripening Schedule
These dates are based on an average year and are subject to change with varying weather conditions. Please check our social media for specifics.
*These dates are based on an average year and are subject to change with varying weather conditions.
Apple Buying Guide
1 pound apples = 2 large, 3 medium, or 4 small apples
2 pounds of apples are enough for a 9-inch pie