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.
A Bounty of Flavors Awaits
Our expansive orchard boasts over 8,000 apple trees that include a diverse selection including favorites like Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith. But that’s not all! We also have exciting newer varieties like Evercrisp, Ludacrisp, Crimson Crisp, and Sweet Maia. Whether you crave a tart Granny Smith for a tangy pie or a sweet Gala for a refreshing snack, we have something to satisfy every taste bud.
Current U-Pick
Check back in 2025!
Make Picking a Breeze
We want your apple-picking experience to be as enjoyable as possible. To help you navigate our orchard and find your favorite varieties follow the directional signs at the end of each row, guiding you to the apples you desire.
Gather, Pick, and Enjoy!
We provide baskets and boxes for picking, so you can fill them up with your favorite apples to take home. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in our picnic area by the orchard, making a day of it with your family and friends.
Ready to Pick? Look for the Signs!
To ensure you’re picking apples at their peak freshness, keep an eye out for our “Ready to Pick” signs placed throughout the orchard. These signs indicate which varieties are currently ripe and perfect for picking.
Stop by our family farm this fall to experience the joy of apple picking and create lasting memories surrounded by mountain views and our orchard.
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