The Perfect Fall Bucket List at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
Fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains is something special, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a visit to our family farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina!
From crisp mountain air and colorful fall leaves to fresh-picked apples and delicious seasonal treats, a day at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is filled with opportunities to make lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a fall date or a fun day with friends, we have something for everyone to enjoy.
Ready to plan your perfect fall day? Here’s our ultimate fall bucket list to help you make the most of your visit to Stepp’s!
1. Pick Your Own Apples
No fall bucket list is complete without apple picking! We grow more than 26 varieties of apples here at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, with different varieties ripening throughout the season.
Stroll through our orchard, enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery and fill your bag with fresh apples picked straight from the trees. Whether you love sweet, tart or somewhere in between, picking your own apples is a fall tradition everyone can enjoy.
Before your visit, check out our Apple Varieties and Ripening Chart to see which varieties may be ready to pick!
2. Find Your Perfect Pumpkin
What’s fall without a pumpkin or two? Head out to our pumpkin patch and search for the perfect pumpkin to take home!
Whether you’re looking for a big pumpkin to carve, a small one to decorate your porch or a few to add to your fall decorations, picking your own pumpkin is another must-do activity during your visit.
Don’t forget to snap a few photos along the way!
3. Find Your Way Through Our 5-Acre Corn Maze
Ready for a little adventure? Put your navigation skills to the test in our 5-acre corn maze that is open daily during our fall season!
Gather your family or friends and see if you can find your way through the twists and turns. Whether you’re racing to the finish or taking your time exploring, our corn maze is a classic fall activity that belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
It’s the perfect way to add a little friendly competition to your orchard visit!
4. Enjoy Your Favorite Farm Activities
A fall day at Stepp’s is about more than just picking apples! Make time to enjoy all the fun activities we have around the farm.
Let the kids burn off some energy at our Hayground, open daily, or visit us on the weekend for even more excitement!
Our weekend activities include:
Apple Cannon: Take aim and see how well you can launch an apple!
Wagon Rides: Sit back, relax and enjoy a ride around our farm.
Jump Pad: Let the little ones ages 10 and under bounce and play!
With so many activities to choose from, it’s easy to turn a quick orchard visit into a full day of fall fun.
5. Treat Yourself to Something Delicious from Our Apple House
After a day of picking and playing, a stop at our Apple House is a must!
One of our favorite parts of fall is sharing all the delicious flavors of the season with our visitors. Stop by our bakery for fresh apple cider donuts or seasonal pumpkin donuts, grab a refreshing apple cider slushy or browse the Apple House for locally inspired goodies.
You’ll also find favorites like jams, honey, sauces, apple products and more to take home.
And don’t forget about our sparkling apple cider, made from Henderson County apples and available in single cans or convenient four-packs!
Whether you’re grabbing a snack to enjoy at the farm or stocking up on treats for home, our Apple House is the perfect way to complete your fall visit.
6. Capture Your Favorite Fall Memories
With beautiful mountain views, apple trees and plenty of scenic spots throughout our orchard, there are picture-perfect moments waiting around every corner.
Take a family photo, capture the kids enjoying their favorite activities or snap a few candid pictures as you explore the farm.
Some of the best fall memories are the simple ones, and we love seeing families and friends make those memories here at Stepp’s!
7. Slow Down and Enjoy the Beauty of Fall in the Mountains
Sometimes, the best part of a fall day is simply being outside.
Our fourth-generation family farm offers the perfect setting to enjoy cooler temperatures, changing leaves and the sights and sounds of the season.
Take a walk through our orchard, enjoy the mountain scenery and spend quality time with the people you love. Whether you check off every activity on your list or just a few, it’s all about making the most of the season.
Check Off Your Fall Bucket List at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard!
From apple picking and pumpkin patches to corn maze adventures, farm activities and fresh bakery treats, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate fall here at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard.
How many of these fall bucket list favorites can you check off in one visit?
Gather your family, invite your friends and come spend a fall day with us! We can’t wait to welcome you to the orchard for a day filled with fresh air, delicious treats and unforgettable memories.
U-pick crop availability and farm activities vary by season, day, and weather conditions. Check our website and social media for the latest updates before visiting.