Orchard · Flower farm · Pumpkin patch
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard
U-pick apples, tulips, grapes and pumpkins in Hendersonville, North Carolina
From the farm's website
The farm's own words, quoted as posted on its website, with the page each line comes from and the day we read it. Seasons, hours and prices change: check with the farm before you go.
U-pick
“Our 40 acres of apple orchard, one of Henderson County’s first pick-your-own orchards, has 26 apple varieties.”
“Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is a fourth generation working farm and pick-your-own orchard.”
“Save time & money with u-pick and activity bundles!”
Source: steppapples.com, checked October 6, 2026
Season
“See you in 2027 for another year of tulips!”
“We strategically plant our tulip bulbs in early November, right after the apple season ends.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/tulips, checked October 6, 2026
Crops and picking times
“Look for “Ready to Pick” signs at the end of rows that tell you that the apples are ripe and ready for picking.”
Source: steppapples.com, checked October 6, 2026
“We provide clippers and a plastic gallon basket to pick your grapes in.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/grapes, checked October 6, 2026
“Our grape picking season typically starts in mid-August and lasts for approximately 3 weeks, weather and crop permitting.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/grapes, checked October 6, 2026
“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!”
“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.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/apples, checked October 6, 2026
“With thousands of apple trees and more than 25 varieties ripening throughout the season, there’s plenty to discover every time you visit.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/apples, checked October 6, 2026
“Our apple varieties ripen throughout the season, so different apples become available at different times.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/apples, checked October 6, 2026
“We plant 15 exciting pumpkin varieties throughout the season, ensuring a bounty of mature pumpkins ready for picking from late September to October.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/pumpkins, checked October 6, 2026
“Grab a wheelbarrow or wagon and get ready for a fun-filled pumpkin-picking adventure!”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/pumpkins, checked October 6, 2026
Hours
“Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.”
“Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.”
“Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.”
Source: steppapples.com, checked October 6, 2026
Before you go
“U-pick reservations are not required.”
“We provide boxes or baskets for your picking.”
Source: steppapples.com, checked October 6, 2026
“Walk your dog on a leash through acres of apple trees.”
“Pets are welcome everywhere on the farm except in the Apple House, on the wagon rides, and in the corn maze.”
Source: steppapples.com, checked October 6, 2026
“Simply grab a container (feel free to bring your own or use one from us) and get ready to fill it with vibrant blooms.”
“Since no clippers are needed, it’s an easy and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Source: steppapples.com/plan-a-visit/u-pick/tulips, checked October 6, 2026
Besides picking
“There is a 5-acre corn maze to explore, an apple cannon to target, a jump pad, and wagon rides.”
“We encourage you to bring a picnic and enjoy our covered picnic area by the orchard.”
“Please clean up after them, throw their waste in the dumpster next to the picnic shed or trash cans, and monitor their behavior.”
“Hendersonville’s Apple Festival, held annually on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate the apple crop, is a special event for our farm.”
Source: steppapples.com, checked October 6, 2026
What you can pick
- Apples
- Tulips
- Grapes
- Pumpkins
Crops and months read from the lines quoted above; a crop with no months is one the farm names without a picking window.
| Crop | How | Months | When (farm) | Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apples | U-pick & pre-picked | Not stated | – | |
| Tulips | U-pick | Not stated | – | |
| Grapes | U-pick | Not stated | – | |
| Pumpkins | U-pick & pre-picked | Not stated | – |
Typical North Carolina seasons (a published harvest calendar, not this farm's dates)
- Apples: August–October. Source: N.C. Cooperative Extension, Lenoir County Center: Fall Is for Apple Picking in North Carolina (September 17, 2025), read October 6, 2026.
- Pumpkins: September–October. Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: What’s in Season? North Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Availability, read October 6, 2026.
At a glance
- Address
- 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792Henderson County
Besides picking
- Wagon rides
- Corn maze
- Picnic area
- Events
- Festivals
Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard: questions
Does Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard have U-pick?
Yes. The farm's website says: "Our 40 acres of apple orchard, one of Henderson County’s first pick-your-own orchards, has 26 apple varieties."