Community News

Here's where to find U-pick apple orchards

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 16, 2026

Henderson County pick-your-own apple orchards — and one pear orchard — are open now or opening soon.

And U-pick is not the only option. All offer “we-pick” as well, with bushels of fresh apples ready for retail. Many also have bakeries, wagon rides, jams, jellies, preserves and pickles.

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard opened for the 2026 fall season on Saturday, welcoming guests for U-pick, family-friendly fun at 170 Stepp Orchard Drive, Edneyville.

Visitors can pick from more than 25 apple varieties as they ripen from through late October. Guests can also enjoy Pick-Your-Own grapes, sunflowers, zinnias, and later in the season, pumpkins. Reservations are not needed and there is no charge for admission to the farm. Weekend attractions include a 5-acre corn maze (open daily), wagon rides, apple cannons, and more. The Apple House sells fresh cider donuts and other bakery favorites, cider slushies and an assortment of locally crafted products.

On Aug. 22-23 and 29-30, the fourth-generation family farm hosts the Early Bird Gets the Apple event, featuring live local music, food trucks, face painting, apple tastings with farmer talks, flower arranging workshops, scavenger hunts, and tractor displays on select days. Visit Stepp’s social media for the daily schedule.

Guests may purchase Fall Fun Bundles, available exclusively online. Bundles combine Pick-Your-Own apples and activity tickets into one convenient purchase, allowing guests to save money, check out in one easy online transaction and enjoy express check-in upon arrival.

For hours, admission information, Fall Fun Bundles, apple availability, and upcoming events, visit SteppApples.com.

Since 1969, the Stepp family has welcomed visitors to experience U-pick apples and other seasonal crops while creating lasting family memories. The farm offers apples, grapes, pumpkins, sunflowers, zinnias, tulips, educational tours, and seasonal family activities throughout the year.

Many other U-pick orchards are now open or opening soon. Here’s the roundup of other pick-your-own spots in the county:

• Justus Orchard: 187 Garren Road, 828-685-5075, justusorchard.com. Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Bakery closes at 5 p.m. Taproom open Friday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday noon–8 p.m. U-pick apples opened Aug. 4. Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome; owners must clean up.
• Sky Top Orchard: 1193 Pinnacle Mountain Road, Flat Rock, 828-692-7930, skytoporchard.com Open 7 days a week, through the first Sunday after Thanksgiving. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. from opening through Labor Day, then 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through the end of Daylight Saving Time, then 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Offers U-pick apples, hayrides, farm animals, picnic areas, an apple cannon, playground, nature trail through a bamboo forest and apple cider donuts made fresh on site. Over 22 apple varieties; check weekly picking schedule at skytoporchard.com/varieties.
• Coston Farm & Apple House: 3748 Chimney Rock Road, 828-685-8352, costonfarm.com. Open September through mid-December. Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday hours optional in September and October. A fourth-generation family farm on U.S. 64 East between I-26 and Lake Lure. Offers U-pick and pre-picked apples across more than 20 varieties; wagons provided, no ladders needed. Apple House and bakery sell fresh cider, fried apple pies, apple butter, jams, jellies and baked goods. Covered picnic and play area on site.
• Creasman Farms: 280 Bent Arrow Lane, Hendersonville, 828-685-7728, creasmanfarmsnc.com. U-pick orchard open Sundays only, 1-5 p.m., in September (after Labor Day) and October. Check Facebook for 2026 U-pick dates. Grows more than 40 varieties of heirloom and new apples. A smaller, lower-key option with fewer crowds than neighboring orchards. Fresh apples also available at the Hendersonville Farmers Market on Saturdays.
• Pilot Mountain Pears — Asian Pear Orchard: Pilot Mountain Pears — the only dedicated Asian pear orchard in the area, with more than 5,000 trees — opens for U-pick Sept. 4. No pets. Check Facebook page for picking status.

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Always confirm current picking availability before visiting. U-pick status may change based on weather and crop conditions.