News

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard open for U-pick apples

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 16, 2026

Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard has opened for the 2026 fall season, welcoming guests for U-pick experiences, family-friendly fun and more at the fourth-generation family at 170 Stepp Orchard Drive in Edneyville.

Visitors can pick from more than 25 apple varieties as they ripen from mid-August 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. Farm hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

On Aug. 22-23 and 29-30, Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard will host 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 for this event.

Guests can purchase Fall Fun Bundles, available exclusively online. These 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 www.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.