Orchard Spotlight: “Behind the apple” of Hendersonville’s U-Pick Orchards
Orchard Spotlight: “Behind the apple” of Hendersonville’s U-Pick Orchards
Fall in Hendersonville means orchards, cider donuts, corn mazes, and rows of trees heavy with fruit. This “Behind the Apple” series pulls back the curtain on eight local U-pick orchards — who runs them, what they grow, and what makes each visit special. Use this guide to pick the orchard that fits the day you want: a family outing, bakery treats, or a quiet morning of fresh fruit.
Coston Farm
A true fourth-generation family orchard, Coston Farm has roots deeply grown in Hendersonville soil. David Coston stepped into the family legacy full-time after graduating from NC State in 1974, continuing the tradition with pride. A beloved community fixture, they offer apple picking alongside a bakery, playground, wagon rides, and mountain vistas.
Creasman Farms
Today run by third-generation farmers Bobby and Dawn Creasman, this family’s apple-growing story began with Clarence Creasman continuing the legacy of his parents on a farm in Dana.
In the ’80s, Bobby and Dawn revived the farm, shifting from large-scale processor supply to selling directly to consumers. They relocated to a renovated 31-acre farm on Union Hill Road in 1996, now cultivating over 40 kinds of apples, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The next generation—daughters Ashley, Haley, and Colby (plus son-in-law Kameron)—are actively learning the craft.
Grandad’s Apples
A fourth-generation family orchard since 1994, Grandad’s Apples is operated by Pat (a fourth-gen apple farmer) and his wife Leslie, who co-manages the farm’s country store and bakery alongside their daughters, Kaylin and Kayce. They preserve a legacy of family-grown hospitality across their 120-acre orchard, offering u-pick, pre-picked apples, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, a playground, sunflower field, farm store, and a delicious bakery filled with baked goods and cider.
Jeter Mountain Farm
Jeter Mountain Farm is a family-owned and operated u-pick apple orchard nestled on 400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, a short distance from historic downtown Hendersonville and Brevard. Owners Jared, Tyler, Jocelyn, and Kelsey Hunsader opened Jeter Mountain Farm to the public for the first time in fall 2020 after years of commercially farming vegetables on the property, and with a lineage of 5 generations of farming in their family history.
A first-generation apple farm, the first apple trees were planted in 2014 as the dream was birthed to create a place where the community could spend a day with friends and family creating memories and experiencing the joys of agriculture first hand. Now in their 6th year of business, they open their doors to the community each July – October, offering a variety of u-pick apples and other fruits; a hard cider taproom featuring hard ciders crafted from apples picked, pressed, fermented and canned or kegged on site; a Bakery; a Smokehouse serving in-house smoked BBQ; a full Coffee House; an indoor children’s play area; 6,000 square feet of retail gift shop and market space; an Ice Cream Shop, and many other fall favorite treats.
Jeter Mountain Farm aims to be a place where every member of the family is able to enjoy their day, and the family never stops dreaming about how to make the orchard a better experience each and every year.
Justus Orchard
The Justus family legacy spans over 100 years and five generations of orchard farming in Hendersonville’s Fruitland community. Today, Justus Orchard continues to thrive under the care of fourth-generation grower Don Justus, with the fifth generation now actively involved in the family business.
The orchard is home to 21 varieties of apples, along with thornless blackberries that ripen in early July. Apple season begins in early August with pick-your-own opportunities from dwarf apple trees and continues through mid-October, weather permitting.
Beyond the harvest, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Kids can bounce on the Jumping Pillow and Jumping Pad, available daily for a small fee, and weekends bring even more fun with seasonal attractions such as apple cannons, playgrounds, and other farm festivities. Justus Orchard has become not only a place to gather fresh fruit and baked goods but also a welcoming destination for picnics and lasting family memories.
Pilot Mountain Pears
David and Beth Laughter founded the farm in 1997 in Edneyville (Henderson County), initially growing apples. Over five family generations of fruit farming, the farm pivoted to specializing in Asian pears—now with over 5,000 trees on 50 acres.
Known for preserving farming traditions and tasty treats like fried apple pies and pear slushies, the Laughters have made educating residents and expanding Asian pear offerings central to their mission.
Sky Top Orchard
Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains above Flat Rock, Sky Top Orchard is more than just an apple orchard—it’s a beloved family tradition wrapped in breathtaking mountain top views and timeless charm. Family-owned and operated since 1967, Sky Top continues to do things the old-fashioned way, from hand-picking apples to pressing cider fresh on-site. But 2025 brings exciting new additions, including the mouthwatering Pie in the Sky Pizza, serving hand-tossed pies (try their specialty pizza featuring Sky Top apples!), a new Snack Shack, and continued accessibility improvements.
Beyond acres of scenic U-Picking, Sky Top is a fall destination for multiple generations. Kids can hop aboard the cheerful Bee Train, dig for treasure in the gem mine, or take aim with the thrilling apple cannon. A scenic hayride winds through the orchard, while the animal barn, bamboo forest, and playground offer plenty of room to roam. The on-site bakery serves up made-from-scratch classics—apple cider donuts, flaky hand pies, and hand-dipped caramel apples—paired perfectly with a glass of their signature fresh-pressed cider slushie.
Sky Top Orchard blends tradition with just the right touch of innovation, making it the kind of place you’ll want to visit year after year—and bring the whole family along. Don’t miss the annual photospot: “How Tall this Fall!”
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
More than 50 years ago, the land that is now Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, known then as just “Hillcrest,” was owned by a relative of the Stepp family, who welcomed neighbors to glean apples at season’s end. Inspired by that generosity, J.H. and Yvonne Stepp planted the seeds of something lasting: they began building one of Henderson County’s earliest pick-your-own apple orchards. By 1974, the Apple House farm market stood as a gathering place, and over time the farm has expanded into a destination offering u-pick grapes, sunflowers, zinnias, pumpkins, family activities, and more—all while staying true to its roots.
Today, when you visit Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, you’re stepping into that history. Guests can pick from dozens of apple varieties, gather grapes fresh off the vine early in the season, or explore acres of pumpkins later in the fall. Vibrant flower fields set the stage for photo-worthy memories, while the 5-acre corn maze and weekend activities like the apple cannon, jump pad, and wagon rides bring plenty of adventure. And no trip is complete without a stop at the Apple House for homemade cider donuts, apple cider slushies, and other seasonal treats.
Beyond the offerings of the orchard, it’s the traditions that make Stepp’s special. Three generations of the Stepp family continue to share their love of farming with guests, offering a place where families can slow down, connect, and make memories together. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or carrying on a tradition that spans generations, we invite you to be part of a story that’s rooted in Henderson County’s history and continues to grow with every season.
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