Ohio Apple Picking Season Is Here: Where to Find Your Favorite Varieties This Fall

As the leaves get ready to change, those on the hunt for fresh fruit likely won't be far from a tree. Apple season is in full swing, as familiar varieties begin to ripen ahead of fall — and more are on their way. Many farmers are reporting that apples are running a tad ahead of schedule in Northeast Ohio, as certain varieties are ripening sooner than expected.

"There's a good crop of apples this year," said John Huffman, one of the owners of Huffman Fruit Farm in southern Mahoning County. "We're picking Jonamac, Mcintosh (and) Cortland already, which is early for them."

Huffman has over 20 acres of fruits and vegetables on the farm. He said there are a few apple varieties that are ready to pick now, but different varieties get ready at different times.

"Right now, it's Gala and Jonamac," he said. "It's the end of September before a lot of the kinds are ripe enough to taste any good at all."

In Tuscarawas Township, Isaac Yoder, the owner of Sunny Slope Orchard, is excited to introduce three new apples into his lineup this October: Rosalie, Sweet Zinger and Ludacrisp.

"Most of these new apples are crosses of two existing varieties that are well-known," he said. "Sweet Zinger, it tastes like honeyed citrus, so you have sweet and tart, ... (Rosalie) is also a sweet and tart apple but the skin disappears in your mouth. It doesn't even seem like you're eating an apple ... and then to describe Ludacrisp, (it) tastes like Juicy Fruit bubblegum. It's the fullest flavored apple I know of."

Yoder said he's been observing an earlier apple season as well.

"We had a really warm winter, so things just came out of dormancy way too soon," he said. "The trees started popping out two or three weeks earlier than normal."

In addition to the new apples coming in October, Pixie Crunch will come to Sunny Slope Orchard this month.

"(Pixie Crunch) is just an awesome apple," he said. "Kids love it. It's a smaller apple. It's very red and very sweet, like caramelly sweet."

Yoder said picking dates will last through early November, but the store will be open all winter.

Where to Pick Apples in Northeast Ohio

The Northeast Ohio apple picking season is in full swing, with dozens of orchards and farms open to the public. Many of these provide U-pick opportunities, offering a chance to hand-pick your favorite apples straight from the tree. Here are some of the best spots in the region:

Central Ohio

The central region of the state has its share of popular U-pick orchards, including:

Lynd Fruit Farm: This farm boasts more than 50 apple varieties, and visitors are encouraged to sample the fruits of their labor while picking. Lynd also offers a large farmer's market with local produce, jams, and cider. URL: https://columbusunderground.com/apple-picking-with-the-family-in-central-ohio-sm1/

Miami Valley

The Miami Valley is another hot spot for apple picking, with a number of orchards offering a wide array of varieties. Here are some options:

Monnin’s Fruit Farm: This family-owned farm is celebrating its 63rd year and offers more than 20 varieties of U-pick apples. URL: https://www.dayton.com/what-to-do/parks-recreation/where-to-go-apple-picking-in-the-dayton-region/QGQ6UOODMBC3FFGIZRM4HFMTFE/
Peifer Orchards: With over 20 varieties available throughout the season, Peifer Orchards is a popular destination for apple pickers. URL: https://www.dayton.com/what-to-do/parks-recretion/where-to-go-apple-picking-in-the-dayton-region/QGQ6UOODMBC3FFGIZRM4HFMTFE/
The Pink House Orchard: This orchard offers a range of U-pick apples and hosts Apple Gathering Day festivities on September 21st. URL: https://www.dayton.com/what-to-do/parks-recretion/where-to-go-apple-picking-in-the-dayton-region/QGQ6UOODMBC3FFGIZRM4HFMTFE/
Tüken’s Orchard & Farm Market: Apple Picking Days run through mid-October at Tüken’s, offering over 30 varieties of apples. URL: https://www.dayton.com/what-to-do/parks-recretion/where-to-go-apple-picking-in-the-dayton-region/QGQ6UOODMBC3FFGIZRM4HFMTFE/
Wesler Orchards & Farm Market: This family-owned orchard has been operating since 1930 and offers U-pick apples throughout October. URL: https://www.dayton.com/what-to-do/parks-recretion/where-to-go-apple-picking-in-the-dayton-region/QGQ6UOODMBC3FFGIZRM4HFMTFE/

Stark County

Stark County offers a variety of orchards for apple lovers, including:

Arrowhead Orchard: This orchard offers pick-your-own apples throughout the fall until early November. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Sunny Slope Orchard: Sunny Slope offers a wide selection of apple varieties, including three new introductions this October. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Varian Orchards: While Varian Orchards doesn’t offer pick-your-own, they sell a variety of apples seven days a week. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Manfull Orchards: This orchard is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Call for more information. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Dillon Fruit Farm: Pick-your-own apples are available at Dillon Fruit Farm on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during September. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Sanor’s Fruit Farm: Sanor’s is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Haus Orchard & Cider Mill: This orchard is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Huffman Fruit Farm: This farm offers pick-your-own apples from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Stahl’s Farm Market: Pick-your-own apples are available at the Stahl’s Farm Market Orchard in North Benton every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning September 7 and ending October 13. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
White House Fruit Farm: This farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Geig’s Orchard: Pick-your-own apples are available for two weekends in the fall, the first being September 28 and 29 and the second being October 5 and 6. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Hillside Orchard: Pick-your-own apples are available for the first two weekends in October, those being October 5 and 6 and October 12 and 13. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Beckwith Orchards: Beckwith Orchards is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Monroe's Orchard & Farm Market: Pick-your-own apples are available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will likely last until the first week of October. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/
Stahl’s Farm Market: Pick-your-own apples are available at the North Benton location. URL: https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/stark-county/2024/09/08/apple-picking-near-me-akron-ohio-stark-county-canton/75055148007/

Other Locations

In addition to the Stark County and Miami Valley orchards, there are many other apple-picking destinations in Ohio. Here are a few more worth checking out:

Apple Hill Orchards: This orchard has two locations, one in Mansfield and one in Fredericktown, both offering pick-your-own apples throughout the fall. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Kuner’s Fruit Farm: While Kuner’s Fruit Farm doesn’t offer pick-your-own, they sell a wide variety of apples in their market. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Hillcrest Orchard: This orchard offers pick-your-own apples from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until the middle or end of October. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Bauman Orchards Farm Market: Pick-your-own-apples is set to begin September 20 at Bauman Orchards. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Moreland Fruit Farms: This farm is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Call for more information. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Rittman Orchards & Farm Market: Pick-your-own apples are available at Rittman Orchards, with varieties depending on the crowd and weather. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Scenic Ridge Fruit Farm: This orchard offers pick-your-own apples beginning September 14 and continuing every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 5. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/
Springhill Fruit Farm: This farm offers pick-your-own apples from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. while supplies last. URL: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2024/09/04/u-pick-apple-orchards-open-ohio-find-apple-orchard-near-you/75060315007/

Apple Picking Tips

Whether it’s your first time visiting a local apple orchard, or you feel like you’re a picking pro, here’s a few things you may not know about picking apples, whether on the tree or in your local store or farmer’s market.

Find an Orchard

Northeast Ohio has dozens of apple orchards and farms that are open to the public. Many provide U-pick opportunities beginning in late summer and going through the end of fall. Before heading to your local orchard, check their website or social media page for detailed information. You’ll be able to find out their U-pick days and times as well as what variety of apples are ripe for picking.

What to Bring to an Orchard

There isn’t much you need to bring for apple picking. Most places provide bags or baskets for you to carry your apples. Apples may be priced per pound, so be mindful of how full and heavy your bag becomes. Check to see if the orchard accepts cash or card and if they charge an admission fee so you can be prepared. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes or boots since you’ll be doing some walking, weaving in and out of tree branches and standing on your tiptoes to get the ones off the high branches.

Orchard Etiquette

Orchards are typically privately owned by farmers or families who allow their personal farm to be used for the public’s enjoyment. Before heading out on your picking adventure, check to see if they have specific rules posted. Here’s a few basic visiting rules to keep in mind:

Don’t climb or damage the trees. There’s no need to bring cutters or ladders. Only pick what you can reach and do not attempt to climb or bend any branches.
Stay in designated picking area. Farms may have acres of apple trees but only allow a few rows a day to be picked. Different varieties of apples are in various stages of ripening and should not be picked until they’re ready.
Only pick what you plan on paying for. Be mindful of over-picking or accidentally knocking off apples you don’t intend to buy.
Don’t taste test. While it’s tempting to take a big bite out of an apple in the field, it’s advised not to, since the apples may have pesticides, bird droppings, bacteria or other things you wouldn’t want to consume. Instead, see if the farm has samples that are washed and cut. The USDA also advises that fresh produce should be rinsed under running water before consuming. Apples can also be gently scrubbed. Do not use soap on apples.
Check their pet policy before bringing your four-legged friend.

How to Pick Apples

Did you know apple trees ripen from the outside first, so the apples hanging on the outer branches will be the ripest? A ripe apple should be firm, with no bruising or mushy spots. Don’t yank an apple off the branch or shake the branch and let it fall. Instead, give the apple a gentle twist and pull, and it should come off easily with the stem attached. Set apples gently in your basket or bag as they can bruise easily. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The farmers or helpers on site are very knowledgeable and can give you a lot of great info about the apple varieties.

Apples from the Market

No time to pick your own? No problem. Most farms will have a market or stand with pre-made, ready-to-go bags of apples. Apples are usually labeled with the name of the variety. They may also provide some characteristics about the apple variety. For example, they may say the variety of apple is sweet, sour, good for baking, etc. They may also provide samples for you to try before you purchase a bag.

Storing Apples at Home

Once you get your apples home, you’ll need to find a place for them. Do you keep them on the countertop or fridge? The good news is, you can do both. For the short-term, apples can be left in a bowl on the countertop for about a week. Do not store it with any other fruit as their gases will make other fruit ripen quicker. For longer-term, apples should be refrigerated, ideally in the crisper drawer in your refrigerator, away from other produce, where they can last for months. Rinse apples under running water before consuming. You can also gently scrub with a produce brush to remove dirt.

Apple Picking: Beyond the Orchard

Apple picking isn’t just about finding the perfect fruit; it's also about enjoying the autumn atmosphere and creating lasting memories. From the crisp fall air to the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, apple picking is a perfect way to embrace the season. And don't forget the health benefits! Low-intensity exercise, fresh air, and delicious, nutritious apples — what’s not to love?

So, gather your family and friends, head to your local orchard, and enjoy the sweet rewards of the apple picking season. It’s a tradition that’s sure to become a favorite for generations to come.