What’s better than a freshly picked, perfectly ripe, locally grown apple? (Maybe a fresh-from-the-oven apple pie?) And with apple varieties ripening soon, it’s a great time to try out your favorite fall recipes. Use this apple orchards guide to help plan a perfect autumn’s day and maybe a perfect meal too.
Here’s our Apple Orchard and U-Pick Guide. Pick one and start a new family tradition this fall!
*Don’t forget that most farms only accept cash or check, so call ahead to confirm!
A&M Farm Orchard
A&M is one of the closer U-Pick orchards in Cincinnati, especially if you’re on the East Side. This family farm sells Melrose, Jonathan, Gala, McIntosh and several other varieties as the season moves along, plus a hay wagon ride out to the orchard and pumpkin picking most years. Buckets and bags are supplied. Bring cash or a check; that’s all they take. 22141 State Route 251, Midland, OH 45148, 513-875-2500
Apple Country Farm Market
Now operating as Weaver’s Apple Country Farm, this family-owned spot pairs a farm market selling apples, pumpkins and homemade goods with a corn maze and Amish-built sheds and outdoor furniture on the same property. It’s open Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday. Call ahead if U-Pick apples specifically are what you’re after; the market is confirmed, but picking your own isn’t always part of the current lineup. 2323 US-42, Spring Valley, OH 45370, 937-862-4376
Brumbaugh Fruit and Fun Farm
Brumbaugh Fruit and Fun Farm specializes in class field trips and group outings, and its apple and pumpkin orchards give guests the full farm experience, including the Johnny Appleseed Hiking Trails through the orchard rows, a zip line, a playset and a corn crib. Fall activities run weekends from just after Labor Day through October and into early November, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays noon to 7 p.m. General admission is $12 a person; kids three and under get in free, and visitors 64 and older pay $5. Find the latest happenings and events on Brumbaugh’s Facebook page. 6420 Arcanum-Hollansburg Road, Arcanum, OH 45304, 937-692-8084
Hidden Valley Orchards
Hidden Valley Orchards has shifted from a traditional U-Pick apple orchard into a broader agritourism destination. Entry to the farm is free, and that gets you into the grounds, the animal paddocks, the pumpkin patch and the cidery. Picking apples yourself now happens through the paid Apple Play Yard, a ticketed area with more than 30 family attractions rather than a straightforward orchard walk. The farm is open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday except for scheduled field trips. 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, OH 45036, 513-932-1869
Hollmeyers Orchard
Irons Fruit Farm
Located in Lebanon, Irons Fruit Farm has the largest selection of apples around. Depending on when you go, you’ll choose from McIntosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Melrose and Stayman Winesap varieties. Parking and entry are free. The farm is open May through October, Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. (Sunday hours shift to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in September and October); November and December hours run Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. U-Pick timing depends on weather and crop, so check their Facebook page before heading out. 1640 Stubbs Mills Rd, Lebanon, OH 45036, 513-932-2853
Karnes Orchard
This family-owned farm, established in 1876, grows an impressive selection of apples, including several heirloom varieties and Honeycrisp. The market typically runs July through mid-November, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday, and U-Pick is available anytime the market is open. Get the scoop on current fruit availability here. 8200 Worley Mill Road, Hillsboro, OH 45133, 937-763-8250
McGlasson Farms
This Kentucky farm stand sells some of the most picturesque, pre-picked produce in town, and its fall pumpkin patch and apple orchard are open for U-Pick alongside the roadside market. Hours run Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check McGlasson’s Facebook page for U-Pick opportunities and pricing before you go. 5832 River Road, Hebron, Kentucky 41048, 859-689-5229
Monnin’s Fruit Farm
Monnin’s offers over 20 varieties of apples to pick, go green and bring your own containers. The farm, family-owned since 1961, recently passed to the next generation and continues its U-Pick tradition alongside strawberries, raspberries and sunflowers earlier in the season. Hours run Sunday and Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on U-Pick schedules. 8201 Frederick Pike, Dayton, OH 45414, 937-890-4536
Peifer Orchards
The orchard reopens for U-Pick apples on Labor Day weekend and runs most Saturdays and Sundays through October, weather and supply permitting; the berry patch and pumpkin patch follow their own separate schedules. Not every variety the farm grows makes it into the U-Pick rows, so the farm market carries a wider selection if you strike out. The weekly Crop Report is the best way to check current U-Pick availability before you drive out; subscribe on the farm’s site. Market hours are weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4590 US 68 N, Yellow Springs, OH, 937-767-2208
Tüken’s Orchard & Farm Market
Tüken’s is Cincinnati’s U-Pick destination for apples, strawberries, cherries, plums, blackberries and peaches. There’s also a petting zoo, farm market and a sister winery, Chateau Tuken, pouring locally made wines on-site. Hours run Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the farm closes for the season from December 24 through April 30 and operates by appointment during that stretch. Check Facebook for U-Pick hours and updates. 15725 Eaton Pike, West Alexandria, OH 45381, 937-687-3848
Pringles Orchard
The orchard at Pringles offers many varieties of fresh apples for fall baking and snacking, including Jonathan and MacIntosh. The Apple House is typically open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m., though U-Pick days and times shift with the crop, so follow along on their Facebook page for updates. Pringles also hosts an annual Apple Fest in October with live music, vendors and all-day U-Pick. 2697 Pringle Road, Goshen, OH 45122, 513-625-9866
We highly recommend you call before you go, as weather and crowds can affect U-Pick conditions and hours. With most of these orchards on social media, be sure to also check those outlets for pictures and updates, too!
