Every fall, I try to visit at least one or two new orchards around Ohio. Some places are huge family operations with big markets and festival vibes, while others are small farms that feel like stepping back into an old-school countryside weekend. After comparing dozens of orchards — their apple varieties, U-pick rules, family activities, and visitor reviews — these are the five that consistently deliver the best overall experience in 2025. Whether you’re planning a family trip, stocking up for baking, or just chasing that perfect Instagram orchard photo, this guide breaks everything down in detail.
Bauman is one of those orchards that feels like it’s been part of the local community forever. They grow a huge range of apples — from early-season favorites like Paula Red to late-season keepers like Fuji and Goldrush. Their U-pick fields are organized and easy to navigate, which is great if you’re bringing kids.
What I personally love is their market. You can walk in for apples and walk out with fresh pies, cider, jams, honey, maple syrup, and half your fall shopping done. Everything has that classic, no-frills charm.
- Best for: Big apple selection, dependable U-pick, and bakery-style treats.
Address: Rittman, OH
What to try: Their cider is honestly one of the smoothest in the region.
Hours: Seasonal — always check before going.
Official site: Bauman Orchards
2. Lynd Fruit Farm — Pataskala
Lynd Fruit Farm is where you go if you want more than just apple picking — it’s basically an outdoor fall amusement experience. They’ve built a strong reputation for running huge U-pick fields, weekend festivals, corn mazes, themed events, and a market that feels like a small-town grocery store of local goods.
This is the orchard where I see the most families making a day out of it. If you want hayrides, cold cider, apple donuts, pumpkins, and photo spots, Lynd has it. Their U-pick schedule is updated weekly with whichever apple varieties are ready.
- Best for: Full-day fall experience (mazes, festival vibes, donuts, everything).
Address: Pataskala, OH
What to try: Apple donuts + Honeycrisp U-pick.
When to go: Weekday afternoons are less crowded.
Official site: Lynd Fruit Farm
3. Branstool Orchards — Utica
Branstool is more relaxed and scenic — the kind of place people visit for the quality of the fruit, not the crowd. Their orchard rows are open, airy, and surrounded by rolling farmland. If you’re picky about the apples you bring home (especially for baking pies or making apple butter), Branstool gives you the best variety depth.
Their peaches are also well known, but apple season is where they shine. The small market on-site sells baked goods and seasonal produce, but the vibe is very “quiet orchard,” not “big fall attraction.”
- Best for: High-quality apples, peaceful scenery, and small-market charm.
Address: Utica, OH
What to try: Jonagold and Goldrush for baking.
Good for: Couples, photographers, and anyone wanting a calmer day.
Official site: Branstool Orchards
4. CherryHawk Farm — Marysville
CherryHawk is one of those orchards where you park in the grass, walk into the fields, and pick apples directly from trees that look like they’ve been growing there for decades. It’s simple, peaceful, and friendly — nothing commercial or overdone.
Families love this place because it has that “small farm” atmosphere. Kids can run around the orchard, and there’s usually someone at the farm stand who’s happy to tell you which rows have the best apples that week.
If you’re more into quiet farms than big weekend events, this one’s a gem.
- Best for: True old-fashioned U-pick experience.
Address: Marysville, OH
What to try: Early-season varieties and their photo-friendly sunflower areas (varies by year).
5. Hillcrest Orchard — Walnut Creek
Located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Hillcrest Orchard offers one of the largest selections of apple varieties in the state. The orchard itself is 75 acres, and the farm store is huge — shelves packed with local cheeses, preserves, fudge, spices, and handmade goods.
If you want to turn apple picking into a full scenic day trip, Hillcrest is the perfect excuse to explore Holmes County. The drive alone is worth it in fall.
- Best for: Amish Country day trip + massive farm market.
Address: Walnut Creek, OH
What to try: Mutsu and Idared if you’re planning pies or crisps.
Good for: Gift shopping + fall family outings.
Official site: Hillcrest Orchard of Walnut Creek
6. Patterson Fruit Farm — Chesterland
Patterson Fruit Farm is one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved fall destinations. The orchard sits on rolling hills, which makes it one of the most scenic spots to pick apples or take photos. In September and October, Patterson hosts its annual Fall Festival with hayrides, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly activities.
Their U-pick apples are usually well organized, with clear signage and staff guiding visitors to the ripe varieties for the week. The market here is also excellent — pies, cider, maple products, and their famous apple fritters.
- Best for: Beautiful scenery + family festivals.
Location: Chesterland, OH
Don’t miss: The Apple Fritter Sundae (trust me).
Website: Patterson Fruit Farm
7. Hidden Valley Orchards — Lebanon
Hidden Valley Orchards has such a fun personality. It’s part orchard, part event space, part farm market — with a café, bakery, and even a taproom on site. Many people visit not just for apple picking but for the seasonal dinners, music nights, tastings, and fall celebrations.
If you like orchards that feel lively and social, this is your spot. Their cider slushies are a local favorite, and the market has lots of ready-to-eat snacks.
- Best for: Food, drinks, and events (more than just apples).
Location: Lebanon, OH
Try this: The HVO Cider Slushie (seriously refreshing).
Website: Hidden Valley Orchards
8. Apple Hill Orchards — Mansfield
Apple Hill is the orchard I recommend if you love fresh bakery items as much as you love apples. Their small-batch apple cider donuts are some of the best in the state. They also make pies, turnovers, and caramel apples daily during peak season.
The orchard itself is peaceful, with friendly staff, clean grounds, and multiple apple varieties ripening throughout September and October. It’s a simple, clean, well-run place — perfect for families who want an easy, no-drama outing.
- Best for: Fresh donuts + classic Ohio orchard feel.
Location: Mansfield, OH
Best picks: Honeycrisp, Melrose, or Jonagold (depending on the week).
Website: Apple Hill Orchards
9. Arrowhead Orchard — Paris, OH
Arrowhead Orchard has become a fall festival powerhouse over the last few years. Besides classic apple picking, they offer wagon rides, corn mazes, sunflower trails, bonfires, bounce houses, and an activity area that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Their apple season is fairly long, and they grow a wide variety — from early-season apples in August to late-season favorites in mid-October. It’s an excellent orchard if you want picking plus a full day of activities.
- Best for: So many activities + long season.
Location: Paris, OH
Good for: Families with kids, group outings, date afternoons.
Website: Arrowhead Orchard
10. Mapleside Farms — Brunswick
Mapleside Farms sits on one of the most beautiful pieces of farmland in Northern Ohio — high on a hill overlooking wide, open countryside. They’re known for their famous “Pumpkin Village” fall festivals, which pull in thousands of visitors every year. Their themed weekends (Country Fest, Family Fun Fest, and more) are extremely popular.
The orchard grows plenty of apple varieties, and while U-pick availability changes throughout the season, the farm’s market and bakery stay busy with pies, cider, donuts, and seasonal gifts.
- Best for: Large events, concerts, and huge scenic views.
Location: Brunswick, OH
Most popular attraction: Pumpkin Village (great for kids).
Website: Mapleside Farms
Final Thoughts
Apple picking in Ohio hits differently — maybe it’s the mix of small-town charm, rolling countryside, or the way every orchard has its own personality. Whether you’re after a simple U-pick afternoon or a full fall festival with donuts, mazes, and hayrides, Ohio makes it surprisingly easy to plan the perfect autumn trip.
What stood out most while researching and visiting these orchards is how much effort each family puts into keeping their traditions alive. You’ll meet owners who can tell you exactly which row has the sweetest Honeycrisp that week or which apples bake the best Thanksgiving pie. That kind of local touch is something you don’t get at grocery stores.
Final Thoughts (5 Additional Points)
1. Plan around peak ripeness—not convenience.
Ohio’s apple season changes fast. One week Honeycrisp is perfect, and the next week it’s gone. Checking each orchard’s weekly update really does make a difference.
2. Small orchards often surprise you.
Places like CherryHawk or Apple Hill may not have giant festivals, but the quality of the apples and the peaceful atmosphere make them unforgettable.
3. Weekdays are the secret hack.
If your schedule allows, go early on a weekday. The rows are quieter, the fruit is less picked over, and the experience feels more personal.
4. Mix-and-match picking makes better desserts.
Most orchards offer apple variety guides. Grab a blend of sweet and tart apples if you’re baking — it genuinely transforms the flavor.
5. Turn orchard trips into memories, not just errands.
Bring your kids, invite friends, take photos, try the cider donuts, grab something new from the market. Orchards are one of the few places where the experience is as valuable as what you bring home.
