Looking for the best apple-picking spots in and around Columbus Ohio? Look no further! Our Apple Picking Guide will take you to the top orchards where you can enjoy a day of family fun and fresh apples straight from the tree.
Apple picking is something that kids young and old can enjoy and makes for a fun family outing. We thought everyone might appreciate information on orchards, as well as resources on all things apple! Remember to check their website, Facebook pages, or call them to get the most current picking status.
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2024 Columbus/Central Ohio Apple Orchard and Apple Resource Guide
Below are some of the apple orchards in Columbus and Central Ohio that YOU, our readers have been to and recommend (click their name to go to their website):
CherryHawk Farm. This orchard is located in Marysville. It's small and has a very peaceful feeling. They have a great variety of apples and are very nice people. I have to say, we really liked this orchard. One of the owners told me, "We are trying to make the apple picking experience like it was for your grandparents. Soon we'll have nature trails and other things." Facebook page | 937-642-6442 | 16220 Springdale Rd., Marysville.
Orchard and Company: This orchard is located in Plain City and features not only apple picking, but pumpkins, tractor drawn wagon rides, large corn pit to excavate in, and our huge hill slide, animal barn, and more! Facebook page | 614-306-1071 | 7255 US HWY 42, Plain City, 43064
Lawrance Orchards: Located just south of Marion. They grow 26 varieties of apples for you pick. On weekends they have food trucks and other activities. Facebook page | 740-389-3019 | 2634 Smeltzer Rd, Marion
Lynd's Fruit Farm. We have been going to this very popular, well-known orchard, located in Pataskala, for many years. I really like the apple variety, the number of trees they have, and the farm market. Because it's so popular though, it's always extremely busy so you might be sharing a tree with other families. They do have a great farm market with lots of produce and Amish baked goods. In October they also have a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and many other fall activities. Facebook page | 740-927-1333 or 740-927-7013 | 9090 Morse Rd SW, Pataskala.
Branstool Orchards. This orchard is located in Utica (very close to Legend Hills). We've picked from here that last five years, and have really enjoyed it. It's a more compact layout, but with lots of trees. The farmers market is very nice, and has a variety of produce, as well as pre-picked apples, pears, plums and peaches (when in season). They have u-pick all week long. Facebook page | 740-892-3989 | 5895 Johnstown Utica Road, Utica. {Not far from here is the Velvet Ice Cream Factory and Ye Olde Mill -- our previous publisher's family recommends going there after picking apples.}
Legend Hills Orchard. This nice-sized orchard is located in Utica. They also have a farm market where they sell other produce, as well as some Amish cheese, meat, and other things. Facebook page | 740-504-6588 | 11155 Reynolds Rd, Utica.
Apple Hill Orchard. This orchard is located in Mansfield (not too far off 71 - it's only about 45 minutes from north Columbus) and is the one we always go to when meeting family/friends from NE Ohio (it's about halfway). They have two orchards (we picked peaches at the Fredericktown location last year - it's slightly smaller than the Mansfield location), both are probably medium-sized, but always has tons of apples. They have a good variety of apples. They also have pear trees for early September u-picking, and peach trees (for July and August u-pick). We always enjoy this orchard - we've been going for 10 years now! They have a nice little farm market with other produce, as well as some meats and cheeses. They also have a kids day in October and hayrides throughout the fall. Facebook page | 419-884-1500 or Toll Free 888-APPLE50 (277-5350) | 1175 Lexington Ontario Rd., Mansfield
Peifer Orchards. Locally grown produce, 25 varieties of apples. U-pick apples are Saturdays and Sundays only. 937 - 767 - 2208 | 4590 US 68 N | Yellow Springs, Ohio
Charlie’s Apples. A small chemical free commercial orchard established in 1995 in the gently rolling hills of Licking County, Ohio. With 25 years of history, this pick-your-own orchard offers multiple varieties of crisp and tasty apples. 740-350-4270 | 1740 Sportsman Club Road | Newark, OH 43055
Ochs Fruit Farm. Over 40 varieties of Apples, Pears galore, Pumpkins, Cider and so much more!! Don't forget about our pick-your-own flowers. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5. | 2161 Pleasantville Road | Lancaster, OH 43130
Apple tips, recipes, and crafts
I am sure there are many great reference sites for making applesauce and apple butter. The one I used for applesauce was the pickyourown.org website.
Applesauce: I use the fruit and vegetable strainer attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer (which is listed on that site), cook the apples in a large stockpot on low heat with skins on (and some cinnamon and vanilla) until they start to soften, then put them through the strainer - it's perfect. I typically mix varieties, using some that are labeled good for sauce and some not, to get the desired sweetness without ever adding sugar. I keep some in the refrigerator for the week and freeze the rest in glass pyrex storage containers. It is so easy! I also cook some peaches with them when peaches are in season.
Apple butter: They also have tips for making apple butter, which I have never done, but looks very easy.
Apple use charts:
These are great for giving you an idea of what apple varieties are best used for making certain things. Some you probably already know, but all of these charts/resources list varieties that are not common as well. Between the three, it should cover just about any apple you might pick this season.
Pickyouown.org has a great chart for uses and care. Scroll own on the page to see both the usage, ripening dates, and storage chart, as well as an alphabetical (and pictorial) list of apples with their characteristics and other facts.
Ohio Apple Growers also has a usage chart.
Lynd's Fruit Farm - this includes the refrigerated life expectancy, as well as best uses for each variety.
Here are some Apple Picking tips, from pickyourown.org.
Apple 'Cupcakes' {Healthy Snack!}
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