There is something about the first trip to an apple orchard that tells you fall is getting close. The days may still feel like summer, but across Ohio, apple season is already beginning.
Early varieties start ripening in late July and August. Ginger Gold, Paula Red, Gala, and other early apples are among the first to arrive. By late August and September, Honeycrisp and more popular varieties join the harvest.
When Are Ohio Apples Ready?
One of the best things about apple season is that it lasts for months. Different varieties ripen at different times, giving you a reason to return to the orchard throughout the season.
As a general guide:
🍏 Late July–August: Lodi, Paula Red, Ginger Gold and other early varieties
🍎 Mid-to-late August: Gala, Zestar and other early fall apples
🍏 Late August–September: Honeycrisp
🍎 September: McIntosh, Jonathan and Cortland
🍏 Late September–October: Golden Delicious, Red Delicious and Jonagold
🍎 October: Fuji, Empire and Winesap
🍏 October–early November: Granny Smith and other late-season varieties
Weather and growing conditions can change harvest dates. Always check with the orchard before making the drive.
Ohio Orchards to Visit This Apple Season
With apple season stretching from late summer into fall, there are plenty of opportunities to visit an orchard. Some focus on U-pick apples, while others add cider, donuts, farm markets, and fall activities. Here are four Ohio orchards to consider this season.
Ransom Sage Farm — Chardon
Honeycrisp fans may want to circle August 29 on the calendar, as Ransom Sage Farm plans to begin its 2026 Honeycrisp U-pick season. The farm expects Honeycrisp to continue ripening throughout September.
Other U-pick varieties include Ginger Gold, Jonamac, McIntosh, Melrose, Jonagold and Golden Delicious. You can also find Ludacrisp, Rosalie, Topaz and Suncrisp growing in a second orchard.
Hillcrest Orchards — Amherst
Hillcrest Orchards begins its 2026 fall season September 5, with activities continuing through October. U-pick apples are available on weekends during September and October. The season begins with varieties that include Gala, Pixie Crunch, Honeycrisp, McIntosh and Sweet Maia.
Families can make a full day of the trip. Hillcrest also offers a corn maze, apple cannons and more than 20 attractions. Its farm market is full of apples, cider, homemade donuts, kettle corn and other seasonal foods.
Geig’s Orchard — Seville
Geig’s Orchard has been growing fruit in Seville for generations. Apple season includes U-pick opportunities along with cider, donuts and other orchard favorites.
Don’t miss the Honeycrisp Sip and Pack, which takes place September 12. The ticketed evening includes a guided Honeycrisp picking experience and a half-peck bag of apples. Guests also receive an apple cider donut and can enjoy live acoustic music, bonfires and lawn games. Regular apple U-pick weekends are planned from the last weekend of September through the first weekend of October.
Lynd Fruit Farm — Pataskala
Lynd Fruit Farm has offered U-pick apples since the 1970s, making it a longtime Central Ohio fall tradition. The farm grows numerous apple varieties, but picking locations and availability change throughout harvest season. Lynd posts updates as varieties become ready.
The Market on Morse is also part of the experience. Apples and other farm products fill the market as harvest season progresses. Later in the season, families can add even more to their trip with pumpkins and other fall activities.
More Than Apple Picking
For many families, the orchard trip is just as important as the apples they take home. Cider, warm donuts, farm markets, hayrides, and other fall activities turn apple picking into an afternoon or even a full day away.
A trip to the orchard can easily turn into a full day out. Pick a bag of apples, stop for a warm donut or fresh cider, and check out the farm market before heading home. You can also add a nearby hiking trail, covered bridge, small town, or local restaurant to the day. And there is always a reason to come back. The apples available in August will be different from those ready in October, when pumpkins and more fall activities arrive. Before you go, check with the orchard for current hours, picking conditions, and available varieties, as the harvest can change with the weather.
Discover more apple orchards by visiting www.ohioapple.com. Apple season is already beginning. Fall isn’t far behind.
