Route 1039: Apple Picking Season 2026!

If you grew up around Columbus, there's a pretty good chance "going to Lynd's" already means fall to you.

Lynd Fruit Farm has offered U-pick apples since the mid-1970s, making it one of Central Ohio's most established apple-picking traditions.

Apple picking begins in August, with different varieties becoming available as they ripen throughout the season.

Because what's available can change from week to week — and sometimes day to day — Lynd recommends following its Facebook page and signing up for its CiderPress Newsletter for current picking information.

Lynd grows a large selection of apple varieties throughout the season, including favorites like:

• Honeycrisp
• Gala
• Jonathan
• Cortland
• Golden Delicious
• Fuji
• Evercrisp
• Crimson Crisp
• Autumncrisp
• Goldrush

Not every variety is available for U-pick at the same time, so if your family has its heart set on Honeycrisp, definitely check before making the drive.

If you're serious about apples — and yes, apparently there is such a thing as being serious about apples — Branstool Orchards deserves a spot on your fall bucket list.

Branstool grows more than 35 apple varieties, with different apples ripening from summer all the way through late October.

Some Branstool varieties begin ripening as early as August.

Approximate harvest times include:

• Zestar: Early to mid-August
• Ginger Gold: Early to mid-August
• Honeycrisp: Very late August/early September
• Pixie Crunch: Mid-September
• Cortland: Mid-September
• McIntosh: Mid-September
• Jonathan: Late September
• Golden Delicious: Late September
• Galarina: Early October
• Fuji: Mid-October
• Evercrisp: Mid-to-late October
• Gold Rush: Late October
• Pink Lady: Late October
  
  

The exact timing can shift from year to year. Branstool actually checks the sugar content of the apples to determine when they're ready to harvest.

In other words, the apples decide when it's apple season. We respect that.

While you're there, check out:

• 🍩 Fresh cake donuts from the Donut Hut
• 🛝 Free children's play area
• 💎 Gem mining
• 🌻 Cut-your-own flowers
• 🛒 Farm market
• 🍯 Local jams, honey, syrup and other goodies

Branstool is also planning a new U-pick pumpkin patch for fall 2026, giving families another reason to make a return trip later in the season.

Best for: Apple lovers who want LOTS of varieties and families who believe no orchard trip is complete without a donut. 

Here's one to put on your calendar for a little later this month.

Legend Hills Orchard expects 2026 pick-your-own apples to begin in mid-to-late August, depending on weather and when the fruit is ready.

And they're expecting a strong apple crop this year, which is excellent news for anyone already mentally planning an apple pie.

Legend Hills is a fifth-generation family operation that's been growing apples for more than 90 years. The orchard grows approximately 25 apple varieties across more than 45 acres.

This isn't necessarily the giant fall-festival experience.

And that's part of the charm.

Legend Hills offers a more traditional, relaxing and kid-friendly orchard experience where the main event really is walking into the orchard and picking apples together.

You'll also want to stop at the farm market for goodies like:

• Apple butter
• Jams and jellies
• Maple syrup
• Amish cheese
• Candy
• Trail bologna
• Beef jerky
• Seasonal produce

Expected U-pick opening: Mid-to-late August 2026

Because the exact opening date depends on ripening and weather, check with Legend Hills before visiting.

Best for: Families who want a traditional apple-picking experience at a longtime local orchard. 

Another Columbus-area option worth putting on the fall list is The Orchard & Company in Plain City.

U-pick apples begin in August, with picking continuing while supplies last.

There's an important detail for families here:

You don't have to purchase Farmyard admission just to pick apples.

For U-pick, the orchard requires a minimum purchase of one peck bag for every five people entering the orchard.

Hours and apple availability are weather dependent, so checking with the farm before visiting is highly recommended.

If you're making it a full family outing, The Orchard & Company also has its Farmyard attractions, making this another great option for families who want activities in addition to picking.

Best for: Families on the northwest side of Columbus and anyone who wants the option to make apple picking part of a bigger fall day.

Want apple picking without quite as much of the fall-festival production?

CherryHawk Farm describes its experience as "apple picking the way it used to be."

The orchard grows more than a dozen varieties that ripen at different points throughout the season, creating a traditional U-pick experience in the country.

It's also an easy drive from areas including:

• Columbus
• Hilliard
• Dublin
• Powell
• Delaware
• Worthington
  
  

The farm publishes its current picking schedule online, so check what's ripe before heading toward Marysville.

Best for: Families looking for a simple, old-fashioned orchard experience.

If you don't mind driving a little farther north, add Lawrence Orchards to the list.

The farm market opens for the season in June, and customers can pick their own apples when they're in season.

Lawrence Orchards expands its hours beginning in mid-August as the late-summer and fall harvest season ramps up.

Because picking dates and varieties change as apples ripen, the orchard recommends following its Facebook page for current schedules and updates.

Best for: Turning apple picking into a little Central Ohio road trip.