There’s something magical about fall in the Midwest. The crisp air, changing leaves, cozy flannels, and of course, apple picking. If you’re in Cincinnati, you’re lucky in the Queen City is surrounded by charming orchards that make perfect day trips. Whether you’re going with family, friends, or just loading up the Bronco Sport for a solo Saturday adventure, these apple orchards offer scenic drives, fresh air, and bushels of fun.
The Bronco Sport is ideal for this kind of adventure. With its roomy cargo space, all-terrain handling, and panoramic moonroof, it turns a simple orchard visit into a full-blown fall escape. Toss a picnic in the back, turn up your favorite playlist, and let’s hit the road to some of the best apple-picking spots around Cincinnati.
A&M Farm Orchard – Midland, OH
About 45 minutes east of Cincinnati, A&M Farm Orchard in Midland is a local favorite. Midland, OH is a village located in Clinton County. Home of the former B&O train station which is still standing today! A&M Farm orchard is a family-run farm that has been in operation since the 1800s, and it still has that welcoming, down-to-earth vibe. The apple trees here are full of crisp, juicy varieties like Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Jonathan.
The drive out to Midland is beautiful in the fall, and your Bronco Sport handles the rural backroads with ease. Once there, the farm’s setup is simple and authentic. You grab a basket, walk out to the orchard, and start picking. There’s also a farm store with homemade jams, apple cider, and fresh baked goods. The cider slushies alone are worth the trip.
Iron’s Fruit Farm – Lebanon, OH
Another must-visit is Iron’s Fruit Farm, located about 40 minutes northeast of downtown Cincinnati in Lebanon. This fourth-generation farm offers a wonderful U-pick apple experience that draws families and foodies alike. The orchard opens for apple picking around early September and stays open as long as the apples last.
Iron’s Fruit Farm has a great fall festival atmosphere. Think of hayrides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and of course, hot apple fritters. There’s nothing quite like enjoying one of their famous fritters while sitting on the tailgate of your Bronco Sport, taking in the rolling hills and vibrant leaves.
With its off-road capability and roomy back seat, the Bronco Sport is great if you’re bringing the kids or packing extra gear. You can even fit a few pumpkins in the back next to your bushels of apples. While were on the topic of pumpkins, here is a great “how to” website on the easiest methods for carving a pumpkin for Halloween!
Hidden Valley Orchards – Lebanon, OH
Just down the road from Iron’s Fruit Farm, you’ll find Hidden Valley Orchards, another gem that’s perfect for a weekend apple-picking trip. Hidden Valley offers a more upscale, curated experience. It blends the charm of a working farm with the comforts of a modern event space. You can pick your own apples, enjoy live music, and grab a meal or drink from their onsite market and taproom.
This is a great option if you’re looking for something that feels like a fall outing and a little getaway all in one. The orchard grows a wide variety of apples, and staff are helpful in guiding you to what’s best for pies, sauces, or just snacking.
Hidden Valley is easy to find and makes a great stop if you’re planning a full day of exploration in your Bronco Sport. With plenty of parking and room to roam, it’s one of those spots where you can really stretch out and soak up the season.
Tuken’s Orchard & Farm Market – West Alexandria, OH
For a slightly longer drive, head about an hour north to Tuken’s Orchard and Farm Market. This hidden gem is worth the trip for its wide selection of apples and laid-back atmosphere. Tuken’s offers U-pick apples throughout September and October, depending on the harvest. They grow both popular and heirloom varieties, so it’s a great place to try something new.
Tuken’s also features a large farm market filled with fresh produce, canned goods, and even some local honey and maple syrup. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend an afternoon browsing, picking, and snacking.
Your Bronco Sport is a great companion for this kind of trip. The AWD system makes rural gravel roads a breeze, and the back seats fold flat for loading up all your fall goodies.
OK, this one isn’t in Cincinnati properly, but it’s just a quick drive across the river into Northern Kentucky. McGlasson Farms sits right off scenic Route 8 along the Ohio River and offers a charming, no-frills apple picking experience. Their farm stand is packed with local produce, and the view from the hillside orchard is breathtaking in the fall.
This is a great option for a spontaneous weekday outing or a quiet Sunday morning trip. Bring a thermos of coffee, toss a couple of chairs in the back of your Bronco Sport, and enjoy the river views after picking your apples.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the best places aren’t the biggest or the most polished ones, they’re just the ones that make you feel connected to the season.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Picking Trip
- Check the orchard’s website or social media before you go. Apple varieties and availability change weekly during peak season.
- Pack smart. Bring reusable bags or boxes, water, sunscreen, and wet wipes for sticky hands.
- Wear boots or old shoes. Orchards can be muddy, especially after a fall rain.
- Use the Bronco Sport’s built-in power outlet to charge your phone or run a portable speaker for tunes at the orchard.
- Don’t forget a cooler. If you plan on buying cider or other perishables, your Bronco’s cargo area can keep things cool for the ride home.
Make It a Fall Tradition
The best part about apple picking around Cincinnati is how many options you have. Whether you’re looking for a rustic backroad orchard or a full-blown fall festival, you’re never more than an hour or so from your next favorite spot. And with your Bronco Sport ready to roll, you’ve got the freedom to explore wherever the leaves and apples take you.
Load up your crew, cue up a fall playlist, and hit the road. Apple season doesn’t last forever, but the memories you’ll make in the orchard and on the drive will stick around long after the last leaf falls.
Final Thought
Apple picking isn’t just about apples. It’s about the drive, the scenery, the laughs, and the unexpected moments along the way. So, whether you’re hauling a few bushels home in the back of your Bronco Sport or just stopping by for a fresh cider and a stroll, Cincinnati’s orchards are calling. And your Bronco is the perfect way to answer.
Happy picking and be sure to check out Beechmont Ford’s latest new Bronco Sport inventory by clicking HERE! What’s your favorite apple? Comment below and let us know!
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