
Fall is a wonderful time of the year in Ohio. The cool autumn breeze, the spooky arrival of Halloween festivities, and the many community festivals make this our favorite season for living in Ohio. Of course, you can't mention fall in Ohio without noting the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves.
15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
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Residents of Akron and Cleveland will agree that a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park does wonders for the soul. A great place to reconnect with nature, there's so much to see and do in this national park that it's not surprising that it draws visitors from near and far each year. During the autumn, the Cuyahoga River weaves its way through rolling hills, farmland, and forests, glistening brightly as it collects falling leaves from the changing trees. With more than 125 miles of trail to hike, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in autumn for anyone who loves to embrace the season's beauty.
Center Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
A few miles southeast of Cleveland is the Eagles Creek Nature Preserve which is full of Northeast Ohio's wonderfully diverse plants and animals. The landscape varies from marshes and swamps to woodlands and forests, offering a truly exceptional view into the many habitats that house such interesting biodiversity. Manageable trails lead you into this underrated gem, providing you with privacy and peace while you gaze at mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns that paint a stunning portrait.
12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Do you want a little outdoor adventure to mix in with your sightseeing? Then head to Beaver Creek State Park to watch the leaves change as you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek on a canoe. If you'd rather stay on land, you can hike the many trails on foot, atop a mountain bike, or on horseback. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring your camera to photograph the dazzling colors of this rugged landscape.
16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, OH 43135
Immerse yourself in the dense woodlands and deep ravines of Tar Hollow State Park as you get lost in the beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. A walk through Tar Hollow State Park will make you feel like you're in the wilderness worlds away from Columbus. Turkeys, turtles, skinks, snakes, and more call this area of Ohio home. A stroll through Tar Hollow's 604-acres offers a great way to see the changing of the leaves, only rivaled by the beautiful colors that spring back to life once winter ends.
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Downtown Columbus may be a bustling cityscape, but the Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers an opportunity to get back in touch with nature just a few blocks from the skyscrapers. The park covers 120-acres of previously industrial land, now refreshed as a thriving oasis where wildlife flourishes. The views along the Scioto River, chirping of the birds, and miles of multi-use trails are ideal for working professionals who only have a small period of time to escape from the daily grind. Because it's so close to home, you can visit every weekend and watch as the landscape changes from green to bright reds.
834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, OH 45885
Where better to see the leaves change than from the water? The popular boating destination of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a beachside paradise where you can relax on or offshore and watch the trees transform around you. We think that this state park is a wonderful place to take the kids for an overnight stay, as fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating opportunities sit alongside volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park.
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
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Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Shawnee State Forest is a breathtaking place to become one with nature. Totaling 1100-acres of the 63,000-acre forest, Shawnee State Park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway with the family. This state park is a popular place to hunt, fish, boat, and hike, offering you the opportunity to take in the changing of the leaves on the banks of the Ohio River. The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center is within the forest, making it a perfect location to enjoy unspoiled nature during the day before returning to cozy creature comforts at night.
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
You don't have to leave Cincinnati's city limits to enjoy a getaway in nature. Mt. Airy Forest was one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in the country and now provides nearly 1500-acres of multi-use space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more. Mt. Airy's accessibility isn't limited to its proximity to the city. The forest has an enclosed dog park for hikers to let their pets run free and also houses the state's sole public treehouse that is accessible for those using a wheelchair.
144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Equal distance between Cincinnati and Columbus, Scioto Trail State Park is a fantastic destination to watch the leaves change this autumn. This park is within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest but only encompasses 218-acres, making it an easy state park to tackle in a single trip. Bordering the Scioto River, this area offers amazing views of the Scioto River Valley. Bring a fishing rod to cast a line in the river or pack up the camping gear and spend an early-fall evening enjoying the quiet swaying of the trees.
Where is your favorite spot around Ohio to see the leaves change?