
Lace-up your running shoes and fill up your water bottle — it's time to train for your next race! As the warm weather slides into Northeast Ohio, the many trails and pathways around the region are shaking off their snow and inviting runners to go the extra mile in preparation for 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathon races! Even if you're not training to beat your record time, frequent running will keep your form consistent and help you complete each race you enter. Check out these trails located in a few of our favorite green spaces around the Cleveland area.
4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144
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The fishing, sledding, and picnicking at Big Creek Reservation are all enjoyable, but the gem of the park has to be the gorgeous Lake to Lake Trail. Connecting Lake Isaac to Lake Abram, this 2.4-mile all-purpose trail crosses through the wetlands and provides a steady pathway for runners entering into their first race to gain their footing.
11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, OH 44065
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Just a short drive from downtown Cleveland is Punderson State Park. While others boat on Punderson Lake or play golf, you can take advantage of nearly 11 miles of trail. Of the eight trails in the park, the farthest is 2.2 miles, while the shortest is a simple 0.1 mile — most hover been 0.75 and 1.2 miles. With such easy and accessible trails available, this is a great place to get a quick run in before you enjoy the park's other amazing amenities.
Cleveland Metro Park Drive, Mayfield Village, OH 44143
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The North Chagrin Reservation is a fantastic place for runners who love adventure. Within the reservation is Foster's Run, a stunning trail that connects a newly constructed all-purpose trail with an old roadway. Although this trail connects the Wilson Mills Road Trailhead parking lot with the Forest Picnic Area, you can choose to jump on the Buckeye Trail or Bridle Trail to extend your run. There's also a physical fitness trail on the reservation that offers additional opportunities to exercise.
26899 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
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Looking for a place to run with nature while doing so on a paved path? Acacia Reservation sounds like the spot for you. Their 1.7-mile paved loop trail offers an opportunity to tackle a manageable run or work on your stamina with multiple laps.
1400 Portage Line Road, Akron, OH 44312
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The Springfield Bog Metro Park is home to the Prairie Trail, an easy 1.6-mile jaunt that leads runners through a gorgeous prairie. This park is less than a decade old and was once unused farmland. As you run, you'll see more than 40 species of plant wave to you as this beautiful new boggy area continues to thrive.
15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141
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The parks and reservations above offer fantastic trails that will surely help you get in shape for your 5K, but we've saved our top pick for last — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This massive park connecting Akron and Cleveland offers up over 125 miles worth of hiking trail for you to break in your running shoes and set your sights on breaking every goal you set. With so many trails to choose from, you'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know this park inside and out. Here are a few of the trails we suggest you conquer in each area of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Kendall Lake Area Trails
The trails in the Kendall Lake Area are practically built for runners who want to gradually increase their goals. We like to think of them as perfect markers to help track our progress. The Lake Trail is an easy one-mile trail while the Cross Country Trail is a little more challenging at 2.5 miles. Did you guess that the third trail, the Salt Run Trail, was 3.3 miles and the most challenging? Master each one individually, then combine them to really test your limits!
Ledges Area Trails
Here are two sets of trails for two types of runners. Those who are shaking off the rust or are running for their first time will love the easy Forest Point Trail and Haskell Run. Both are only half-of-a-mile long and hardly have an elevation change. The other two trails, Ledges Trail and Pine Grove Trail are each 2.2 miles long and offer a moderate challenge. We love running the longer trails for endurance and hitting the shorter trailers hard for an explosive final sprint to the finish!
Cuyahoga Valley Trails
The Cuyahoga Valley Trails tackle three areas of the park from Station Road to Boston to Everett. Their four loop trails have the following distances: Station Road Bridge to Red Lock 10.3 miles, Red Lock to Boston 8.1 miles, Boston to Peninsula 7.4 miles, and Peninsula to Hunt Farm 9.4 miles. While trekking through these areas, you'll use different pathways including the statewide Buckeye Trail, the Valley Trail, and Towpath Trail. These runs can be quite tiresome, especially if you're still getting into the groove of long-distance running. Thankfully, there are many parking lots lining the trails, which allow you to carve out small sections of them and gradually increase your out-and-back distance when you're comfortable.
Oak Hill and Plateau Trails
If you follow Oak Hill Road north just past the Cuyahoga Valley Environment Education Center, you'll be able to access the Oak Hill Trail and the Plateau Trail. Both trails are loops, with the Oak Hill Trail labeled an easy trail at 1.8 miles and the Plateau Trail stretching just under 5 miles, with a moderate to difficult ranking. Either trail alone offers a solid run; however, what we like most about this duo is the Oak Hill Trail connects to the Plateau Trail at six spots. If 5 miles is too much yet 2 miles is too little, you can break off of the Oak Hill trail, run through sections of the Plateau Trail, then jump back on the Oak Trail to finish. This allows you to make the Oak Hill Trail stretch as far as you desire.
Wetmore Area Trails
The Wetmore Area Trails are quite scenic, so much so that when we aren't training for a race, we love to take the slow route via horseback. You can access five trails from the Hunt House right on Bolanz Road — Wetmore Trail, Butler's Trail, Langes Run Trail, Tabletop Trail, and Valley Trail. Butler's Trail is a quick and easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail while the Tabletop Trail is a little longer at 0.75 mile that acts as a short cut through the Wetmore Trail. The Wetmore Trail and Langes Trail are longer, at 4.5 miles and 3.5 miles respectively, and offer a moderate to difficult run. However, we suggest that marathon runners set their sights on the 19-mile Valley Trail. It's quite a trek, but uninterrupted paths with ranging levels of difficulty offer a chance to really test your strength and stamina.
Where are your favorite places to run free around Cleveland? Let us know in the comments below!

Did you know the history of yoga in the United States dates back to the close of the 19th century? Over time, yoga has grown from a mystical program associated with the hippie movement and New Age philosophy, to a popular fitness style practiced by more than 36 million Americans of all ages.
With a number of benefits ranging from heart health and pain relief to stress reduction and better sleep, yoga could be considered a nearly perfect form of exercise. Improve fitness and gain inner peace with yoga instruction at these serene but challenging studios in the Cleveland area.
3459 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights 44118
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Has an attack of cold feet kept you from trying a yoga class? Problem solved—literally—at Yoga Roots. Restorative yoga classes, designed to provide a calming interval day between more vigorous sessions, are held in a room with heated floors to help you relax. Owners Kim and Scott Curtis, whose own kids make frequent appearances around the studio, founded Yoga Roots to help others in the community discover the same benefits they've received from practicing yoga. New students get a week of unlimited classes for only $20, and members may bring a friend along for one free session. Check the calendar for special events such as "Yoga and Music" and "Candlelight Meditation."
1104 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland 44115
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Weights aren't the only way to build strength and power. Yoga Strong specializes in Vinyasa style, sometimes referred to as power yoga. Poses are synchronized with deliberate breathing and linked with graceful transitions, resulting in a flow that enhances physical and spiritual fitness. Focus on toning and sculpting at Barre Fly, a studio adjacent to Yoga Strong offering barre and aerial yoga classes. Explore other aspects of the yoga lifestyle at weekend workshops such as Blacklight Yoga, Bungee Barre, and Inversions. Attend any class as a drop-in for just $8 (cash only).
4850 SOM Center Road, Moreland Hills 44022
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The term "yoga" encompasses a variety of styles, which allows everyone to find a form that suits them. Bikram Yoga is a precise, deliberate form consisting of 26 poses performed in a specific sequence over a 90-minute period. Each pose focuses on a particular part of the body with a goal to promote synergy of body and mind working as one. Studios are heated to loosen tight muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce risk of injury. Try one month of unlimited classes at Bikram Yoga for $49.
524 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls 44022
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Bikram-style is also featured at Chagrin Yoga, which has been serving the Cleveland area since 2009. In 2015, the studio underwent a total renovation, incorporating state-of-the-art elements such as recycled rubber/vinyl flooring and a Reznor high-heat and humidity system. While Bikram is the main event at Chagrin Yoga, they keep it lively with workshops on other related topics such as Yoga Nidra, a sleep-based form of meditation, and Reiki healing. For all-over wellness, sign up for a massage, Ayurveda, or reflexology session. Newcomers can choose between introductory specials of unlimited classes at $30 for 14 days or $59 for 30 days.
2959 Hampshire Road, Cleveland Heights 44118
You'll feel right at home in more ways than one at Loving Hands Yoga and Reiki. The studio is located in a charming Craftsman bungalow that was included in the 2011 Cleveland Heights Home Heritage Tour. Owner/instructor Judith Eugene has trained students ranging from age 3 to 93, so you can feel comfortable with her regardless of age or fitness level. Judith is also a trained Reiki Master who offers this healing and stress reduction service to both animals and their humans. Yoga classes are scheduled in quarterly sessions, but you can drop in for a test run before enrolling. If you have allergies, please note that Loving Hands is home to two adorable studio kitties.
18103 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 44107
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At Pink Lotus Yoga, the family that takes yoga together stays fit together. Preteen and teen classes blend yoga instruction with games, music, and props to introduce kids to the benefits of yoga in a playful, non-competitive way. Rather than specialize in one form, Pink Lotus offers classes in several different styles and intriguing variations such as Yindalini, a blend of Indian and Chinese yoga, and Yang, which draws on martial arts techniques. During the last two years, Pink Lotus has co-sponsored a series of outdoor yoga sessions at various parks around Lakewood.
1861 W. 25th St., Cleveland 44113
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Are you a Boomer living in a Millennial world? Vision Yoga & Wellness, located in the heart of Cleveland's trendy Ohio City neighborhood, welcomes you to Boomer Yoga. Traditional Hatha yoga poses are held for longer amounts of time, resulting in a slower pace and greater body awareness. Boomer Yoga is one of the drop-in Community classes for just $5. Students of any age will appreciate Vision Yoga's stress- and pain-reducing services, including massage, Reiki and craniosacrial therapy, which involves light touching of the skull and sacrum. In 2016, Vision Yoga expanded to Vision Underground, a second location in the basement of St. John's Episcopal Church. The additional studio allows Vision Yoga to better accommodate the ever-growing student base and offer a wider range of services.
2026 Murray Hill Road, Room 210, Cleveland 44106
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While yoga's roots reach back thousands of years, its dynamic nature makes it fresh and relevant today. Cleveland Yoga is an affiliate of Baptiste Yoga, a relatively modern form originating in 1940. Baptiste is a power Vinyasa style performed in a room heated to 90 degrees to stimulate circulation and keep muscles flexible. Poses, meditation, and inquiry, which is self-transformation, are the three main elements of Baptiste Yoga. The Little Italy studio is also home to the Cleveland Yoga Run Club, which meets at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday for a 45-minute run followed by a 75-minute Hot Power class.
24350 Center Ridge Road, Westlake 44145
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Yoga is about personal development, but its group format lets you become part of a community. CoreSIX Yoga has a mission to promote that sense of community by welcoming anyone interested in learning and making their classes accessible to all. On Saturdays, CoreSIX hosts a Powerful Flow yoga class followed by Happy Hour. Participants bring a beverage of choice and light snack to enjoy as they spend time socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.
33180 Station St., Solon 44139
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Yoga meets the 21st century at Oasis Yoga + Wellness. In addition to an extensive selection of Vinyasa Flow classes, Oasis has TRX, a strength training program using two adjustable nylon straps and your own bodyweight. Wellness services include infrared sauna and Samadhi float tank to boost the immune system, release toxins, and relieve pain and stress. Oasis has an introductory special of $49 for one month of unlimited classes, and memberships include discounts on wellness services, workshops, and private yoga instruction.
Do you have a favorite yoga studio to add to the list? Share it with us!
Thanksgiving Day is nearly here, bringing with it the opportunity to gather with friends and family and indulge in some hearty American classics. This day typically requires a full day (or more) of preparation from the host, and hours of cleanup after the fun is over.
There isn't just one way to celebrate Thanksgiving, so this year, maybe it's time to explore the city and try something new! While cooking your own meal is certainly fun, there is also a number of high-end local restaurants offering up Turkey Day feasts of their own!
We gathered up some of our favorite Thanksgiving Day deals in Cleveland to make your job even easier—all you have to do is make a reservation.
20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
This unique dining destination is located right across from the runways of the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Watch planes take off and fly in as you dig into your Thanksgiving feast! This year, enjoy their famous Thanksgiving buffet from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for $58.95 per person ($27.95 for children 5-12). You can make a reservation by visiting their OpenTable page.
1613, 10 East College Street, Oberlin
1833 Restaurant inside the Hotel at Oberlin in Tappan Square serves soul-warming food year-round, which makes it the perfect destination for your Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant will serve a traditional Thanksgiving buffet on the big day, featuring a butter and sage roasted turkey; a brown sugar glazed Virginia ham; whipped potatoes; green bean casserole; and plenty of sweet, festive treats! Reservations are required, so call (440) 775-7001 to reserve your spot.
2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland
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Housed within Cleveland's prestigious Metropolitan Hotel, Adega serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that is delicious all year long. While they won't be serving their usual menu on Thanksgiving Day, be sure to expect equally delicious dishes like a honey smoked turkey, sweet potato fettuccine and pumpkin creme brulee! Visit OpenTable to make your reservation.
28810 Lake Shore Boulevard, Willowick
At the Cabin of Willowick, diners come hungry and leave happy. The menu features fresh sushi, incredible steaks and fresh sandwiches alongside hand-crafted cocktails and a world-class wine list. Diners can expect the same excellent quality at their annual Thanksgiving Day dinner! Expect succulent turkey and a wide assortment of delicious trimmings! Reservations are required.
8922 Ridge Road, North Royalton
Carrie Ceninos, a family-owned event venue and restaurant, is known for its mouthwatering Italian cuisine. The restaurant hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner and buffet—and this year is expected to be the best yet! Indulge in all of your holiday favorites for just $29.50 ($15.50 for children 8-12 and $12.50 for children 4-7). Click here for more information.

Photo courtesy of Horizons Restaurant at The The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
Nestled in Ohio's wine country, The Lodge at Geneva On The Lake is a gorgeous place to escape to this holiday season. This Thanksgiving, you can enjoy their Thanksgiving Day Buffet, which is stuffed with traditional holiday favorites and tasty new dishes that the whole family will love. While the lodge is about a 45-50 minute drive from Cleveland proper, we promise the stunning scenery and delicious food will be entirely worth it. Call (440) 415-1546 to reserve your seats today!
2035 East 4th Street, Cleveland
For just $39.95 a person ($14.95 for kids ages 4-12), you and the family can sit down to a spectacular feast at Pickwick & Frolic. Buffet offerings will include freshly carved turkey and glazed ham, mashed potatoes, candied yams, a chocolate fountain, and all of your favorite seasonal items.
The sweeping views, modern setting, elegant natural finishes and live piano make Pier W a spectacular place to celebrate Thanksgiving! Dinner at Pier W is always amazing—and their Thanksgiving offerings will be no exception. The selection will be fresh and delicious, and you can eat your fill of trimmings while marveling at the breathtaking view of Cleveland and Lake Erie. Call (216) 228-2250 for more information on their holiday menu and to reserve your seat!
792 Mentor Avenue, Painesville
The cozy yet elegant atmosphere at Rider's Inn draws you in from the beginning. Cozy up at a table on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner along with ham and a non-traditional menu. Call (440) 354-8200 to make your reservation—and think about spending the weekend there while you're at it!
2207 West 11th Street, Cleveland
Nestled in Tremont, Southside is famous for their spacious patio and incredible brunch (we even featured them in our article on the best brunch spots in Cleveland!) so it's no surprise that they also have a great Thanksgiving menu! This year, they're planning on serving their late-night menu from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring special holiday dishes. Click here to make a reservation.
1325 East 6th Street, Cleveland
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While Urban Farmer isn't technically "open" on Thanksgiving, they're still on a mission to make putting a Thanksgiving dinner on your table as easy as pie! That's why they're offering a curbside Thanksgiving meal pick-up on the big day. All you have to do is place your order before November 21st at 6:00 p.m. and you'll be treated to a fresh, roasted turkey, smashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie—which will be hand-delivered to your car on Thanksgiving Day. Have a vegetarian in your life? Don't worry, they'll also have a roasted vegetable wellington available. Visit their Eventbrite page to reserve your meal before they're gone!
Did we miss your favorite spot to celebrate Turkey Day in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments!
Cleveland has served as a center of art, culture and education for over a century. As a result, our communities have developed some of the world's best museums displaying art, architecture, gardens, history, global cultures and more.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, you should definitely take a few days to explore all of the museums our amazing city has to offer. To help you get started on your museum bucket list, we rounded up some of our favorites in the greater Cleveland area—from contemporary art museums to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—where you can learn something new and have fun while you do it. Enjoy!
Baseball is practically a religion here in Cleveland, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that we have our own Baseball Heritage Museum! Here, you'll find photographs, letters, programs, uniforms and other game-used treasured memorabilia that helped shape the history of one of America's greatest pastimes. You can stop by on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to see interesting artifacts from all over the country including a signed Al Lopez ball, vintage Buckeyes jerseys and so much more.

Since its release in 1983, "A Christmas Story" has been a seasonal classic. It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching Ralphie Parker sulk in his bubblegum pink bunny pajamas and desperately wish for a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. While "A Christmas Story" is a movie that is close to pretty much every American's heart, for Clevelanders—it's so much more. Located just outside of downtown Cleveland in Tremont, A Christmas Story House is now open to the public year-round as a museum. When you visit, you'll be able to take photos next to the famous leg lamp or under the sink, act out your favorite movie scenes and more! For an inside look, check out Everything You Need to Know About Cleveland's Famous "A Christmas Story" House.
The Cleveland Grays is a social organization devoted to the promotion of patriotism and the preservation of the military heritage of Greater Cleveland. While they've had several homes from the time of their founding in 1837, today they're located in one of the oldest standing buildings in downtown Cleveland. The breathtaking, red-bricked, Romanesque Revival style armory is definitely worth the visit, and the museum inside is just as historic and interesting as the exterior.
Founded in 1867, the Western Reserve Historical Society is Cleveland's oldest existing cultural institution. It was created to help oversee the collection and preservation of documents and objects relating to various aspects of national, regional and local history. You can see those pieces of history—which includes everything from Lebron James' championship shoes to the very first map of Cleveland—at the Cleveland History Center in University Circle.

As one of the most distinguished and comprehensive art museums in the world, the Cleveland Museum of Art is certainly worth spending a full day exploring. The museum celebrated its 104th birthday this year, and through renovations and changes in ownership has gathered a collection of more than 45,000 works of art—wowza!
If you're interested in the natural world, there's no better place to explore than the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Here you'll find interesting exhibits, wild animals, hikes, classes and so much more. When you visit the museum, you'll have the chance to delve deep into the past at the dinosaur hall; discover the outer reaches of the universe in the Shafran Planetarium; and experience natural wonders in outdoor galleries. You can traverse the museum any day of the week and even in the evenings on Wednesday. Click here for a full list of admission prices and daily hours.
When exploring all of the local museums Cleveland has to offer, you don't want to miss the Cleveland Police Museum, which showcases the history of the local police department all the way back to the 19th century. Exhibits include a fallen officer memorial, a section of the museum dedicated to the motorcycle unit and collections featuring artifacts from famous Cleveland crimes. You can visit on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of The Children's Museum of Cleveland
Offering one of the most welcoming and fun atmospheres amongst Cleveland museums, this family staple is dedicated to inspiring creativity, curiosity, lifelong learning and motivating tomorrow's visionaries. Exhibits include a two-story, children's construction site, an industrial science "laboratory", a sun-filled art studio, a young performers' theater and so much more! Admission for individuals one-year-old and older is $12 and you can discover and play any day of the week except for Thursdays.
The Dittrick Medical History Center, located on the Case Western Reserve University campus, explores the history of medicine through artifacts, archives, rare book collections and more. As you explore, you'll learn all about what illness and treatment looked like in earlier eras as well as infectious disease crises and management. Housing over 175,000 artifacts, this free museum offers a window into the past for both visitors and researchers alike. While the museum is currently closed for building repairs, they hope to open their doors again in January 2020.
Venture to the Great Lakes Science Center for a day full of engineering and experimenting at this iconic family favorite. Exhibits include a giant domed theater that shows movies and educational flicks, a NASA exhibit, the William G. Mather Steamship, electrifying science phenomena, Legos and more.
Located in the terminal of Burke Lakefront Airport, only seconds from the Lake Erie shore, the Women's Air & Space Museum collects, preserves and showcases the history and culture of women in all areas of aviation and aerospace. Here you can learn about more women than just Amelia Earhart and Sally Ride as well as their contributions to the world. Admission to the museum is completely free and you're welcome to visit any day of the week.
The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage celebrates individuals whose leadership, vision and humanity have changed our region for the better. And trust us, you'll be inspired before you even step inside. The building is faced with more than 126 tons of Golden Jerusalem limestone shipped from Ashdod, Israel and, since the museum's opening in 2005, has become one of the city's most prominent landmarks. Serving to educate, challenge and inspire visitors every day, the museum hosts exhibits as well as educational tours for all ages.
If modern art is your thing, make sure to visit the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art. Even if you don't go inside, the building itself is a statement worth seeing—but you should definitely go inside. Many local artists have found their feet here, and today you'll find ever-changing exhibitions that will shock and inspire.

Considered one of the most renowned attractions in the region, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit for both visitors and locals alike. This beautiful, modern museum nestled along the shore of Lake Erie showcases some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and musical figures throughout history. Explore six levels of exhibits spanning decades of rock and roll history seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays until 9 p.m.
Did we miss your favorite learning location in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments!
While Vermont and New Hampshire might get more national attention for their beautiful displays of fall foliage, residents of Northeast Ohio know that our autumn colors are just as breathtaking. Our slice of paradise is bursting with sprawling parkland, sparkling lakes, wooded roadways and trails where you can get a taste of our seasonal beauty—you just have to know where to go.
We rounded up 12 of our favorite places to see fall foliage in the area—including some parks, waterfalls and covered bridges—so grab your camera and get ready to fall in love with Ohio all over again!
Note: Most of Ohio's best fall colors occur in the middle of October, but you can still see some leaves changing all throughout September. For the most accurate prediction, check out this fall foliage map from the Smoky Mountains National Park website.
Photo courtesy of Richard McBride via the Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival
Nestled in the extreme northeast corner of Ohio, Ashtabula County is chock full of stunning places to view fall leaves, due to its dense deciduous forests and sparse population. For the best views, drive south on State Road 534 from Geneva to Windsor, where you'll be treated to miles and miles of vineyards as well as two of the county's 19 covered bridges. We recommend visiting on the second weekend of October when the Ashtabula County hosts their annual Covered Bridge Festival—full of entertainment, rides, games and a festive parade!
The Bedford Reservation, nestled just above the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Bedford, features a deep gorge carved out by Tinker's Creek, full of picturesque vistas and waterfalls. In the forests, you'll find mature trees adorned with yellow, orange and green and other abundant wildlife. The area also offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and horseback riding. But to get the most out of your scenic visit, we recommend heading straight to the overlook along Gorge Parkway, which boasts one of the best views in Northeast Ohio.
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This centrally located national park is just a short distance from Cleveland and Akron, but its many acres of untouched scenery and countless species of plants and wildlife make it feel like it's worlds away. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is perhaps the most popular outdoor destination in the state, and frequently makes lists of "must-visit" parks in the country. During the fall, this is even more true! The trees explode into color, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for leisurely hikes and picnics. If you're interested in taking a hike while you're there, make sure to check out our complete guide to hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
This popular, outdoorsy destination is filled with some of the most interesting scenery in the country, from breathtaking sandstone cliffs and waterfalls to caves and colorful forests. During the day, you can hike, bike and fish your way around the hills, or visit the charming towns nearby. And while locals and visitors alike flock to Hocking Hills for the camping, we highly recommend booking a cabin for a weekend or longer. Most of these cabins are outfitted with hot tubs, fireplaces, hammocks and spectacular views (of course). On your way, don't miss out on the chance to stop by Ohio's Ravenwood Castle, which has repeatedly been named one of the coolest destinations in the state.
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If a visit to the Holden Arboretum isn't on the top of your fall to-do list, then stop everything you're doing and head over right now. This famous arboretum is practically an outdoor playground that features cultivated gardens, trails and interesting attractions like the Murch Canopy Walk and the Kalberer Family Emergent Tower, which stands 120 feet above the forest floor. Not only will you have a blast exploring all of the interesting fauna among the bright autumn colors, but you'll also be able to stand in the trees and catch a breathtaking view from above. Need we say more?
Holmes County, the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, is certainly one of the most charming places in the state. On any given day, a leisurely walk or drive in the area will reveal narrow, winding roads, horse-drawn carriages, roadside farm stands, wavy fields of corn and a variety of beautiful trees. During the autumn months, these trees (including maples, oaks and buckeyes) explode into vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, transforming the county into something out of a fairy tale. But don't take our word for it—according to National Geographic, Holmes County is one of the top 10 places in the world to see fall foliage.
If you're not ready to give up the fun of summer quite yet—don't worry, we get it. Head out to Lake Erie Bluffs on the coast, which offers the perfect mix of summertime lake activities and scenic fall views. If it isn't too cold, you can take a kayak or canoe out on the water and experience the shoreline views of trees and trails first hand. There's also a 50-foot observation tower where you can get a 360-degree perspective of Lake Erie and the best of Ohio's natural fall beauty!
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Lanterman's Mill dates back to 1845 and is recognized as one of Mahoning County's most historic landmarks—and one of its most picturesque! The mill sits adjacent to the Mahoning River and overlooks Lanterman's Falls, which makes for a great photo from the outside. But don't leave without venturing in—the mill still offers stone-ground flours and gifts to the public, and is staffed by knowledgeable people who can inform you about the history of the area!
If you want to find a place to enjoy the season within the city, pay a visit to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park just outside of Cleveland. The lush grounds host more than 30 gardens, all designed and cultivated by distinct cultural or nationality groups, representing the diversity and multiculturalism of the city. The area is even more gorgeous in the fall when trees all over the park turn a startling bright yellow and shed their leaves. The gardens are often driven through rather than explored by foot and admission is free!
Photo courtesy of Kyle Lanzer via Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland Magazine calls the Rocky River Reservation one of the best places in the state to view fall leaves, and we tend to agree! The reservation includes a nature center, marina and stables along with interesting hiking trails so you can see the fall foliage up close. While you're there, make sure to take advantage of the Fort Hill Stairs, which ascend 90-feet above the east and west branches of the Rocky River, providing an optimal view of the area's fall foliage.
Perhaps the most picturesque destination in Cleveland, the ruins of Squire's Castle stand proudly in the heart of the North Chagrin Reservation. After a hike in the woodlands (or a rousing game of golf at the Manakiki Golf Course), set out a picnic in front of the castle. From here you can admire the beautiful architecture, soak in the autumn sunshine, and capture pictures of the colorful foliage. While there, make sure to share the story of builder Feargus B. Squire, whose wife supposedly still haunts the grounds.
Photo courtesy of the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Built in 1915, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a spectacular example of architecture from the era. The home once belonged to the founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Frank Seiberling, but was opened to the public after his passing. It now stands as a beloved Akron landmark and has even received the title of "best historic home tour in America" by the readers of USA Today. Tour the house and marvel at the antique furniture and detailing, but don't miss out on a turn through the gardens. During the fall months, a picnic outside allows you to view the marvelous mansion and the surrounding color all at once.
Did we leave out your favorite spot in Northeast Ohio to see fall colors? Let us know in the comments!