
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?

This year seems to have flown by! Before you know it, the leaves will start to change and there will be a chill in the air. That means it's almost time for some of our favorite activities — roasting s'mores over the fire pit, sipping pumpkin spice lattes, and, of course, apple picking!
There are so many great orchards in Northeast Ohio, it's hard to choose which one we love best. Before you plan your next fall adventure, take a look at this round-up of our top recommendations for fresh-picked apples!
16393 State Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133
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Family-owned and operated since 1982, Royalton Farms has 7 acres of trees producing 15 different varieties of apples. They also have a landscaping nursery, an apple-processing barn with a cider mill, and a market barn. It's also home to Cuyahoga County's only working cider press. In addition to fresh-picked apples, you can get a variety of produce in their market including peaches, tomatoes, zucchini, and pumpkins. You'll also find local honey, fruit butters, baking mixes, cookbooks, and more! Royalton Farms is open through November on Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm. They're closed on Mondays.
8690 Vermillion Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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If you're looking for variety, you'll find it at Miller Orchards. They grow 23 different varieties of apples as well as cherries and peaches. Depending on weather conditions, in season they also carry plums, nectarines, cantaloupe, pears, and watermelon. This family-owned farm has been in business for more than four generations. Locals and visitors enjoy this orchard's quality products, honest prices, and family-friendly atmosphere. Miller Orchards is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 6 pm. They're closed on Sundays.
2397 Center Rd., Hinckley, OH 44233
There's so much to do at Hillside Orchard and Farm Market, you can easily spend a whole day here. Whether you want to pick up your apples from their store or head out to the orchard to pick your own, you'll love their delicious crops. If you have a sweet tooth, you're in luck! They carry 11 flavors of Hershey's brand hard-dipped ice cream, famous fruit pies, and frozen apple cider. They also have jams, jellies, preserves, salad dressings, marinades, bbq sauces, dips, and fresh-baked breads. Mark your calendar for the second weekend in October so you don't miss their Annual Harvest Festival. The kids will love the horse-drawn hayride, playground, and challenging pumpkin maze. Hillside Orchard is open until December 23rd. Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon until 5 pm. They're closed on Mondays, except for the Monday before Halloween.
50336 Telegraphy Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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Hillcrest Orchard offers pick-your-own sunflowers, pumpkins, and 14 different varieties of apples. But that's not all! There are plenty of family-friendly fall activities that everyone is sure to love. You won't want to miss the Space Exploration Corn Maze, complete with seven different puzzle stations! The kids will also love the barrel train, corn box, hay tunnel, hayride, pedal karts, sandbox, and the playground, swing set, and spider webs. Best of all, each of these activities is included in the price of admission. The farm market is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm September 1st through November 8th. The U-pick, maze, and activities are open weekends only from 10 am until 6 pm from September 7th through October 27th.
17909 Rapids Rd., Hiram, OH 44234
The oldest pick-your-own apple orchard in Geauga County, Blue Jay Orchard has been a family tradition for generations. They grow 27 varieties of apples as well as peaches and blueberries. Head out to pick your own, or get some from their market. You'll also find local Ohio food products, assorted gifts, and all things fall-related. Blue Jay Orchard's opening hours vary. You'll want to give them a call at 440.834.4318 for more information.
11724 Lisbon St. SE, Paris, OH 44669
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When you head to Arrowhead Orchard, make sure you leave plenty of time to enjoy all the great things this farm has to offer. You can choose to pick your own apples or get them from the onsite farm market. You can also pick your own sunflowers and pumpkins. The entry price includes unlimited hayrides, a corn maze, and a sunflower walk. The kids will also love the hay mountain, tire climb, hamster run, train cart ride, obstacle course, and more. There's also a zip line ride! You'll want to visit the market, where you'll find cider, peaches, nectarines, honey, and a variety of other food and gift items. The farm market is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 6 pm and Sunday from noon until 6 pm. Fall activities and U-pick run through September 4th until October 26th, Monday, Friday, and Saturday from noon until 6 pm. They're closed on Labor Day.
5424 S. Arlington Rd., Clinton, OH 44216
Kuner's Fruit Farm offers pick-your-own apples and also sells award-winning cider, honey, plums, and apple butter. If you want to get away from the commercialism and spend some quality time with your family, this is the place to do it. Kuner's fruit farm is open daily from 9 am until 7 pm until the end of Thanksgiving weekend.
161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, OH 44270
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A staple of Rittman since 1929, Bauman Orchards is a 260-acre orchard with 48,500 apple trees and 9,200 peach trees. They offer 25 different varieties of apples and 15 varieties of peaches. They also press their own cider, which you can find in their farm market along with homemade pies, cookies, produce, and gift baskets. You'll want to check out the orchard's website every once in a while because they host several exciting festivals throughout the year. Mark your calendar for September 19th so you can visit the Harvest Days festival. In addition to U-pick apples, you'll also enjoy homemade cider donuts, a food truck, live music, and pony rides. The kids will also love painting their own pumpkins and meeting the farm animals! Bauman Orchards is open year-round Monday through Friday from 8 am until 6 pm and Saturday from 8 am until 5 pm. They're closed on Sundays and all major holidays.
Which orchard will you pick?
'Tis the season to dress up as your inner hero or villain and get free candy! The most committed of trick-or-treaters are already forming their routes and strategies for a successful night of trick-or-treating. When it comes time to knock on doors, there are several fail-safe methods for filling your bag with sweets. Of course, part of it has to do with wearing the perfect costume, but choosing a route that is safe, walkable and full of friendly, candy-bearing houses is just as important.
We rounded up the neighborhoods in Cincinnati that are the most ideal for trick-or-treaters. If you are new to the area or want to try some new locations to maximize your trick-or-treating loot, these are the spots where you want to ring doorbells!
Use our interactive map to find the best trick-or-treating neighborhood near you!
This upscale neighborhood located just east of town is known for its popular shopping district, safe streets and beautiful homes. The spacious front yards are always filled with crowd-pleasing decorations, and residents of the homes will generously dole out candy to those who approach their door. Regardless of what route you take, you will surely be met with friendly faces and other fun-loving families taking part in the candy hunt. For some extra fun before Halloween, make sure to stop by Hyde Park Square on October 29 for Halloween on the Square!
This Halloween, make your way to Mt. Lookout, located on the east side of Cincinnati next to Hyde Park, for a warm, welcoming atmosphere, extravagant Halloween decorations, and (most importantly) plenty of candy. Known as an accessible, family-friendly neighborhood, the streets of Mt. Lookout are filled with children of all ages on Halloween night. Make a day of it and check out the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in costume before trick-or-treating starts!
Known as a safe, family-friendly community with plenty of small-town charm, Deer Park is a prime location for trick-or-treaters on Halloween night. The streets in this area are well-lit, very walkable and incredibly festive. Because the area is such a well-kept secret on Halloween night, a huge candy haul is inevitable—so don't forget to bring an extra bag!
The well-lit, decorated streets in Oakley make it an ideal location for trick-or-treaters. On Halloween night, expect the neighborhood to be teeming with foot traffic! The residents welcome locals and visitors alike with open arms, doling out generous amounts of candy and other goodies. And if you happen to be a little too old for trick-or-treating these days—no problem! Several businesses around the area are planning on hosting Halloween parties this year, including the 20th Century Theater who will be hosting their annual Oakley Masquerade on November 1st.
College Hill is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Cincinnati, welcoming anyone and everyone to their park-like streets on Halloween. The residents go all-out every year, slinging pumpkins, fake spiderwebs, eerie skeletons and spooky lights on every surface they can reach. The area also happens to be home to Mark Wiechman, a Halloween enthusiast who has been putting on a massive haunted house to scare families for more than 50 years. So put on your costume and head to 6791 Marvin Avenue, Cincinnati in North College Hill to start your spooky night off right. The haunted house experience is completely free, but they do accept donations for the Pray, Hope and Believe Foundation.
If you're a resident of the Mt. Washington neighborhood, make sure to get extra treats! This area transforms into a Halloween stomping ground for little monsters and their families on All Hallow's Eve. Also make sure to come back to the area the weekend after Halloween for the neighborhood's annual Pumpkin Chuck, where they'll launch leftover pumpkins from trebuchets and enjoy live music, craft beer, kids games and more!
Located about 15 miles from downtown Cincinnati, Wyoming is a quiet suburb full of tree-lined streets and historic sights. This year, the community is planning on handing out goodies from 6-8 p.m. on the 31st. If you're lucky, you might even snag a cup of hot apple cider or a bag of freshly popped popcorn.
Just west of Cincinnati lie the Price Hill and West Price Hill neighborhoods, a candy-hunter's haven on Halloween night. An estimated 500+ trick-or-treaters gather in the area on the spooky holiday to beg for candy, popcorn and other tasty treats! Important note: Residents of Price Hill turn OFF their lights if they are giving out candy and turn ON their lights if they are not.
Located in Northeast Cincinnati, Pleasant Ridge is a charming neighborhood and very popular among families. The residents take their Halloween festivities seriously, hosting several Halloween events—including an annual pub crawl and Ghoul Fest—prior to October 31, and decorating their homes to the nines for trick-or-treating shenanigans.
Did we miss your favorite spot to go trick-or-treating in the Cincinnati area? Tell us all about it in the comments or on Instagram using #CutlerExplores!
Fall is officially underway! The leaves are changing colors, pumpkins are back on the menu and you've probably already started thinking about this year's Halloween costume.
But the season will be over before you know it, so take advantage of autumn before it ends by attending one of these events happening in the Cincinnati area this fall!
To help you get started on your seasonal calendar, we rounded up some of our most anticipated fall happenings in the area. Here, you'll find everything from fun harvest festivals to must-attend 5K races and a...