The beginning of October ushers in a display of colors, as Ohio steps into its annual fall color transformation. Half of this beautiful state is farmland, and the other half is an intricate mix of forest and residential areas. Such a layout creates a perfect canvas for autumn brush strokes. Look for the pumpkin-orange fall leaves of the Ohio buckeye early in the season and for the yellow foliage of cottonwoods and sycamores soon after.
To get the most out of the fall foliage season in Ohio, join fall color tours, taste the fall harvest, smell the aroma of apple butter, and drive the scenic roads. So grab a sweater and explore the natural beauty of the fall-kissed forests and parks of Ohio.
Best time to see fall colors in Ohio
The northern parts of Ohio are the first to welcome fall colors in early October, followed by Central Ohio in mid-October, and southern and western areas of the state celebrate the grand fall color finale in early November. Make sure to check the Ohio fall foliage forecast by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to be in the right place at the right time.
Best places to see fall colors in Ohio
Mill Creek Park
Some of the best fall colors in Ohio can be observed at Lanterman's Mill and Falls in Mill Creek Park in Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio. The trail to this postcard-view waterfall follows Mill Creek. The area is home to scenic trails, bike paths, lakes and ponds, bridges, and gardens. Make a stop at Lake Glacier and Lily Pond for beautiful reflections of autumn leaves in the water.
Rocky River Reservation
Rocky River Reservation spans several cities and boasts massive shale cliffs rising above the sycamore and cottonwood trees. The variety of trees offers a rich palette of fall foliage. Trails twist and turn through the valley's forests and meadows. Pay a visit to Berea Falls, an urban waterfall treasure and an ideal spot for the changes of the season. For the best views of the fall colors at Rocky River Reservation, climb the Fort Hill Stairs above the east and west branches of the Rocky River.
Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve
Spare a few hours for Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve. The area's sheer cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rise about 200 ft (60 m) above the valley floor. The deep, cool gorge conceals several waterfalls cascading over the sandstone cliffs. Hike the Conkle's Hollow Rim Trail for majestic overlooks to view the beauty of the season at its best.
Amish Country Ohio
Ohio Amish Country is scattered across the rolling hills of east-central Ohio. Plug into the peace of the traditional Amish areas of the state. Ohio Amish Country consists of several counties: Holmes, Coshocton, and Wayne Counties. You can spend your fall vacation here canoeing on the Mohican River, hiking the Mohican Valley Trail, riding horses, shopping for handmade products, eating locally produced food, sharing the road with horse-drawn carriages, and stopping at roadside farm stands. Drop by the Bridge of Dreams, a National Landmark, the second-largest covered bridge in the US.
Ohio fall foliage train rides
Cuyahoga Valley National Park fall foliage
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northern Ohio, between the cities of Akron and Cleveland, offers excellent autumn views. For a great leaf-peeping adventure, take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (between Independence Rockside Station and Akron Northside Station) or go cycling, running, or strolling on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. A favorite among visitors is Blue Hen Falls, a sandstone-and-shale waterfall that you can easily reach with a short hike.
Hocking Hills fall colors
Hocking Hills State Park is another scenic area to explore Ohio's fall colors from a comfortably heated coach or one of the open-air cars of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. After a two-hour authentic train ride, visit the Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington for a ride on the Ghost Trolley. Hocking Hills State Park and the areas around it offer lots of hiking and biking trails. You might also want to stop by Apple House in Laurelville for a cup of apple cider.
Ohio fall colors map
Now that you know the best spots for leaf-peeping in Ohio, have a look at the Ohio fall colors map below. There you will find all the places listed in the article and the best hotels nearby as a bonus. Plan ahead and make your bookings in advance.
Practical info
When can fall foliage be seen in Ohio and how can visitors plan their trip?
Fall foliage in Ohio is best seen between October and early November. The northern parts of Ohio feature early October color changes while Central Ohio displays color changes in mid-October, and southern and western areas of the state welcome fall colors in early November. Visitors should check Ohio's fall foliage forecast offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to ensure they time their visit with peak colors. Planning ahead and booking accommodations in advance is also recommended. Show more
What are some of the best places to experience fall colors in Ohio?
Mill Creek Park, Rocky River Reservation, Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve, and Ohio Amish Country each offer spectacular views during fall colors season in Ohio. Mill Creek Park presents scenic trails, bike paths, bridges, and gardens. Rocky River Reservation boasts sycamore and cottonwood trees nestled amongst massive shale cliffs. Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve is a great location for hiking and taking in the impressive overlooks. Ohio Amish Country offers quaint experiences such as horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping for handmade products, and local produce farmers markets. Show more
How should visitors plan their trip to Ohio to see fall colors and find the best spots?
Visitors interested in catching fall colors in Ohio are advised to first check the Ohio fall foliage forecast offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which lists the best times and places to view the leaves changing. Additionally, visitors can refer to the Ohio fall colors map to find the best locations, including those mentioned in this article. Booking accommodations in advance is also recommended to ensure a smooth trip. Show more
What activities can visitors participate in when visiting Ohio to experience fall colors?
In addition to observing fall foliage, Ohio offers several fall-inspired activities such as apple butter tastings and touring Amish Country. Visitors can also take a fall color tour, drive along Ohio’s scenic routes, and take fall color train rides. Notable fall color train rides include the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Show more
Are train rides available to tour fall colors in Ohio and where can they be accessed?
Yes, Ohio offers several train rides to explore the fall colors, with options such as the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers trips between Independence Rockside Station and Akron Northside Station. The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers a two-hour authentic train ride and a visit to the Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington to ride the Ghost Trolley. Show more
