The Most Beautiful Fall Getaways in Ohio to See Fall Foliage

Ohio is a magnificent fall getaway destination for seeing vibrant fall foliage; you don’t have to look far to find spectacular leaf-peeping.

Rustic cabins nestled snugly in the autumn woods and lakeside shores ablaze in color are only a few beautiful sights to behold on a whimsical fall getaway in Ohio. As many flock to the scenic northeast to go leaf-peeping, one of the best-kept secrets is that Ohio turns into a magical fall wonderland that you can visit for a fraction of the cost.

When Do The Leaves Start Changing In Ohio

While many factors affect when the leaves start changing in Ohio, it is best to remember that most of the state will experience the color change mid-late October. Leaves have begun changing as early as September, with the last bit lingering into December.

A general guideline is as follows:

• Northern Ohio: Peak color is expected to be in mid-October
• Central Ohio: Peak color is expected to be at the end of the third full week in October
• Southern Ohio: Peak color is expected to be in late October / Early November

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) offers updates, predictions, and a list of fall activities on its website.

Discover The Beauty of Mohican State Park

Escape into the tranquility of Mohican State Park with scenic hiking trails, covered bridges, and plenty of fall foliage! Clear Fork Gorge, Lyon’s Falls, and the Mohican State Scenic River are just a few of the must-sees in the area for leaf peepers.

Nature takes center stage as only a handful of restaurants and attractions are nearby. Sleep in the treetops at the Mohicans Treehouse Resort or stay at the Mohican State Park Lodge to enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool and sauna.

Fall Activities to Add To Your Mohican Itinerary

• Take in the fall foliage by kayaking on Pleasant Hill Lake.
• The Prairie Peddler Festival is a unique outdoor festival in the woods that takes place the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October.
• Go on your own Fall Driving Tour with this Fall Foliage Map.
• Snap an Instagram-worthy photo at the Wolf Creek Grist Mill.
• Enjoy one of the fall programs at Malabar Farm State Park.
• Sip on a glass of wine at the Ugly Bunny Winery.

Explore The Natural Wonders At Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Soaking up the beauty of nature during the fall months is best done in Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). Sprawling over 33,000 acres, visitors can take in picturesque waterfalls such as Brandywine Falls, then hike the Oak Hill Trail to see magnificent reds of the maple, glowing oranges of the sassafras, and striking yellows of the white ash and big tooth aspen.

Peak leaf-peeping is expected during the third week of October, so ensure a visit to the Ledges Overlook for a striking view of the Cuyahoga Valley, which is ablaze in color! Everett Covered Bridge, Hale Farm & Village, Horseshoe Pond, Kendall Lake, Kendall Hills, and Blue Hen Falls are other spots to soak up the fall colors.

Charming Bed and Breakfasts, such as the Inn at Brandywine Falls, can be found throughout the Cuyahoga Valley. Vacation rentals offer cozy cabins and homes that make great home bases for exploring the valley and Cleveland area.

Fall Activities to Add To Your CVNP Itinerary

• Hop aboard a Fall Foliage Train Ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Tickets are VERY popular for these excursions, so reserve them early.
• Children can become a Junior Ranger.
• Bike along the Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail to take the crisp autumn air and scenic views.
• Visit the Canal Exploration Center.
• Don’t miss nearby Great Falls at Tinkers Creek

Sip Your Way Through Ohio’s Wine County

Sip on a robust Cabernet overlooking the changing landscape at one of Ohio’s many wineries in Ashtabula. Known as Ohio’s Wine County, Ashtabula is home to over 30 wineries and row after row of lush vineyards. With covered bridges as your backdrop, visitors can explore the area’s many parks and trails, pick up fresh apple fritters at Robinson’s Apple Barn, or go behind the scenes with a winery tour.

Wine Country offers a variety of great lodging options, from the famous Geneva-on-the-Lake Lodge to overnighting in cozy cabins at Standing Rock Farms.

Fall Activities to Add To Your Ohio Wine County Itinerary

• Visit during the Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival in October.
• Stop at Brant’s Apple Orchard for apple cider donuts, cider slushies, and more.
• Go Zip-Lining through the trees with Lake Erie Canopy Tours.
• Try the “Frosted Apple,” a hard iced cider at The Winery at Spring Hill

Spend Time Along Lake Erie Near Cleveland

The chilly breeze from Lake Erie set the tone for a day full of exploration near Cleveland. Make a stop at the Lake Erie Bluffs, take in the lighthouse at Headlands Beach State Park, or stay more inland by exploring Squire’s Castle and other nearby Cleveland Metroparks.

Cleveland offers a booming food scene, along with a plethora of activities. Marvel at the architecture throughout The Arcade Cleveland before grabbing a craft cocktail at the Hotel Cleveland.

Fall Activities to Add To Your Lake Erie Itinerary

• Spend an afternoon strolling the grounds at Holden Arboretum.
• Pick up fall treats at Patterson Fruit Farm.
• Take in the views from the Rocky River Reservation 
• Visit the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick 
• Stroll through Lakeview Cemetery which is over 150 years.

Cozy Up At Salt Fork State Park

Immerse yourself in the splendor of the changing season while nestled snug in a cozy cabin tucked away in the autumn wood. As the crisp autumn air sets in, Salt Fork Lake and the neighboring hills come alive with the vibrant hues of changing foliage, creating a captivating visual symphony. Listen to the leaves crunch beneath your boots on a morning hike, or take a pontoon boat ride to leaf-peep around the lake.

Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center offers cabin rentals, with options to be lakeside or more secluded on the hillside. The lodge also offers themed fall events like Booganza around Halloween and thrilling Murder Mystery Dinners.

Fall Activities to Add To Your Salt Fork Lake Itinerary

• Stroll the streets of the charming small town of Cambridge.
• Stop by historic Schoenbrunn Village to revisit some of Ohio’s firsts.
• Go on a safari at the Wilds.
• Stroll one of the many hiking trails looking for Big Foot. Many sightings have taken place in the Salt Fork Lake area.

Hit the Trails in Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills, Ohio, is a hidden gem for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a weekend getaway. With its stunning rock formations, lush forests blaze in color, and cascading waterfalls, it offers the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating fall weekend retreat.

Discover the secrets of Old Man’s Cave, take a scenic hike to Cedar Falls, and snap a photo of the iconic Ash Cave. After a full day of hiking, retreat to your cabin or spend the evening sipping wine at Hocking Hills Winery.

Hocking Hills has become a hot spot for unique accommodations. Whether you wish to stay in a treehouse or a hobbit house, there is something for everything.

Fall Activities to Add To Your Hocking Hills Itinerary

• Take a crisp autumn hike to Whispering Cave.
• Discover our perfect 3-Day Hocking Hills Weekend Itinerary.
• Try a beer flight at Hocking Hills Brewery.
• Hike to the iconic Rock House.

Discover Chillicothe’s Small Town Charm

The beautiful small town of Chillicothe is a charming enclave in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains that becomes ablaze in color during the autumn months. As Ohio’s first capital city, Chillicothe is full of historical sites, but the most impressive is its ancient earthworks, which date over 2,000 years.

Take in the splendid views of Painted Creek Gorge from South Point Lookout Trail at Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve. Sip on a warm pumpkin spice latte from Paper City Coffee, then head to Ohio’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.

Retreat to the cozy Willis-James Bed & Breakfast or a more secluded vacation rental in the woods. Many chain hotels are nearby for families looking for an indoor swimming pool and complimentary breakfast.

Fall Activities to Add To Your Chillicothe Itinerary

• Take a yoga class at Geode Yoga Dome.
• Stroll the forest trails at Great Seal State Park to see stunning fall foliage.
• Don’t miss their annual Halloween Festival, which is full of family fun!
• Check out our complete list of things to do in Chillicothe!

Ohio is a perfect destination for a beautiful fall escape! We hope this article helps inspire you to get out and explore this fall. For even more autumn travel inspiration, check out these related articles:

A Perfect Weekend Guide To Red River Gorge

11 Enchanting Things to Do in The Fall in Ohio

2024 Guide To Fall Activities In Cincinnati

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