The Best Places To See Fall Foliage In Cincinnati

Vibrant foliage sets the trees ablaze during October, making Cincinnati a hot spot for leaf peepers. One of the best ways to go leaf-peeping is by planning an autumn foliage drive. Tour the city by visiting the best places to see the beautiful fall foliage or go for a fall foliage drive.

Whether hiking in Mt. Airy Forest, strolling Spring Grove Cemetery, or taking a leisurely drive, we have come up with the best spots to see fall foliage in Cincinnati.

When Is Peak Fall Colors In Cincinnati?

Southwest Ohio typically begins seeing peak fall colors mid to late October. The fall foliage forecast by Ohio DNR predicts that the third week of October is when you can expect the most vibrant colors. However, you can typically enjoy leaf-peeping in Cincinnati from late September to early November.

Fall Foliage Eastside Driving Route

Sunny days in late October are the best time to hop in the car to take in the beautiful fall colors with a Fall Foliage drive. One of the best spots to see fall foliage in Cincinnati is cruising through the forested areas of Indian Hill.

We put together a custom route that includes a variety of stops so that you can create your custom leaf-peeping adventure. Whether stopping to take a fall hike or grabbing a scoop of pumpkin ice cream, this Cincinnati fall foilage drive will have you experiencing some of the best fall foliage along with a few of Cincinnati’s hidden gems.

The Cincinnati Fall Foliage Eastside Route

Before you start your journey, upload the map from google maps below:

https://goo.gl/maps/jj9KijrhbVn4HKhg8

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Green Acres Art Center on the map is only open for private events. DO NOT STOP HERE; JUST KEEP DRIVING! It is listed on the map as a reference point to help guide you to Spooky Hollow Rd. and the Green Acres Farm Store.

Keep in mind that I have a variety of stops along the route to allow you to stop for various activities. Indian Hill is one of the peak spots for leaf-peeping in the Cincinnati area. With sprawling estates, vast wooded areas, and an abundance of parks, we have been doing fall drives here for years.

Plan a few stops or drive the entire route. Either way, it is a great way to experience fall in Cincinnati.

Must See Streets During Cincinnati Fall Foliage Drive

• Muchmore Rd.
• Drake Rd.
• Blome Rd.
• Spooky Hollow Rd.
• Cunningham Rd.
• Kugler Mill/ E. Galbraith

Stop In Downtown Milford For A Fall Treat

• Grab a scoop of seasonal ice cream at the Old Milford Parlor.
• Pick up a specialty candy treat at Tickled Sweet.
• Get a seasonal beer at Little Miami Brewing Company.

Stops Along Cincinnati Fall Foliage Drive

Fifty West Brewing Company

The driving tour starts at Fifty West Brewing Company for two reasons. First, it is easy to locate along state Route 50. Second, it makes a great stop if you want to have lunch before your drive. The Burger Bar is a happening spot for all ages, with sand volleyball courts, fire pits, and plenty of outdoor seating.

Known to have one of the best burgers in Cincinnati, the Burger Bar is a simple carry-out window. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy a seasonal beer while the kids play in the sand. Dogs are welcome in the Beer Garden but must be on a leash.

Address: 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Stanley Rowe Arborteum

A hidden gem that is ideal for visiting during the fall is the Stanley Rowe Arboretum. Stroll through 8.9 acres of magnificent, well-maintained gardens, taking time to admire the diverse collection of trees and shrubs. The Arboretum is free to visit, making it an excellent fall activity in Cincinnati anytime!

One of the most impressive parts of the Arboretum is the vast collection of trees and shrubs found throughout the property. Each has a label and name so guests can identify the different species. Don’t forget to visit the original giant West Coast redwood slice, which can be found off a pathway. 

Note: The Arboretum is in a residential neighborhood, and please respect the neighboring properties by staying in the maintained areas of the Arboretum. The Arboretum does have an automatic gate that will open to let guests in.

Address: 4600 Muchmore Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243

**MUST SEE STREET FOR CINCINNATI FALL FOLIAGE **

Muchmore Rd is one of the prettiest streets to venture up in the fall. The street is wooded on both sides, making it feel like you were driving through a forest.

Detour To Coffee Please

Need to make a detour for coffee? A visit to a local favorite, Coffee Please in Madeira, is a quick stop to grab a tasty coffee treat for your drive. Sip on a pumpkin spice latte during your drive for all the fall feels. Browse the display case for freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, and other treats.

Address: 6930 Miami Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45243

Stephan Field

While known for its ball diamonds, Stephan Field has a beautiful walking trail for those looking to take a quick stroll. There is also a fun playground here for the kids to enjoy.

Address: 6300 Drake Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243

Green Acres Farm Store

A fun stop along the route for fresh produce, meat, and flowers is the Green Acres Farm Store. Pick up a fresh-cut bouquet of fall mums, stock up on those root vegetables for stews, and even pick up a dozen eggs. Ensure to check store hours as they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Address: 8255 Spooky Hollow Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242

**MUST SEE STREET FOR CINCINNATI FALL FOLIAGE **

Spooky Hollow is one of my favorite streets to venture down during the fall in the daylight or nighttime hours. My father would also tell us ghost stories as we went down this street, especially when it was dark out. Tales of the headless horseman, creepy farm ghosts, and more!

Kelley Nature Preserve

The Kelley Nature Preserve is located in Clermont County in Loveland, OH. The preserve has over a mile of hiking trails along the Little Miami River, Canoe/Kayak access, and picnic tables. Scenic views of the river are throughout the park, including benches that overlook the river near the canoe launch.

Check out this list of nature preserves for more great fall hikes in Cincinnati.

Address: 297 OH-126, Loveland, OH 45140

Detour To School House Restaurant

As you enter Camp Dennison, take a slight detour to the School House Restaurant for a homemade country meal served family-style. Grab your seat in the classroom, order off the blackboard, and then feast on their famous fried chicken, corn fritters, and delicious sides.

The Camp Dennison School was built in 1864 after the conclusion of the Civil War and was occupied from 1870 – 1952 as part of the Hamilton County School District. It was one of the first 2 room, 2 story brick schools built in the Midwest. One room is the kitchen, and the other is now the dining room.

Whit Acre Park

Tucked away in the heart of Indian Hill is a small park that offers a short .5 mile trail with a great forest setting. It is another excellent fall hike in the Cincinnati Area.

Note: If you wish to bypass this park during your drive, take a left onto E. Galbraith/Kugler Mill from Given. Keep Whit Acre Park in your GPS, so it takes you on Cunningham Rd. from Kelley Nature Preserve. It is a gorgeous street you don’t want to miss.

**MUST SEE STREET FOR CINCINNATI FALL FOLIAGE **

Cunningham Rd is a stunning street for leaf-peeping along with E. Galbraith Rd./Kugler Mill.

Milford Bike Trail Park

The Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail provides 78 miles of well-shaded trail with many stopping areas. Since the path is well-shaded, Mother Nature displays her best and brightest colors for all to enjoy during the fall months. Bring your bike, take a peaceful stroll, and discover why locals love the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail.

Address: 5 OH-126, Camp Dennison, OH 45111

Downtown Milford, Ohio / Little Miami Brewing

Milford is a fascinating small town with one of our favorite charming downtown areas. Downtown Old Milford is evolving into a dynamic hot spot full of trendy eateries and boutiques along the Little Miami River.

Great boutiques like Lei Marie Unlimited, Roads Rivers Trails, and Enchanted Moments line the main street. Grab a bite to eat at Padrinos, May Cafe, or The Governor. Brew fans will love visiting Little Miami Brewing, which serves freshly made pizzas. Discover all there is to do in Milford.

Fall Treat Stop

• Grab a scoop of seasonal ice cream at the Old Milford Parlor.
• Get a pumpkin spice latte or seasonal coffee at Forager Coffee.
• Pick up a sweet treat at Tickled Sweet. It is a darling little candy store in downtown Milford.
• Get a seasonal beer at Little Miami Brewing Company.

Little Miami Brewing Address: 208 Mill St, Milford, OH, 45150

Avoca Park

Avoca Park is located along the Little Miami Bike Trail, and it can make a great starting point if you wish to bike up to Downtown Milford or Loveland and back. It is the southernmost trailhead on the Little Miami Bike Trail. The park also offers hiking trails along the river, along with a canoe launch and restrooms.

Address: 7949 Wooster Pike/US 50, Cincinnati, OH, 45227

Other Great Spots To See Fall Foliage In Cincinnati

Spring Grove Cemetery

A unique spot to visit this fall foliage season is Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. As America’s second-largest and most beautiful cemetery and arboretum, there is much to explore. Throughout the 733-acre cemetery, there are 15 lakes, a waterfall, and over 44 miles of paved roadways.

Take a self-guided tour to see historic and artistic highlights, mausoleums, and monuments.

Helpful Tips For Visiting Spring Grove Cemetery:

• Park in the free visitor’s parking and swing into the visitor’s center to pick up a self-guided walking tour map.
• The walking tour takes 1-2 hours, but you can always venture off the beaten path to see remarkable monuments, visit any loved ones, or have a moment of reflection.
• See the resting places of famous Cincinnatians and notable Civil War veterans.
• Many claim Spring Grove is haunted with spine-chilling tales, making October the perfect time to visit.
• Spring Grove is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with extended summer hours.
• Public Tram Tours are available but should be reserved in advance. Many months sell out.

Mt. Airy Forest

As the largest park in the Cincinnati Parks district, Mt. Airy Forest offers miles of beautiful hiking trails.

In addition to the trails, there are several picnic areas, a disc golf course, and a multi-use mountain biking trail. Mt. Airy also has Ohio’s only wheelchair-accessible public treehouse, a beautiful arboretum, and an enclosed dog park.

Mt. Airy offers a hiking series where adults can sign up to join hikes throughout the month.

Sharon Woods

Meander through the trails of Sharon Woods while enjoying the changing hues of the fall foliage. In particular, the walking trail around the lake is spectacular as the fall colors reflect off Lake Sharon while you walk through a canopy of color.

Hike along the Gorge Trail to see Buckeye Falls while enjoying the brisk fresh air, then take the kids to play at the Harbor playground.

Ault Park

Beautiful in all seasons, Ault Park has an endearing charm that has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Stroll the trails as you watch squirrels anxiously prepare for winter while the leaves tumble down from above.

Catch the scenic overlooks, bring a picnic, and soak up those crisp fall afternoons.

Tip: I found the trails poorly labeled and was easily confused about where I was. Take a picture of the map at the beginning of the trail to help.

Miami Whitewater Forest

On the west side of Cincinnati, Miami Whitewater Forest transforms into a magical fall wonderland as the trees display their fall colors for all to see. One of the best ways to see fall foliage here is by scheduling a fall campout. The campground offers guests access to the many hiking trails, disc golf, horseback riding trails, and more!

Cincinnati Nature Center

Deemed the best fall hike in Cincinnati by many locals, the Cincinnati Nature Center Rowe Woods Trails offers 1,022 acres of Eastern deciduous forest, fields, streams, and past ponds and wetlands. With 99 of those acres consisting of old-growth forest.

With trails ranging from easy to difficult, guests can choose the type of adventure level they are best suited for.

Other Great Parks To Catch Fall Foliage In Cincinnati

• DeVou Park in Northern Kentucky has the prettiest views of the Cincinnati skyline and wonderful hiking trails.
• Alms Park has incredible panoramic views. One overlooks the Ohio River, the other overlooking Lunken Airport.
• California Woods Nature Preserve
• Caldwell Nature Preserve
• Burnet Woods

Best Spots to Catch Fall Foliage In Cincinnati