This 2-Hour Drive Around Cleveland Is The Best Way To See This Year's Fall Colors

Northeast Ohio is a region of adventure, especially if you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. There’s abundant opportunity to explore the natural landscape in and around the Cleveland Metroparks, and visitors will also encounter surprises like bluffs, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. This beauty, of course, is loveliest when framed by Greater Cleveland’s fall colors. This region is home to particularly vibrant foliage, which turns our landscape into a real-life watercolor painting. If you’re a fan of fall weather, you must embark on this scenic drive in and around Greater Cleveland:

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This tour will take you to the loveliest portions of Northeast Ohio. For an interactive map, click here

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Euclid Creek Reservation is so named for the creek that gracefully winds through its expanse. While a creek may not be a surprise to visitors, the remnants of a ghost town will surely catch you off guard. Bluestone once flourished here thanks to the desirability of local stone – today, their abandoned quarry (which can be recognized as the exposed stone in Quarry Picnic Area) is the last remaining remnant of this long lost town.

Address: 850 Euclid Creek Parkway, Cleveland, OH, 44121

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At the heart of Rocky River Reservation is a piece of land that was the very first to be admitted into the Cleveland Metroparks district. It has since grown into one of the most stunning portions of parkland in the region. Stunning stone bluffs surround the mighty Rocky River, and they absolutely come to life when bathed in gold and rust-kissed hues.

Address: Valley Parkway, North Olmsted, OH, 44070

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Mill Stream Run Reservation is an oft-forgotten slice of paradise in the Cleveland Metroparks, but it becomes a buzz of activity each winter as locals flock to take advantage of their tobogganing chutes. However, in the fall, visitors can enjoy hayrides at this scenic park. In addition to this, the lovely spread of foliage in the park will doubtlessly get you in the fall spirit.

Address: Bonnie Park Drive, Strongsville, OH, 44136

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Erik Drost/Flickr

Waterfalls are an incredible place to go leaf-peeping in Ohio, especially in the incredible Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Blue Hen Falls is located beyond a trailhead that's short and sweet, providing easy access that's ideal for hikers of all levels of expertise.

Address: 2001 Boston Mills Road, Brecksville, OH, 44141

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There's much to love about Cuyahoga Valley National Park, but the 65-foot Brandywine Falls is one of its most scenic attractions. This striking waterfall is best viewed from the nearby boardwalks, which are lined with lichen- and fern-accented stone walls.

Address: 8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, OH, 44067

E Photos/Flickr

The very largest piece of land in the Cleveland Metroparks district is Brecksville Reservation, and its landscape encompasses a number of stunning surprises. A gorge surrounds Chippewa Creek and frames its modest waterfall, and the on-site Squire Rich Home & Museum provides an unrivaled glimpse back in time. Despite its vastness, there’s a certain quaintness about this park that makes it feel downright cozy in the autumn.

Address: 9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, OH, 44141

TheTravelingRoss/TripAdvisor

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a National Natural Landmark in the Cleveland area, the gorge at Bedford Reservation must top your bucket list. Due to its rugged terrain, this area escaped early development and thus continues to host giant, prosperous trees. These trees drape the park’s lovely hiking trails in autumnal splendor that will leave you in awe.

Address: 18753 Egbert Road, Bedford, OH, 44146

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North Chagrin Reservation encompasses many stunning landscapes, but the most iconic feature in this park is doubtlessly Squire’s Castle. When surrounded by fall foliage, this striking castle seems to be straight out of a fairy tale. If that’s not enough to leave you absolutely enchanted, a trip by Sanctuary Marsh should do the trick!

Address: 44143 Ohio, Cleveland, 44143

Local fall foliage is absolutely mesmerizing. Which of these scenic spots is your favorite for leaf-peeping?

Can’t get enough of fall fun? You must take a tour of the best fall destinations around Cleveland.