We all know that Ohio is extra beautiful in the autumn months. This state boasts a wide variety of flora, which, in turn, means that the countryside and parks offer the best fall foliage in Ohio. There’s no better way to experience the fall foliage than via a road trip, so pack some snacks and prepare for autumnal adventure.

Grab the family (or a friend or two) and start at the destination nearest you. We've included a few recommendations of places to stay along the way in case you want to stop and spend the day at a destination or two.
Google Maps
To view the Google Map of the trip in a separate tab or window, click here.
1. Wayne National Forest
Wayne National Forest - Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit, Coal Township, OH 43766, USA
www.fs.usda.gov
If you can, start your trip deep within the Appalachian foothills in southeastern Ohio. Wayne National Forest covers a quarter million acres and it's absolutely stunning in the fall.

Address: 13700 US Highway 33, Nelsonville, OH, 45764
2. Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
April Dray/Only In Your State
Drive through the scenic Hocking Hills and stop at one of Ohio's most beloved state parks for a quick, 1-mile hike to Old Man's Cave. If you want to stay overnight in the area, we recommend one of the multiple cabin options or The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.

Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH, 43138

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3. Ohio Amish Country
Amish Country, Ohio/Facebook
Take your time enjoying some of the most popular parts of Ohio's Amish Country, such as Sugarcreek, Berlin and Millersburg. There are plenty of delicious restaurants, quaint shops and other activities to enjoy along the way. (And if you want to stay overnight in the area, you can't go wrong with The Inn at Honey Run.)
4. Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
If you're feeling adventurous, get out and explore the Mohican-Memorial State Forest for a few hours. For an unforgettable overnight stay, check out the nearby Landoll's Mohican Castle or drive a few minutes out of your way to stay in The Mohicans Tree Houses in Glenmont.

Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH, 44842
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
Ohio's very own national park is unbelievably gorgeous in the fall. While you're passing through, be sure to stop and hike to Blue Hen Falls (pictured) or take the Ledges Trail. You can even hop aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a truly special tour of the park.

Address: 1550 Boston Mills Road, Peninsula, OH, 44264
6. Ashtabula County Covered Bridges
Ashtabula County, OH, USA
Mark K./Flickr
Drive through America's shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. There are several routes you can take. To view a map of the different routes you can take on the Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Tour, click here.

What do you think? Are you ready to find the best fall foliage in Ohio? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

For more fun things to do in Ohio in the fall, be sure to check out our previous articles: 10 Unique Fall Festivals In Ohio You Won’t Find Anywhere Else and Get Lost In These 10 Awesome Corn Mazes In Ohio This Fall.

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Ohio

Nikki Rhoades | August 12, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Ohio?

Ohio is a vast state – with 44,825 square miles of landscape, there’s much to see and do here. The state is so vast, in fact, that peak fall foliage arrives in different regions at different times. Typically, one can find leaves changing color in Ohio as early as August or September, but peak foliage arrives in Northern Ohio circa the second week of October, in Central Ohio and along Lake Erie’s shore circa the third week in October, and leaves reach their peak display in Southern Ohio as the month of October reaches its end.

Where are the best places in Ohio to see fall foliage?

If you’re in search of things to do in fall in Ohio, there’s nothing that quite compares to a leaf peeping road trip! You’ll find endless beauty across The Buckeye State’s farmland, forests, and spectacular parks. Malabar Farm is downright magical in the fall and would make a splendid addition to any fall foliage road trip, and so, too, are the parks near Lake Erie’s shore. Hell Hollow Wilderness Area is spectacular place to take an autumn hike, and so, too, are small community parks. Not familiar with the community you’re in? No worries! Just grab the nearest local! They’re sure to know of the loveliest destinations in the area.

What are the best Ohio hikes to take in the fall?

Fall colors in Ohio make for a magical hike. With a bit of chill in the air paired with an indescribable smoky aroma, the crunch of prematurely dropped leaves sounds like music. The entire state is dotted with lovely destinations… selecting the best hike for you is entirely dependent upon your physical demands. You can swing by Sugarcreek MetroPark for an easy hike under two miles, or you can take on adventure and start checking off your autumnal waterfall bucket list. The Cincinnati Nature Center is magical for those down south, and those up north simply must take a hike through the Holden Arboretum.

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