Best Fall Hikes in Ohio
Fall is the perfect season for hiking, with the cooler temperatures, the changing leaves, and the crisp autumn air. Ohio boasts a stunning range of natural beauty to explore, from serene lakes to rolling hills and dense forests. A scenic hike is one of the best things to do in Ohio in the fall. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there’s no better time to hit the trails and discover the beauty of Ohio! These are a few of our favorite fall hikes in Ohio.
Best Fall Hikes In Ohio
There’s so many great hiking trails in Ohio and autumn is the perfect season to explore them. Here’s 5 of the best fall hikes in Ohio:
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is an incredible destination for hiking in Ohio, especially in the fall. It boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including towering cliffs, waterfalls, and deep gorges. And with miles of hiking trails, there’s plenty to explore. Not to be missed is the Old Man’s Cave trail, a must-see, scenic hike that rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Hocking Hills.
Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park is another jewel in Ohio’s hiking crown, with over 1,100 acres of lush forest and winding streams, and of course, fantastic fall foliage. The Lyons Falls trail is a favorite amongst hikers, with a short 2-mile loop that takes you through dense forests, past the Mohican River with fantastic views of the gorge from the nearby suspension bridge.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s only national park and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, scenic trails, and accessible wilderness areas. And in the fall, it’s a hiker’s paradise with more than 125 miles of trails. The Buckeye Trail is a perfect way to experience the park’s beauty, taking hikers through a mixed deciduous forest, across streams and waterfalls, and up to the top of the park’s highest ridge for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
John Bryan State Park
John Bryan State Park is a hidden gem tucked away in Southwest Ohio near Yellow Springs. With dense, leafy forests, deep ravines, and stunning waterfalls, it’s a hiker’s paradise in the fall. The 10 hiking trails offer some of the park’s best views, with unforgettable hikes and easy access to the gorgeous Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and amply rewarding the adventurous hiker.
Shawnee State Forest
Shawnee State Forest, located in the southern tip of Ohio, is an ideal destination for those in search of an immersive fall hiking experience. The forest’s trail network encompasses over 63,000 acres of stunning natural landscapes, boasting scenic views of the rolling hills, serene lakes, and old-growth forests. The Shawnee Ridge Trail is a must-visit when it comes to experiencing the fall colors of the Shawnee forest, with picturesque views of the vast horizon from the top of this highest ridge.
This autumn season, I hope you can make time to explore a few of these fall hikes in Ohio!