The changing of the leaves is one of the best parts of living in Northeast Ohio. With our robust Metropark system in addition to state and National Parks, there are a ton of options for places to go to see the foliage. Here’s 25 awesome spots to see the leaves changing.
Mentor Marsh
5185 Corduroy Rd., Mentor
This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh, a beautiful scene during a fall hike. If you are taking a larger group or need a little guidance, family nature hikes are offered each week.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Erik DrostGreat Seal State Park
Looking to see some hills? Great Seal State Park has over 1,800 acres of hilly and challenging trails worth seeing. This park’s hills are depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, hence the name.
Photo via Scene ArchivesGorge Metropark
1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls
The Gorge Metropark offers activities for every season, but the fall sights are certainly one of the biggest draws. Explore the miles of trails which include access to Mary Campbell Cave and a clear view of the Cuyahoga River.
Photo via focusalpha/InstagramGeneva
If there’s anywhere in Ohio that could be considered wine country, it’s definitely Geneva on the Lake. The wineries may not be open, but it’s still a beautiful area.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesE55 On The Lake
5555 North Marginal Rd., Cleveland
The Metroparks has totally revived this beautiful lookout point of Lake Erie by adding a bar, restaurant and bait shop to this spot. There’s also live music on Saturdays and some of the best views in town.
Photo via Scene ArchivesCuyahoga Valley National Park
We have a National Park right in our own backyard – you’re damn right it has perfect views. The views are great year round but we’re partial to the fall.
Photo via Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/FacebookChapin Forest Reservation
9938 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland
With six miles of trail, this reservation is open year-round for entertainment. Hike, run or walk through the thick forest, or check out Lucky Stone Loop trail for a spectacular view of Lake Erie.
Photo via Chapin Forest Reservation/FacebookChagrin Falls
If you’re a fan of quaint downtown areas, there’s nowhere better than Chagrin Falls, especially when it comes to seeing the fall colors, especially if you’re overlooking the Falls themselves. The drive here alone will be filled with beautiful scenery and this throwback downtown, filled with great shops and restaurants, is perfect for autumn.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesBedford Reservation
Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills
Probably most known locally for Shawnee Hills Golf Course, this reservation is home to a deep gorge that was declared a national natural landmark. Because of the gorge, and Tinker’s Creek, the 2,200 acres of this reservation are some of the most scenic in the Metroparks system, especially the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook.
Photo via @CleveMetroparks/InstagramAugusta-Anne Olsen Nature Preserve
4934 W. River Rd., Wakeman
This small nature preserve is a hidden gem, with several trails running through the forest and out to Vermillion Lake. Enjoy a quiet hike alongside the wildflowers that grow beside the trail.
Photo via @NotAnsel27/InstagramAmish Country
Visit Millersburg, about 60 miles south of downtown, to see the biggest town in Ohio’s Amish country. There’s tons to do and the sights are gorgeous.
Photo via Ohio Amish Country/FacebookWhipps Ledges
Hinckley Lake Loop Trail
You will find the famous Whipps Ledges at Hinckley Reservation. These rock formations are natural and breathtaking. Spend an afternoon hiking and end the day relaxing by Hinckley Lake.
Photo via Chuck Allen/FlickrMiller Nature Sanctuary
2739 Center Rd., Avon
This Avon nature preserve is home of the Rocky Fork Gorge, and is known for its spring wildflower displays alongside the several hiking trails. The fall is a great time to check this place out too.
Photo via brooks_photos457/InstagramHolden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland
Out east in the Kirtland/Mentor area, you’ll find Holden Arboretum, home to over 3,500 hundred acres of trees, plants, wildlife and scenic views. Holden is one of the outdoor gems of Northeast Ohio.
Photo via Holden Arboretum/FacebookWalter Best Wildlife Preserve
11620 Ravenna Rd., Chardon
This small preserve, part of the Geauga Park District, has gorgeous views for miles.
Photo via Scene ArchivesVermillion
555 Main St., Vermilion
Nestled on the banks of the Vermilion River, this quaint town is really pretty all year round.
Photo via Vermillion/FacebookSouth Chagrin Reservation
37374 Miles Rd, Bentleyville
Expanding through Moreland Hills, Bentleyville, Chagrin Falls and Solon, this beautiful Metroparks reservation is known for Henry Church Rock (formerly Squaw Rock), a rock formation carved in 1885 that runs along the picturesque Chagrin River.
Photo via @CleveMetroparks/InstagramSalt Fork State Park
Just east of Columbus, this state park is a beautiful place to see. The sunsets over the lake are especially gorgeous.
Photo via Salt Fork/FacebookRocky River Reservation
24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted
The Rocky River Reservation expands all the way through Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River. With numerous trails throughout the reservation, there’s a great hike and colors for everyone and you may even see some deer roaming around.
Photo via @CleveMetroParks/InstagramQuail Hollow Park
13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville
Hartville offers more than fabulous pies, you can also visit one of the most beautiful parks around. Quail Hollow Park offers, count ’em, eight different trails that take journeyers through moss-covered arches, forest and marsh. You can even stay at a manor on the property for a weekend affair.
Photo via Quail Hollow Park/FacebookNorth Chagrin Reservation
3037 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby Hills
Known mostly for Squires’ Castle, the North Chagrin Reservation also boasts hiking trails to go through the woods. Sunset Pond and Sanctuary Marsh are two other popular tourist sites to see the leaves changing.
Photo via @CleveMetroParks/InstagramMarblehead
Marblehead boasts one the best scenic lighthouses in Ohio, perfect for taking in a spring sunset and seeing the Fall colors surrounding Lake Erie.
Photo via @_Doctor_VV_/InstagramLoudonville
Loudonville is nicknamed the so-called “Canoe & Camp Capital of Ohio.” You can see beautiful river views here.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Mike SharpLake Erie Bluffs
3301 Lane Rd., Perry
Lake Erie Bluffs provides a combination of wetland hiking and dry trails and it’s the perfect place to take a drive to.
Photo via Scene Archives