Fall colors are one of the best parts of the season in Northeast Ohio, and thankfully we’re blessed with an abundance of beautiful parks and hiking trails, all within an hour of downtown Cleveland, where you can take in the foliage. Here are the very best.

South Chagrin Reservation/ Henry Church Jr. Rock Loop Trail (29 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) This hike has become a popular place to go to cool off in the summer months, thanks to the beautiful, swimmable waterfall. The fall months, however, bring stunning foliage that contrast so elegantly with the river. Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
South Chagrin Reservation/ Henry Church Jr. Rock Loop Trail (29 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
South Chagrin Reservation/ Henry Church Jr. Rock Loop Trail (29 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
South Chagrin Reservation/ Henry Church Jr. Rock Loop Trail (29 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Chapin Forest Reservation/ Arbor Lane Loop Trail (30 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Look across rows and rows of trees, with Downtown Cleveland in the distance, at the overlook found on this trail. Whether you’re looking for a quiet bench to read a book, or to get a little work out going and explore the ledges, this trail has it all. Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Chapin Forest Reservation/ Arbor Lane Loop Trail (30 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Chapin Forest Reservation/ Arbor Lane Loop Trail (30 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Tinkers Creek State Park Nature Preserve/ Tinkers Creek Loop Trail (35 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Tinkers Creek Loop Trail will send you into another world, with its beautiful neon trees. Along this 1.7-mile hike you will also find a pond and abundant vegetation. If you walk slightly off the beaten path you will stumble upon a railroad, which brings breathtaking views along the trees. This railroad is active, however, so do be careful. Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Tinkers Creek State Park Nature Preserve/ Tinkers Creek Loop Trail (35 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Tinkers Creek State Park Nature Preserve/ Tinkers Creek Loop Trail (35 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Tinkers Creek State Park Nature Preserve/ Tinkers Creek Loop Trail (35 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Rocky River Reservation/ Fort Hill Loop Trail at Rocky River Nature Center (22 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) This moderate trail offers everything from ponds, wildflowers, and an overlook. Hike up the 155 steps to get an incredible view of the foliage along the Rocky River. Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Rocky River Reservation/ Fort Hill Loop Trail at Rocky River Nature Center (22 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Rocky River Reservation/ Fort Hill Loop Trail at Rocky River Nature Center (22 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Rocky River Reservation/ Fort Hill Loop Trail at Rocky River Nature Center (22 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Makayla Brown
Whipp’s Ledges Loop Trail (33 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Gorgeous ledges, as the name suggests, can be found throughout this trail, high enough to rock climb. Even if you don’t have any rock climbing skills, you can reach the top of most of the ledges simply by walking along the trail. You’ll feel like the Queen or King of the world. Credit: Photo courtesy Cleveland Metroparks
Cuyahoga Valley National Park/ Ledges Trail (36 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) You can’t go wrong visiting any trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park during the fall months, but the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail loop offers breathtaking foliage featuring every color of the rainbow and an incredible overlook at the beginning (or end) of the trail with large, bold ledges along the way. Credit: Photo by Ashley Lubecky
Cuyahoga Valley National Park/ Ledges Trail (36 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Ashley Lubecky
Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail (34 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Worden’s Ledge’s slightly creepy history makes it the perfect place to visit during those chilly, fall months, if you’re looking for some spooky vibes. Along the way, hikers will find carvings within the ledges dating back to 1944. Credit: Photo by Ashley Lubecky
Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail (34 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Ashley Lubecky
Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail (34 minute drive from Downtown Cleveland) Credit: Photo by Ashley Lubecky