We’re lucky in Northeast Ohio to have the changing of seasons that grants us the vibrant quilt of fall foliage that blankets our iconic sandstone hills. If you’re a seasoned Ohio hiker, you might already know about these scenic trails, but let’s take a look at what makes each of them particularly special in the autumn months.
Here are the 10 best scenic hikes for chasing perfect fall vibes:
Blue Hen Falls: The Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill at CVNP
Just across the street from the popular Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort, The out and back Blue Hen Falls hike, part of the larger Buckeye Trail, is a bit of a challenge with a steep elevation gain of 498 and semi-rough terrain. It’s an excellent workout as the altitude ebbs and flows, and it’ll be worth it for the serene 15-foot waterfall and vivid confetti-like leaves scattering the rocks below that will celebrate your exploration with you! 2.5 miles, 2001 Boston Mills Road, Brecksville, nps.gov
Brandywine Gorge & Falls Trails at Cuyahoga National Park
An understandably popular spot, this hike recommendation is technically two trails, but you can’t stop after just one! Like your favorite snack, the partially paved and gentle grade of the 1.4-mile Brandywine Gorge Loop makes you feel like you’ve barely begun and tempts you to continue to the main attraction: Brandywine Falls. Winding through the eastern hemlocks, mossy sandstone cliffs, and deep golden maple leaves to the reward of the rushing roar and light mist felt from the boardwalk near the falls, you’ll get the full zen spa treatment hiking in autumn at Brandywine. 1.4 miles for the Gorge Trail & 2.6 miles for the Falls Loop, 8176 Brandywine Road Northfield, nps.gov
Cascade Falls to Devil’s Icebox at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges near Garrettsville Ohio has several trails to choose from, but the most popular of the trails is the Cascade Falls to Devil’s Icebox Loop Trail. The rocks that resemble toy blocks thrown askew by giants provide loads of nooks and crannies to explore and climb around the quartz and sandstone formations, but the best part is the mystical descent into what’s known as the Devil’s Icebox, an insulated cave within the rocks that’ll make for a chilling adventure. 2.0 miles, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, ohiodnr.gov
Chapin Forest Trail at Chapin Forest Reservation
This partially paved trail is a popular loop for birding and mountain biking and it's an ambitious one with a 482 elevation gain to reach the overlook. With the mature maple, oak, hemlock, and beech trees lining distinctive Ohio sandstone formations, it’s a crowd-pleaser year-round, but fall night hikes are filled with both tricks and treats! Look out for pumpkin-orange newts and spotted salamanders who’ve made their homes in the mossy rocks. 5.7 miles, 9938 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, clevelandmetroparks.com
Chuckery Trail Loop at Cascade Valley Metro Park
This secluded loop is another moderate but meditative hike with a steep incline. The trail is a popular fishing and birding spot known for the Signal Tree, a 300-year-old W-shaped bur oak that, in an autumn’s early-morning fog, looks straight out of a horror flick. The hauntingly knotted tree once marked the northernmost point of the Portage Trail that connected the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas rivers and was used as a navigational landmark by indigenous tribes and early settlers alike. 2.4 miles, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron, summitmetroparks.org
Fort Hill Earthworks Trail
This popular trail involves a lot of stairs, so come prepared to feel the burn! The highlight of the Earthworks at Fort Hill is a set of three 2,000-year-old earthen walls built by prehistoric indigenous people on a shale cliff above the Rocky River. In autumn, the branch-bare oaks, maples, and occasional evergreen will reflect off the river as you ascend higher into the hills. 4.6 miles, 13614 Fort Hill Road, Hillsboro, clevelandmetroparks.com
Henry Church Jr. Rock Loop at South Chagrin Reservation
This riverside loop on the South Chagrin Reservation is a moderately challenging hike, and so worth it. Heavily forested with a 259-foot elevation gain, the trail goes from partially paved to solely dirt portions that involve stairs. If you’re an especially tall hiker you may encounter some ducking under the sandstone cliffs, so take heed after heavy fall rains. The trail’s most popular feature, besides the easy-flowing falls, is the rock sculpture carved in the late 1800s from which it gets its namesake. 2.3 miles, Bridle Trail and Loops, Bentleyville, clevelandmetroparks.com
Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop From Kendall Lake at CVNP
Considered to be a moderate trail, Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake is one of the ledges trails in Ohio that’s part of the Sharon Sandstone conglomerate. Because of the towering layered sandstone’s natural porousness, the rust-colored mineral deposits and moss camouflaging the rocks against shades of rust-colored leaves and deep green ferns in autumn are a lesson in the balance of natural imperfections. If you’re into putting yourself between a rock and a hard place to ruminate, this one’s for you. 4.1 miles, 499 Truxell Road, Peninsula, nps.gov
Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook at Bedford Reservation
Part of the Bedford Reservation, this out-and-back trail is a moderate trek with a rewarding vista for snapping photos of the sunset-like treetops in the fall. With a 220-foot grade over the course of two miles along the steep gorge and a total of 449 feet in elevation gain, this trail brings you right up to the edge of new horizons. 4.9 miles, Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills, clevelandmetroparks.com
Whipp’s Ledges Trail at Hinckley Reservation
Whipp’s Ledges is a popular and fairly short trail to visit in the summer, but typically less so in the fall because it can be a bit rocky and slick with seasonal rains. Don’t let that stop you though. For hikers who enjoy a short hike but with slightly challenging terrain and, of course, proceeding with caution, you’ll find that Whipp’s Ledges is a beautiful spot to enjoy the fall chill. The trail, which has an elevation gain of 350 feet, overlooks Hinckley Lake. When combined with the deep mossy greens of the ledges against the reds and golds of maple leaves, this hike makes for a Tolkein-worthy trek. 1.1 miles, Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, Hinckley, clevelandmetroparks.com
For more autumn fun, check out the rest of our 2023 Fall Fun Guide.
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