Mohican State Forest
Reds, yellows and oranges are not the only colors you’ll see here. “One of the things that is neat [about Mohican] is you have that change to fall color, but you still have some backdrop of evergreens or white pine or hemlocks,” Stevenson says. Start at the covered bridge and take the Hog Hollow hiking trail to the Fire Tower Overlook for a bird’s-eye view of the unique color palette. ohiodnr.gov
Kalberer Emergent Tower
Check out Holden Arboretum’s Kalberer Emergent Tower for a standout vantage point. With 202 stairs lofting visitors up above the treetops, this one-of-a-kind location looks all the way out to Lake Erie. “[It’s] one of the things I love to do. I’ve been there many times,” Stevenson shares. “You just have a 360-degree view of all the fall colors.” holdenarb.org
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
With plenty of trails inside the 33,000-acre national park, you’ll get prime exposure to Ohio’s fall weather. If you want great views of fall color, make sure to take the Kendall Loop where you can see the trees reflecting in the calm waters of the lake or head to the Buckeye Trail, a statewide loop which has about 37 miles inside the national park. “The Buckeye Trail will add to the fall color visuals with the serene sound of the running river and creeks,” says Stevenson. nps.gov/cuva
Punderson State Park
By mid-October, the natural Punderson Lake at the center of the park transforms from a prime fishing and boating location into a mirror reflecting all of the rich colors and beauty from the surrounding trees. It’s one of the best parts of leaf peeping, in Stevenson’s opinion. “That long view is always a good thing when you get outside,” he says. ohiodnr.gov
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
The rugged rock formations and cliffs of this Portage County destination are a must-see, but autumn makes the natural beauty even more radiant. The trees show off exactly what makes Northeast Ohio such a great place to see fall leaves. “Getting an early freeze or intense heat really affects fall colors,” he says. “Having the lake moderate your temperature is really beneficial.” ohiodnr.gov
