Whether you're looking for a scenic drive, a peaceful hike or the perfect spot for fall photos, Northeast Ohio offers plenty of hidden gems and popular destinations for leaf peeping. This guide highlights the best places to experience the local, rich hues of fall. Get ready to explore the season’s beauty and plan your perfect autumn outing.
Cleveland Metroparks’ Eastern Ledge Trail
Those searching for scenic and natural views from above can trek this mile-long trail through Euclid Creek. Visitors will use both paved and natural surface trails to take in what nature offers before reaching Emerald Necklace. This vista 130 feet up will give you an overlook of the creek and the valley below, along with the unique fall color palette. 850 Euclid Creek, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com
Cleveland Metroparks’ North Chagrin Reservation
Considered one of the most diverse areas in the Cleveland area, this location offers 2,000 acres to explore on hiking and equestrian trails. Golden tones will be easy to come by here, with beech and maple trees filling the forest. Leaves begin to change in August, but peak with an array of dark reds and burnt orange leaves by mid-October. With some luck and maybe a pair of rented binoculars, you might see one of the rare nesters of this region like the Dark-eyed Junco. Enjoy the fall foliage and a sandwich at the picnic area or simply take a drive through the park for a quick peek of the leaves. 3037 S.O.M. Center Road, Willoughby, ohiodnr.gov
Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation
If you want to go bird watching while you leaf peep or enjoy all that nature offers, look no further than Rocky River Reservation. This 3.8-acre area offers many trails influenced by the river and allows visitors to see willows, sycamores, and cottonwoods as they develop their special hues. With these trails, you will experience all the fall elements while adventuring through meadows, forests and wetlands. Shepard Lane, North Olmsted, clevelandmetroparks.com
Cleveland Metroparks’ Whipp’s Ledges
Hiking while looking at the harvest colors is one thing, but climbing the Whipp’s ledges loop trial with a group of friends to see the beautiful fall foliage will make it an adventure. Not only do you get to see the massive sandstone ledges of the Sharon Conglomerate, but you can stop in the picnic area to catch a breath and catch up with your friends. 432 Bellus Road, Hinckley, clevelandmetroparks.com
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Enjoy the cascading fall and rich history of the valley by riding the 90-mile-long Towpath Trail following the Ohio & Erie Canalway through the park. Or switch things up by taking one of the different routes that lead deep into the forests for an up-close look at the native plants like the yellow trout lily and wildlife and take refuge surrounded by the fall apostrophe. Peak coloring typically occurs during the third week of October, so be sure to plan ahead. 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, nps.gov
Holden Arboretum (Kalberer Emergent Tower)
For a truly unique perspective of the fall leaves, don't miss the opportunity to venture up the 120-foot-tall Kalberer Emergent Tower. This tower offers a bird's-eye view of the fall foliage, with platforms weaving through and above the tree canopy. While your eyes may be drawn to the beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges, Lake Erie's deep turquoise charm from this point is a sight to behold. 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenfg.org
Lake Metroparks’ Chapin Forest Reservation
With nearly six miles of trail, this reservation offers majestic forests to explore filled with beech, maple, oak, tulip and hemlock trees, each offering a unique display of multi-color trees. Visitors can choose from seven distinct trails or venture onto the larger Buckeye Trail. Those who find themselves on the Lucky Stone Loop Trail will indeed feel fortunate to witness Sharon Conglomerate ledges' rock formations and the scenery's breathtaking views while surrounded by the natural spectacle of fall leaves. 9938 Chillicothe Road (Rt. 306), Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
Mohican-Memorial State Forest
This forest covers over 4,500 acres and offers 32 miles of trails with a variety of routes to get your nature kick in. Plan a weekend trip and take a drive through the winding trails, and witness the mosaic of yellow, red and orange leaves. The antique charm of Wolf Creek (Pine Run) Grist Mill, or Clearfork Gorge make for a perfect get-away trip with the towering white pines and eastern hemlocks that grow there. For the best views, take the Fall Foliage Drive-It-Yourself Tour at Mohican starting October 13th through the 27th. 945 ODNR Mohican Road, Perrysville, ohiodnr.gov
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Known for its popular rock formations like Devil’s Icebox or the Old Maid’s Kitchen, this park will offer a challenge if you want to earn your view of fall colors. Visitors can hike one of four trails ranging in levels from easy to difficult. Along with the rough sandstone cliffs, this park offers a variety of trees like yellow birches, hemlocks and yews that will make the fall trip special. 12440 OH-282, Garrettsvillie, ohiodnr.gov
Punderson State Park
Overlooking a vast lake and 14 miles of trails, this park offers a weekend's worth of plans that you can pair with a leaf-peeping trip. Take the trails to get the most scenic views of the park as the changing leaves reflect against the glistening lake. Stay by the water and enjoy the fall foliage of the surrounding woodlands. Drive over to Geauga County and enjoy the park by spending the night in the campgrounds. 11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury Township, pundersonstatepark.com
Shaker Lakes
Containing a forest, ravine, marsh and more, this nature center is filled with green space stretching 20 acres and is primed to transform into a fall color haven for exploration. Bring everyone in your family to the All Peoples’ Trail to get some leaf-peeping in, as it is ADA-accessible and stretches over every landscape. This area is surely ready to offer a fall color palette perfect for taking family photos. 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, shakerlakes.org
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