This Underrated Ohio State Park Is the Perfect Fall Escape

With summer coming to an end, it’s time to get excited for my personal favorite season: fall. The weather is the perfect temperature, the leaves are shaded in fantastic colors, and pumpkin pie is back on the menu. 

In my opinion, Ohio is one of the most beautiful states to experience autumn. There’s nothing like being outdoors surrounded by all the oranges and yellows, and one of my favorite places to experience this is Shawnee State Park. Whether you're a hiker or are just a simple nature lover, this is the place to be this season.

Established as a state park in 1949, Shawnee was once the hunting grounds for the Native American Shawnee tribe. Their name roughly translates to “those who have silver,” as the tribe was known for trading the metal. 

The park is nestled within the 63,000 acres of Shawnee State Forest, often referred to as the “Little Smokies” due to its scenic valleys. The park spans 1,095 acres and offers stunning sights along the Appalachian foothills, near the banks of the Ohio River, providing ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.

If you’re looking to see the changing colors of fall, there are a couple of trails that are particularly beautiful during the season. For something quick, check out Lookout Trail, a 1.6-mile loop that takes less than an hour to complete. With stunning views of Roosevelt Lake, this picturesque hike offers numerous photo opportunities.

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Park Loop Trail is a 4.1-mile loop that takes approximately two hours to complete. This hike includes the park’s highest peaks, so wear a good pair of walking shoes and bring some water—because you’ll need it. From the top, you’ll be able to see the broad expanse of Shawnee, and in the fall, you’ll be treated to a wide range of stunning colors.

The park also offers a variety of other activities to enjoy beyond hiking, including disc golf, archery, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and a nature center. Special events and demonstrations occur periodically and are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park. These are a ton of fun and shouldn’t be missed, so be sure to set aside enough time to enjoy them. 

If you'd like to extend your stay, you have plenty of options to pick from, ranging from the park’s rustic lodge and cozy wooden cabins to the family campgrounds, all of which make for a fun-filled time. Overall, Shawnee is a wonderful park to visit in the autumn if you’re looking for a cozy place to wear your favorite sweater and enjoy some fiery fall foliage.  

If you enjoy hiking, I recommend downloading the AllTrails app to your phone before you go. It offers easy access to maps, trail information, and curated lists of the best hikes in your area. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.