Many Clevelanders are dreaming of autumn and the romantic sense of bliss that it endows our region. Some of us can’t help but notice the subtle fade of the leaves following an unforgivably hot summer day, and people like us are always ready for bonfires, hot cider, and all things spooky. Fortunately, once autumn arrives, Clevelanders are treated to some of the very best fall foliage in Ohio. Clevelanders also don’t have to drive far to experience this splendor! These gorgeous parks are all nothing short of heavenly once fall arrives:

1. Rocky River Reservation
blimoco/Flickr
Valley Parkway, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070, USA
Jen Goellnitz/Flickr
This park is divided by the mighty Rocky River, which is silhouetted against sandstone cliffs and historic features. Visitors will be treated to incredible overlooks and otherworldly reflections in this marvelous Metropark.
2. Bedford Reservation
18753 Egbert Rd, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Tinker's Creek is at the heart of this gorgeous reservation, a feature that has carved out an impressive gorge. This, combined with hiking trails that will take you a million miles away from the din of city life, will leave you longing to spend an eternity here as you enjoy the fall colors in Ohio.
3. North Chagrin Reservation
Erik Drost/Flickr
401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy, Willoughby, OH 44094, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
With a fairy tale castle and hemlock-lined trails, it's no wonder this incredible park is a local favorite, especially in autumn when you can see the best fall foliage in Ohio. Throw a charming little waterfall into the mix and you've found fall paradise!
4. Cascade Park
170 Cascade St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Photo Courtesy of ©Gabe Leidy Photography
The Black River is perhaps one of the most stunning in Lorain County, but in this park, it has carved out an incredible gorge that you have to see to believe. Complete with a lovely waterfall and an array of diverse fall foliage in Ohio, lovers of this season can't get enough of this pretty place.
5. Brandywine Falls
Erik Drost/Flickr
8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Matthew Dillon/Flickr
As autumnal pools gather around the forests of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the splendid colors of fall foliage in Ohio is doubled in a mirrored world. Such splendor is especially prevalent at the 65-foot behemoth that is Brandywine Falls.
6. Blue Hen Falls
2001 Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
blimoco/Flickr
Simple and elegant, this enchanting waterfall is particularly coveted by families with children. A short and simple path leads to a 15-foot cascade of Spring Creek. This serene waterfall is one of the loveliest in Northeast Ohio, and its delicacy is reminiscent of the short-lived nature of our favorite season.
7. Hinckley Reservation
East Drive, East Dr, Hinckley, OH 44233, USA
Matthew Dillon/Flickr
This gorgeous park is often forgotten by fans of the Cleveland Metroparks, as it is the only one in Medina County. However, it hides incredible beauty and offers some of the best fall colors in Ohio. A gorgeous blue lake, sandstone ledges, hiking trails, and even carved stone likenesses await your visit.

Autumn is nearly here, and we’re starting to see signs of seasonal change across our lovely landscape. Northeast Ohio is endlessly beautiful, but these parks are among the finest. Which do you think has the best fall foliage in Ohio? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to share your photos of the vibrant foliage on our Ohio Nature Lovers group on Facebook or by tagging us on Instagram using #onlyincleveland for a chance to see your snapshots featured!

If you love autumn day trips, you must visit this old-fashioned farm near Cleveland.

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Best Fall Foliage In Ohio

Nikki Rhoades | August 11, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Ohio?

Fall colors in Ohio are absolutely out of this world. We have a myriad of colors each autumn in this brilliant state thanks to the diversity of our trees – some of them, you may notice, can boast several vivid colors in just one crown of leaves. The ideal time to observe peak fall foliage in this state is dependent upon your location. Leaves tend to change as early as late August and early September in some parts of the state, but generally, the best time to go leaf-peeping in Northern Ohio is circa the second week in October. For Lake Erie’s shoreline and Central Ohio, the third full week in October is ideal to see full color. For the southern portions of the Buckeye State, peak foliage may not arrive until late October!

Where are the best places in Ohio to see fall foliage?

If you’re wondering where to see fall colors in Ohio, you truly don’t have to look far! There are many things to do in fall in Ohio, especially around rural communities that grow their own veggies. There are many farms that boast both incredible fall foliage as well as autumnal offerings like apples and pumpkins, as is the case with Mapleside Farms in Brunswick. Just around the corner from Mapleside is another brilliant place to view fall foliage: Myrtle Hill Cemetery, which comes with its own urban legend. As you travel through Greater Cleveland, you’ll find incredible parks, cemeteries, and farm stands that play up the colors of the season.

What are the best Ohio hikes to take in the fall?

There are many incredible places to see the leaves changing color in Ohio, but some of the finest fall hikes can be found in the Cleveland Metroparks. North Chagrin Reservation has its own castle hike that is straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, and at any given reservation or park you may stumble upon a waterfall or two. Autumn is a splendid season anywhere in Ohio, and you can always find local hotspots by striking up conversations with area residents.

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