Oct 24

Oct 24 Where to View the Fall Foliage in Northeast Ohio

Ohio has some beautiful places to view the colors changing, especially here in Northeast Ohio. Although there’s no mountains in Northeast Ohio, we do have plenty of overlooks and other opportunities to see the colors at the end of a good hike. The fall colors start to show as early as late September (depending on the summer weather), but peak foliage tends to be from mid-October to early November.

While just about anywhere can show off the fall colors, the following are some of my absolute favorite places in Northeast Ohio that require little to no hiking.

>> Related: How To Plan The Perfect Fall Trip <<

The Holden Arboretum

The Holden Arboretum has tons of trails showing off fall colors throughout its massive 3,500 acres, but the best part is the Emergent Tower and Canopy Walk. The Emergent Tower takes you up 250 feet for stunning views of the surrounding region, while the Canopy Walk leads you along a 500-foot bridge that is 65 feet high. The arboretum is open year-round, but the Tower and Canopy Walk typically close at the beginning of November but sometimes remain open later for the fall colors.

>> Related: Your Guide To Visiting The Cleveland Gardens <<

Chapin Forest Overlook

Located in the Lake Metroparks on the east side of Cleveland is the Chapin Forest Reservation. You’ll drive to the ledges shelter, park, and begin your hike along the Lucky Stone Loop trail, which is about a 1.5-mile loop in the woods. The hike to the overlook is about halfway along the trail, where you’ll also come across some beautiful Sharon Conglomerate ledges that look cool surrounded by the fall colors. On a sunny clear day, you’ll even be able to see Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline from this overlook.

>> Related: Lake Metroparks: Hiking Guide <<

Girdled Road Observation Deck

Another great spot in the Lake Metroparks is the new (opened in 2021) observation deck at the north entrance of the Girdled Road Reservation. From the parking lot, you can walk the very short and handicap accessible paved path to the observation deck which provides a great view of the Big Creek Valley.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

It’s no surprise that a National Park would be on this list since they’re known for their beauty. There are quite a few spots here that make for some of the best views in this part of Ohio.

The Ledges overlook is almost always on a scenic list, due to the beautiful views of the surrounding area. Getting here is easy, you’ll park at the ledges shelter parking lot and you have two options; you can either hike the ledges trail (about 2.2 miles) and see the beautiful Sharon Conglomerate outcroppings before arriving at the overlook, or you can cut across the grass field to the overlook if that’s all you want to see.

Kendall Lake is another great spot since lakes always make views better, plus you’ll have the seasonal trees mixed with the evergreens for a beautiful view. There are even a small fishing boardwalk and a shelter that would add to the fall beauty. On the other side of the lake is Kendall Hills, which also provides stunning fall foliage views.

You also can’t go wrong with fall foliage surrounding waterfalls, so don’t forget to check out Blue Hen Falls. This is a fairly small waterfall, but it looks amazing with the fall colors around it.

Cascade Valley Overlook

Another stunning overlook here in Northeast Ohio is the Cascade Valley Overlook; this one is located in Cascade Valley park in the Summit Metroparks and is a quick walk from the parking lot. This isn’t your typical Northeast Ohio overlook of just a nice view of the treetops, this view also includes the Cuyahoga River winding through the trees adding a little special something to the scene.

>> Related: Summit Metro Parks: Hiking Guide <<

Rocky River Reservation

Definitely a favorite fall spot for people; the Fort Hill Steps are located in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, and are located behind the Nature Center. The 155 steps go up about 90 feet along the shale cliff for views of the Rocky River. No matter which direction you’re facing on these steps, you’re rewarded with stunning views. There are many places to park near the Nature Center, and the stairs continue onto a network of trails that also provide great fall views.

>> Related: Cleveland Metroparks: Hiking Guide <<

Mohican State Park

The endless landscape of the gorge in Mohican is by far one of the most stunning views of fall foliage in all of Ohio and it doesn’t even require hiking; you simply park at the lot and walk up to the railing of the overlook. This spot is unique, while most overlooks are a flat line of trees, Mohican’s is 300 feet deep in the Clear Fork Gorge, with the trees at different heights, giving you the vibe that you’re in the mountains.

Another favorite in Mohican is the Fire Tower, where you can climb up the old steps 125 feet for beautiful views of the Mohican-Memorial Forest; views similar to the Overlook.

>> Related: The Ultimate Guide To Mohican State Park <<

Squire’s Castle

Fall colors and a castle, what more do you need to convince you to come? The remains of this “castle” can be found in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Simply park in the and walk up the path to explore the outside and inside of it. The castle sits at the top of a small hill with a stunning fall color backdrop.