Northeast Ohio: The Fall Hiking Guide
Fall foliage is beautiful no matter where you’re at. But sometimes a good hike will lead to an unforgettable view. While Ohio might not be known for its fall colors the way New England is, that doesn’t mean we don’t have some absolutely stellar views here.
So if you’re looking for your next fall hike, keep on reading for my favorites.
>> Related: How To Plan The Perfect Fall Trip <<
Lucky Stone Loop
Located in the Chapin Forest Reservation of the Lake Metroparks. Simply park at the decent-sized lot and begin your hike. It’s not a difficult hike, I personally combined it with a few other trails. Not too far into the trail, you’ll come across the overlook, giving way to some beautiful views of the surrounding vista.
Length: 1.5 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, moderately trafficked
Brandywine Gorge Trail
This is a wonderful waterfall hike located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Walking along the gorge will give great views of the fall colors, not to mention the waterfall is surrounded by that foliage. The parking lot is a decent size for its popularity, and the trail itself isn’t hard, but if you want a longer trail then you can connect it to the Stanford Trail.
Length: 1.5 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked
Kendall Lake Loop
Another in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park; the trail itself is super easy, minus some stairs. This made the list because of the way the seasonal and evergreen trees intermix along the lake with the shelter; making for a beautiful view.
Length: 1 mile, loop
Difficulty: easy, heavily trafficked
Ledges Trail
The most popular trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This makes probably every list for fall foliage in Ohio. The moderate hike will either start or end at the overlook for some beautiful views of the surrounding area. Plus the hike through the ledges themselves is gorgeous with the way the rock formations look against the fall colors.
Length: 2.2 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked
East & West Gorge Trail
Located in the Mill Creek MetroParks, here you’ll find Lanterman’s Mill, which looks stunning surrounded by the fall colors.
Length: 2 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, moderately trafficked
Lyons Falls Trail
Located in Mohican State Park, this forest trail will be popping with fall colors, especially when you reach the waterfall. Simply park at the covered bridge lot (also looks great surrounded by the fall colors) and start on the trail right there.
Length: 2.6 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, moderately trafficked
>> Related: 10+ Waterfall Hikes In Northeast Ohio <<
Hinckley Lake Loop
Located in the Hinckley Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, this moderate trail is another beautiful lake that looks stunning in the fall.
Length: 3.1 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked
Blue Hen Falls
Another trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and one of the most popular spots in Cleveland for fall foliage hikes, due to the way the waterfall is surrounded by the trees, and how easily it is to get to the falls. Simply park at the lot across the street (park at the Boston Visitor Center if that lot is full and hike up) and then it’s a short hike down to the falls on an old broken driveway.
Length: 0.5 miles, out + back
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked
Fort Hill Loop
One of the best fall color views in Ohio, this Rocky River Reservation trail will take you up the Fort Hill steps (located behind the Cleveland Metroparks Nature Center). The 155 steps go up about 90 feet along the shale cliff for views of the Rocky River. Other than the stairs, the trail is pretty easy.
I’d recommend combining this trail with other ones since it’s so short.
Length: 0.75 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked
>> Related: Best Fall Foliage Views in Northeast Ohio <<
Scenic Loop at Squire’s Castle
Fall colors and a castle, what else do you need to know? The name says it all, this is a must-hike trail in the fall that’s located in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.
Length: 1.6 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked
The Holden Arboretum
The Holden Arboretum is one of Ohio’s best places to explore, especially in the fall. There’s multiple hikes there that will lead to the Murch Canopy Walk and the Kalberer Emergent Tower, which provide some of the best fall foliage views in the state.
Length: varies on the trail path
Difficulty: easy, heavily trafficked
>> Related: Your Guide To Visiting The Cleveland Gardens <<
