Ohio is full of hidden gems just waiting for nature lovers to discover. Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton is home to the state's rarest ecosystem and a mesmerizing pine forest you have to see to believe. Part of the Toledo Metroparks system, this underrated park is worthy of your outdoor bucket list.
Here's why you'll want to visit this beautiful piece of Ohio nature:
Hiding in one of Ohio's most unique metro parks in the Toledo area is a grove of red pine trees—and it's downright magical.
Looking up at the trees is mesmerizing. It's something you'll definitely want to bring your camera for.
Oak Openings is Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony.
While there's much to love about summer in Ohio, fall is a special time of year in the Buckeye State. As August turns to September and September tumbles into October, Ohioans are treated to not only cobalt blue skies and crisp temps, but also a kaleidoscope of fall foliage and color. In my corner of the Buckeye State, there are tons of mature trees and I love tracking their shift from verdant green to golden yellow, pumpkin orange, and crimson red on my daily walks with the dog.
advertisement
Wondering When do the leaves change color in Ohio? You're in luck! Our friends at Smoky Mountains have released their annual Fall Foliage Prediction Map for the US; here's when you can expect the leaves to change and "peak" fall foliage to happen in Ohio:
As the long, lazy days of summer begin to wane and kids return to school, most Ohioans are all too happy to turn their attention to fall. Fall in Ohio is a wonderful time of year, and if you're wondering when do the leaves change color in 2024, read on!
The folks at Smoky Mountains just released their 2024 Fall Foliage Map, and it's an easy and reliable way to determine when the leaves will change near you. By sliding the bar beneath the map to the right, you can see how the colors change across the US each week. On a micro level, you can even zoom in on your exact county!
For 2024, the fall foliage forecast for the US is a bit wild. Some regions will peak by the beginning of October, while other parts of the country won't show any changes until October... and then once the leaves begin to change, things escalate quickly!
So... the million dollar question: when do the leaves change in Ohio? According to the Smoky Mountains map, the first three weeks of October are when the magic happens.
Just as in years past, the northeast corner of Ohio (hi there, Cuyahoga Valley National Park!) will change first. In this region, the leaves will start changing color as early as the second week of September, peaking the beginning of October.
Ohio Amish Country and the north-central swath of the state will quickly follow suit, with some counties possibly experiencing "peak" fall foliage concurrently with those in the far northeast.
As for the southern "band" of the Buckeye State, expect a significantly later fall foliage bloom. Leaves will remain largely unchanged through the end of September; the four weeks of October should put on quite a colorful show, though!
Now's the time to start planning your next big fall road trip -- there are so many beautiful byways and scenic routes in Ohio that offer amazing dashboard views of the changing leaves and foliage.
Autumn is undeniably the best time of year in the Buckeye State, and we've got some of the best places in Ohio for fall foliage. The colors are vibrant; the temperatures are perfect, and the air has a comforting, crisp smell often infused with campfires and bonfires as folks gather outdoors. You'll want to get out and embrace this season before it's gone and winter makes its arrival. The following are 12 regions and forests that are known for being especially lovely in the fall. Be sure to visit these stunning natural areas to enjoy the best places to experience fall in the Buckeye State!
One of our favorite fall camping destinations in the Buckeye State, this northern Ohio State Park is simply stunning in the fall. (Leaves in northern Ohio generally start changing in early October.) Stay in a cabin near Lake Erie or book a room at the lodge before mid-November arrives. Before then, it's one of the best places in Ohio to see fall foliage.
The vibrant leaves at this western Ohio State Park near Dayton don't seem to last very long. Stop at the quaint town of Yellow Springs on your way or head over to Clifton Mill for some more great fall foliage photo opportunities. There's nowhere in Ohio quite like this lovely park!
Drink in the colors of the fall season at this gorgeous state park, which is close to several Ohio Amish Country towns and only 10 miles from the beloved Malabar Farm. Be sure to visit earlier in the season, as the leaves often get a jump on the rest of the state's fall colors.
This oft-overlooked southeast Ohio forest positively dazzles in the fall months, as the changing leaves slowly reach their most vibrant and bold colors. Explore the 23.5 miles of backpacking trails or visit the beautiful Lake Hope (pictured) while you're here.
Late October and early November is the peak season for the beautiful fall colors at Ohio's very own national park. (Pictured is the gorgeous view from Ledges Overlook, one of our favorite hikes in Cuyahoga Valley NP!)
This stunning region of Ohio has some of the best fall colors of the season, which peak from mid-October to early November. (Pictured is the serene Rose Lake.)
Nestled near the banks of the Ohio River, you'll find six hiking trails and absolutely stunning fall foliage at this Ohio State Park in late October and early November.
While Ceasar Creek State Park is lauded for water recreation and camping in the summer months, there's nothing quite like the array of fall colors at this Ohio State Park. The leaves are at their peak and the temperatures are just right. (Pictured is the view from Flat Fork.)
This eastern Ohio park is always lovely, but in September and October, it's positively flush with an abundance of beautiful fall foliage. The view from Salt Fork Park Lodge (pictured) is especially picturesque this time of year.
This northwest Ohio park and forest has a magnificent display of fall colors each year. Visit soon to take in the stunning foliage before it fades in early November.
Visit this central Ohio State Park and prepare to be dazzled by a delightful array of fall colors: reds, oranges, yellows, golds, and coppers! Make your visit extra special and book a room at the lodge while you're here.
The peak season of fall colors at this Beaver Creek State Park, an always lovely Ohio State Park, is not to be missed! Visit before mid-November comes and the fall colors start to fade. It's also rumored to be haunted, which makes this Ohio State Park even more fun in the fall!If you'd like to see some fabulous fall foliage destinations across the USA, check out our video on YouTube:
advertisement
Have you explored these areas yet this fall? One of my favorite things to do in the autumn is pack up the car and hit a few of my favorite spots on a fall foliage road trip! Where do you think the best places in Ohio for fall foliage are? Please share them with your fellow Buckeye State leaf peepers!
