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!

1. Maumee Bay State Park

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.

2. John Bryan State Park

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!

3. Mohican State 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.

4. Zaleski State Forest

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.

5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

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!)

6. Hocking Hills State Park and Forest

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.)

7. Shawnee State Park

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.

8. Ceasar Creek State Park

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.)

9. Salt Fork State Park

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.

10. Harrison Lake State Park and Forest

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.

11. Deer Creek State Park

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.

12. Beaver Creek State Park

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:

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!