Golden retriever at Mohican State Park in the fall (photo by Nathan Racz)
Travel

Ohio State Parks: Fall Getaways and Day Trips

Explore 20 ways to enjoy fall color, from long hikes and classic lodges to quiet lakes and scenic campgrounds. 

Ohio‘s state parks take on every shade of fun and adventure as autumn arrives.

Whether you’re on the hunt for colorful hikes, ready for a weekend campout or hoping to book a stay at a classic lodge, make one (or more) of these places part of your plans this season. 

Bridge at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan (photo by Sam Chia)
Ohio State Parks for Fall Hikes: Get up close and personal with fall leaves, one step at a time. These state parks have colorful jaunts for hikers of every skill level. 

Boardwalk at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon (photo by Lee J. Markowitz)
Enjoy Fall on the Water at These Ohio State Parks
Don’t hang up the paddles and poles just because the air is cooler. Layer up and seek out fun on or along the lake at these state parks. 

Punderson State Park Manor Lodge in Newbury (photo courtesy of Great Ohio Lodges)
Stay at These Classic Ohio State Park LodgesThese destinations have been welcoming visitors for decades, offering updated amenities that make for a great getaway.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Nelson Township (photo by Jeff Smith)
Visit These Scenic Spots in Ohio’s State ParksOur state parks have enough Instagram-worthy locations to fill your entire feed. These four state parks with noteworthy features are a great place to start.  

Truck pulling Airstream camper on road at Burr Oak State Park in Glouster (photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources)
Ohio State Parks for Fall CampingFall and camping go together like chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. Spend a night or two at one of these state park campgrounds. 

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.

Related Articles

See More Articles on:

State Parks