Top Eight Fall Hikes and Overlooks in Northeast Ohio

Top Eight Fall Hikes in Northeast Ohio!

1. Brandywine Gorge Trail

At just 1.5 miles, this trail is easier to manage than most. If you want to come see a great big waterfall and the changing colors of the leaves, look no further! They have noted that there is no bridge over the creek at the end of the trail, so they recommend going back the way you came. If you want to cross you can- just at your own risk! You can find directions as well in the attached website.

2. Oak Hill Trail

The oak hill trail is much longer, but still in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. At 4.25 Miles long, it is connected with another trail, the Plateau Trail, and was originally meant for cross-country skiing. Featuring two beautiful ponds, they’re sure to amaze you when the fall colors roll in!

3. Nelson Ledges Quarry Park

Offering swimming, cliff jumping, diving, camping, boating and kayaking in addition to their trails, Nelson Ledges is a park known and loved by many. With more than a few trails to choose from, you won’t miss out on that beautiful Fall view, in Spring of this past year they opened the Falls Edge Glass Walkway, offering stunning overlooks of the Sylvan Creek Gorge.

4. Tinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook

This one is actually just an overlook deck you can walk right out onto, no hiking required! You’ll be right over the treetops so you can see every leaf changing color, and take some amazing photos with your friends and family. 

5. Bridal Veil Falls Scenic Overlook

Also located in the Bedford Reservation, this 0.4 Mile trail takes you to a smaller, but gorgeous cascading waterfall. Whether you’re visiting in the Fall or the Summer, you’ll love the view. In the fall, the fallen leaves cover the bank, and some even nestle in the ridges of the waterfall, creating a view that looks like it’s from a painting!

6. Chapin Forest Reservation

In Kirtland, Ohio, containing 6 miles worth of trails, is the Chapin Forest Reservation. This forest covers 32 parks, with different trails in each one. Please visit their website, as they cover the best trails for Winter hikes, hiking with your dog, the best hikes for when it’s super hot out, creek walks, river walks, fall color hikes and accessible trails!

7. Holden Arboretum

 The Holden Arboretum is the home of the Murch Canopy Walk, where it’s just you and the trees! Additionally, you can climb 120 feet above the ground on the Kalberer Emergent Tower. Holden offers a Skeleton Grove, where you can visit the 10+ ft skeletons that have taken over the forest! Coming up on the 24th, from 7:00pm - 11:00pm you can visit the Botanical Garden After Dark for an Adults-Only costume party. 

8. Cascade Valley Metro Park Overlook Area

Located between Downtown Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, this 526 acre park offers hiking opportunities, but we’re here for the overlook- 125 feet above the Cuyahoga River, you can take in miles of nature’s breathtaking beauty.