Chasing autumn colors
10 Scenic fall day trips on the Ohio to Erie Trail
I am a huge fan of autumn. It is the season I prefer to tour on my bike. I try to capture as much as the fall color shows on my local trails before it fades into winter. I am sharing my ten favorite places along the Ohio to Erie Trail that highlights fall in Ohio in a variety of settings from urban spaces to rural landscapes. Each is unique and well worth a day trip with your family or friends.
Cincinnati Riverfront and the Ohio River Trail
Start your adventure in downtown Cincinnati, or across the river in Covington, or Newport. The Ohio River Trail follows a shady path along the Ohio River passing through landscaped parks with the hills of the river valley alive with fall colors. The Queen City is rooted in its Germanic past with many breweries and restored historic neighborhoods to explore on this perfect fall urban escape.
Loveland and the Little Miami Scenic Trail
Just north of Cincinnati is the quaint city of Loveland. The Little Miami Scenic Trail passes through the center of downtown with shops and dining lining the trail. Cycle north or south on the trail following the Little Miami River for nature’s show of autumn glory reflected in the river
South Charleston and the Prairie Grass Trail
The prairie lands of western Ohio are dressed in gold, brown, and yellow as crops are harvested at season's end. A trip south to Cedarville or Xenia or north to London provides a mix of a shaded trail lined with trees showcasing fall colors and open fields alive with the aromas of the harvest. Small Ohio rural town hospitality makes the day an ideal fall destination.
Columbus and the Alum Creek Trail
The Alum Creek Trail is a respite into nature in urban Columbus. The trail meanders along and across Alum Creek with a multi-colored forest lining its banks. The quaint towns of Bexley and Westerville are trail-friendly with many family-oriented shops and dining experiences. Franklin Park Conservatory is just a block off the trail with the park adorned in autumn colors.
Knox County and the Bridge of Dreams
Knox County is home to three interconnected trails that showcase autumn colors. The Bridge of Dreams on the Mohican Valley Trail makes the perfect photo location for that family Christmas card photo. Mount Vernon, Gambier, or Danville make for the perfect base for a fall day trip.
Millersburg and the Holmes County Trail
Share this double-width trail with Amish buggies, wagons, and the Amish on e-bikes. Hipp Station in Millersburg makes the perfect base for the day. Cycle south through a heavily shaded trail that passes along a large marsh in full fall glory. A trip north to Holmesville and Fredericksburg takes you into the heart of Ohio Amish County.
Wayne County and the Heartland Trail
The Heartland Trail section of the Ohio to Erie Trail is yet to be built through the small villages of Fredericksburg and Apple Creek. Quiet back roads with rolling hills seldom see a car on perhaps the most scenic part of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Amish farms with wheat shocks, produce stands with apples, jams and jellies, honey, and mums, and Amish schools make for a memorable experience.
Barberton and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Barberton, the Magic City, hosts an annual Mumfest in the fall. The shores of downtown Lake Anna are lined with large decorative chrysanthemum displays with entertainment, food, and craft vendors. The towpath along the canal and Tuscarawas River is a trip back in time with fall color as a bonus. Head south to Canal Fulton or north to Akron to complete your visit.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park and & the Ohio to Erie Canal Towpath Trail
This park is a treasure trove of fall adventurers whoich are rich in fall color. A day trip to Ohio’s only national park is a must. Enjoy a train ride through the park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Hike or bike the towpath trail to Beaver Marsh. Start your day in Peninsula or the Boston Mill Visitor Center. Hike the Ledges Trail. Visit Brandywine Falls or Blue Hen Falls.
Tremont - Ohio City and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods along the west bank of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland are perfect for a getaway in any season. The fall is especially nice with restored Victorian and early 20th-century homes and businesses lining tree-line streets alive with reds, golds, and yellows. The towpath and several other trails lead you to downtown, other ethnic neighborhoods, and Lake Erie. There is no shortage of food, drink, and entertainment options on Ohio’s north shore.
A bonus look back in time
I lived in the Akron area for 20 years. One of the traditions of my local bike club was to cycle the Ohio and Erie Towpath Trail from the Mustill Store near downtown Akron to Barberton to the MumFest in September. This lovely lady was a fixture. I asked her for a photo under the mum arch. She graciously obliged. This photo always makes me smile. Maybe because I am younger with brown hair and thinner.
Happy leaf peeping on the trail!
Tom on the Trails
Love this!
Great list!