11 Top Places To Visit In Ohio In The Fall

Nowadays, traveling during the summer months has become quite a hassle, from trying to get to your destination, where you end up waiting in airport lines for hours just to be bumped off your overbooked flight, to sitting in traffic with all the other road trippers taking the same route as you. And if this were not bad enough, there are the popular attractions that hit capacity every day during peak tourist season to contend with. Even accommodations can be difficult to find, and they are astronomically more expensive than at other points in the year. Add the ever-increasing summer temperatures, and a good case is made for traveling at a different time of year.

For those considering taking a vacation in the fall, Ohio offers something for every interest, all mixed into the gorgeous rural landscape that comes alive as the leaves turn. From national parks with stunning fall foliage, the many small-town fall and harvest festivals, and some of the best Oktoberfest festivities in the United States, you will fall in love with Ohio in the fall.

Jackson, Ohio - Jackson Apple Festival

As the leaves change color and the summer heat subsides, Jackson, Ohio, welcomes autumn with the Jackson Apple Festival. Founded by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the event aims to provide a festive and meaningful experience for Jackson County residents, highlighting apple farming, one of the county’s key industries. This five-day celebration, dating back to 1937, takes place every year during the third week of September.

Jackson truly comes alive during the Jackson Apple Festival, which features numerous events and activities for both children and adults. Visitors can enjoy contests like apple pie eating, baby crawling, and Blizzard (DQ Ice Cream) eating. The festival also offers a variety of local food trucks, live local music, carnival rides, and even a hayride. The entire town is decorated with apple-themed autumn decorations. During these five days in September, Jackson exudes warmth and fall celebration, enhanced by the vibrant fall foliage on the trees throughout the town that perfectly complements the festival.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

For those seeking outdoor relaxation in Ohio, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is an ideal choice. It offers various accommodations, including luxury cabins in Hocking Hills, Pacific-style yurts, cottages, geodomes, and full lodges suitable for large family vacations. The property's land is green-certified. Guests can enjoy two restaurants, the Kindred Spirits Restaurant and the Urban Grille, along with a full-service spa, a golf course, and numerous hiking trails.

A visit to Cedar Falls in the autumn provides gorgeous foliage directly outside of your room window. And, for those planning to stay at a geodome, fall is the best season. The acreage on which the inn sits also offers a range of hiking trails, as well as the surrounding Hocking Hills State Park that, in the fall, is a mesmerizing display of autumnal colors.

Hocking Hills State Park

For those seeking a fall experience, Hocking Hills State Park is an ideal destination for a few days. It is one of the few parks—either national or state—that allows visitors to stay overnight within the park, aside from campgrounds. The Hocking Hills State Park Campground is highly rated, but it can get quite chilly at night during the fall. Alternatively, visitors can stay at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge, which has 81 rooms, indoor and outdoor heated pools, a restaurant, and a lounge, offering a blend of rustic charm and luxury.

In the fall, Hocking Hills State Park transforms into a stunning landscape painted by the colorful fall foliage of its oak-hickory forests that span 2,356 acres. The park also hosts a variety of fall events, including the Hocking Hills Glass Pumpkin Festival, Grandma Gatewood's Fall Colors Hike, and the Hocking Hills Trail Run.

Sugarcreek, Ohio - Annual Ohio Swiss Festival

Known as the "The Little Switzerland of Ohio," Sugarcreek is the closest you will get to Switzerland without actually being there. With authentic Swiss architecture, food, and culture, this town is charming all year round. However, visiting Sugarcreek in the fall offers the chance to experience some of Ohio's most popular fall events.

The fall season in Sugarcreek kicks off at the end of September with the Annual Ohio Swiss Festival. Highlights include live music, the Little Swiss Miss Contest, a demonstration by the Garaway Marching Pirates, numerous rides for kids and adults, and various artist booths offering handcrafted goods. The festival wraps up with a parade and the Steinstossen, the Swiss stone toss competition, on its final day. 

Landoll's Mohican Castle

Landoll's Mohican Castle, also called "the Castle," was built by Army Veteran and former book publisher Jim Landoll. Inspired by European castles he saw abroad during his service, creating a castle like those had been his lifelong dream. In 1997, after selling The Landoll Publishing Company for millions, he started construction. During the build, Landoll's wife Martha persuaded him to turn the Castle into a hotel, leading to the creation of Landoll's Mohican Castle. Situated on 30 acres, the Castle features 31 suites decorated in a rustic yet elegant style. Visitors can enjoy the scenic trails around the property, especially stunning in fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant mosaic of colors.

When you stay at the Castle, you are in the ideal location to explore a variety of Ohio towns hosting some of the state's top-rated fall festivals. In Loudonville, Ohio, just north of the Castle, there is the Oktoberfest Weekend, which draws visitors from all over Ohio. A bit farther in Wooster, Ohio, located 27 miles northwest of the Castle, the Wayne County Fair and Woosterfest are held, both providing great fun for the entire family. In Big Prairie, Ohio, 12 miles northwest of the Castle, the Apple Dumpling Festival Weekend offers a unique experience unlike anything you've seen before. If you happen to stay at the Castle around Halloween, be sure to join the guided Ghost Hunt Tour offered to guests of Landoll's Mohican Castle.

Beverly, Ohio - Annual Food Truck Fall Festival

Along the lovely Muskingum River sits the town of Beverly, Ohio. For all the foodies out there, this town is for you. Here, you will have the chance to celebrate Beverly’s annual Annual Food Truck Fall Festival. Held at the local elementary school, this event has live music, lots of craft vendors, and Food Trucks! After spending a day filling up on all the local goodies, head out to Big Bottom State Memorial Park, just 11.4 miles west of Beverly, for a relaxing and educational experience. Or, a little farther afield, there is Wolf Creek Wildlife Area, which is 24.9 miles west of town. Here, you can explore the fall foliage, as it is a prime location for bird watching.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Known for its natural attractions like Brandywine Falls, the Ledges with moss-covered sandstone walls, and the Everett Covered Bridge—the only covered bridge in Summit County—Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a stunning autumn destination, especially popular for leaf peeping. Its dense forests make it ideal for viewing seasonal colors, with October, particularly mid-October, being the best time to visit. Beyond hiking and biking, visitors can enjoy other great fall foliage experiences, such as riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This train runs along the 87-mile Towpath Trail and provides a unique, relaxing way to view the vibrant autumn scenery.

With so much to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, setting up a base camp as close as possible is important. Sitting along the eastern border of this national park is the town of Northfield, Ohio. Not even a 5-minute drive (2.5 miles) east of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, just past the West Highland Road entrance, is Shady Oaks Farm Bed and Breakfast, one of the highest rated Bed and Breakfasts in the region and the perfect place to return to after long hours in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Waynesville, Ohio - Waynesville Fall Fest and the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival

The fall season in Waynesville, Ohio, is a very busy few months. With many fall festivals and events held in this town, it is the perfect place to visit to enjoy the fun and hospitality that Ohio has to offer during the autumn. The Waynesville Fall Fest and Ohio Sauerkraut Festival are the most popular fall events in the region. The Waynesville Fall Fest has excellent activities for the entire family. From the Wildwater Mining Co., the Splash Landing Expedition to the (fictional) town of ‘Skeleville’ where the Skelepeople live, a giant corn maze, pumpkin painting, gaga ball, all the way to a lovely petting zoo, this festival is great fun for everyone.

One of the other highlights of the fall season in Waynesville is the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival. With 460 vendor booths, live music, and of course, tonnes of great sauerkraut to try, spending some time at either of these festivals will be a good time for everyone. And, if you are searching for a great place to stay in town, try the historic Hammel House Inn, which dates back to the early 1800s.

Circleville, Ohio - Circleville Pumpkin Show

Circleville, Ohio, is another great town to visit in the fall, particularly during the Circleville Pumpkin Show. This festival, held in mid-October, offers a range of activities, including many competitions, including a baked goods contest, a parade float competition, a window decorating contest, and even a most creative baby stroller contest.

The highlight of all the contests is the biggest pumpkin event, which brings people from across Ohio to enter their pumpkins. In previous years, the largest pumpkins have weighed nearly 2,000 pounds. Each year, approximately 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, squash, and gourds are on display during the Circleville Pumpkin Show. And, if you plan to stay for the entire event, The historic Castle Inn is the perfect place to enjoy a cozy evening after a long and festive fall day.

Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio

For those who love amusement parks, and rollercoasters in particular, a visit to the beachfront resort of Hotel Breakers is just for you. Sitting directly beside Cedar Point, known as the "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World," it is no wonder that it is a big tourist destination during summer. But for those who want to get in more rides and spend less time standing in line, visiting this park in the fall is the perfect way to get the most out of your day. With this hotel having a dedicated entrance to Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores, when you stay at Hotel Breakers, you also have access to the best beach along Lake Erie.

During the fall season, Hotel Breakers pulls out all the stops. Putting on many events for their guests, this historic, 100-year-old hotel is decked out for the fall season, and, closer to Halloween, Hotel Breakers becomes a spooky enclave that kids will love. With so much to do at Hotel Breakers, and at Cedar Point in the fall, you will need a vacation to recuperate from all the fun you will have.

The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake

Are you looking for a great place to spend a family vacation during the fall? If so, the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake might be just what you are looking for. The Lodge offers a range of great fall activities on and off its grounds. There is a Wine Shuttle for those looking to explore the local wineries, an onsite golf course, access to water sports gear (including kayaks, canoes, paddle-boards, etc.), as well as a concierge who will help you book tours or plan a lovely fall day in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

In town, there are some wonderfully unique fall events, including the Geneva Grape Jamboree. Other great local attractions during the fall season in Geneva-on-the-Lake include numerous lovely covered bridges to explore, the fall foliage at Geneva State Park, and the Lake Erie Canopy Zipline Adventure Park, providing a vantage point of the local forest canopy unlike any other.

Regardless of where you choose to spend your visit to Ohio or what you plan to do for your fall vacation, you will surely find great food, fun festivities, and the most welcoming of people. Head to Ohio for the fall ambiance and cozy weather, or spend your time hiking through the many state and national parks throughout Ohio. No matter what you choose to do, you will be awed by the fall season in the state of Ohio.