25 Parks, Trails And Drives To See Fall Colors In Cleveland

Mentor Marsh

5185 Corduroy Rd., Mentor

This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh, a beautiful scene during a fall hike. If you are taking a larger group or need a little guidance, family nature hikes are offered each week.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Erik Drost

Great Seal State Park

Looking to see some hills? Great Seal State Park has over 1,800 acres of hilly and challenging trails worth seeing. This park’s hills are depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, hence the name.

Photo via Scene Archives

Gorge Metropark

1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls

The Gorge Metropark offers activities for every season, but the fall sights are certainly one of the biggest draws. Explore the miles of trails which include access to Mary Campbell Cave and a clear view of the Cuyahoga River.

Photo via focusalpha/Instagram

Geneva

If there’s anywhere in Ohio that could be considered wine country, it’s definitely Geneva on the Lake. Put on a light jacket and enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the beautiful autumn colors.

Photo via Scene Archives

E55 On The Lake

5555 North Marginal Rd., Cleveland

The Metroparks has totally revived this beautiful lookout point of Lake Erie by adding a bar, restaurant and bait shop to this spot. There’s also live music on Saturdays and some of the best views in town.

Photo via Scene Archives

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

We have a National Park right in our own backyard - you’re damn right it has perfect views. The views are great year round but we’re partial to the fall.

Photo via Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook

Chapin Forest Reservation

9938 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland

With six miles of trail, this reservation is open year-round for entertainment. Hike, run or walk through the thick forest, or check out Lucky Stone Loop trail for a spectacular view of Lake Erie.

Photo via Chapin Forest Reservation/Facebook

Chagrin Falls

If you’re a fan of quaint downtown areas, there’s nowhere better than Chagrin Falls, especially when it comes to seeing the fall colors, especially if you’re overlooking the Falls themselves. The drive here alone will be filled with beautiful scenery and this throwback downtown, filled with great shops and restaurants, is perfect for autumn.

Photo via Scene Archives

Bedford Reservation

Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills

Probably most known locally for Shawnee Hills Golf Course, this reservation is home to a deep gorge that was declared a national natural landmark. Because of the gorge, and Tinker’s Creek, the 2,200 acres of this reservation are some of the most scenic in the Metroparks system, especially the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook.

Photo via @CleveMetroparks/Instagram

Augusta-Anne Olsen Nature Preserve

4934 W. River Rd., Wakeman

This small nature preserve is a hidden gem, with several trails running through the forest and out to Vermillion Lake. Enjoy a quiet hike alongside the wildflowers that grow beside the trail.

Photo via @NotAnsel27/Instagram