Embrace the Season: Fall Hiking in Ohio’s State Parks

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint Ohio’s landscapes, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites everyone to take advantage of the crisp air and stunning autumn scenery by exploring the state’s many hiking trails.

“Fall is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the cooler weather, and take in the beauty of Ohio’s changing leaves,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Whether you’re hiking through a forest, around a lake, or up a scenic overlook, the season offers countless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and fun in our state parks.”

With 76 state parks to choose from, Ohio offers hiking experiences for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. From easy, family-friendly paths to more challenging terrain, there is a trail for everyone. Whether it’s a stroll through 100-year-old Hocking Hills State Park, a trek along the shores of Lake Erie at Maumee Bay State Park, or an adventurous hike through Mohican State Park, the fall season enhances each experience with nature’s colorful backdrop.

Planning your next hike just got easier. ODNR is now on OuterSpatial, the free app for exploring Ohio’s trails. Discover a library of trails, interactive maps, points of interest, real-time conditions, and exciting challenges. Download OuterSpatial from your app store and join the Ohio Community to start your adventure today.

Here are a few in our region:

• Rock House Hike – Hocking Hills State Park
  • When: Thursday, September 26 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Rock House Shelter House: 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135
  • Details: Join our naturalist at the Rock House shelter house at 10am for a 1-mile moderate hike through the Rock House cave.

• Old Man’s Cave Hike – Hocking Hills State Par
  • When: Tuesday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Visitor’s Center: 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138
  • Details: Join our naturalist for a 1-mile historic tour through Old Mans
    Cave. This hike is moderate difficulty. Please dress for the weather.
• Off Trail Hike – Lake Hope State Park
  • When: Thursday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Hope Furnace Parking Area: Hope Iron Furnace, OH-278, New Plymouth, OH 45654
  • Details: For ages 12 and up. Adventure through parts of the park that
    are seldom. We will be off the trail hiking through difficult, uneven,
    sometimes wet terrain with high vegetation on occasion. Please dress
    for the weather and wear comfortable, closed toe and waterproof
    hiking boots. Water and hiking aides are also recommended. We will
    explore different parts of the park each week
• Fall Colors Hike – Burr Oak State Park
  • When: Saturday, October 5 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Archery Range Parking Lot: 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, OH 45732
  • Details: Join the naturalist for a small hike to enjoy the fall colors and
    maybe get a chance to see some fall wildlife along the way!
• Old Man’s Cave Hike – Hocking Hills State Park
  • When: Tuesday, October 8 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Visitor Center: 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138
  • Details: Join our naturalist for a 1-mile historic tour through Old Mans
    Cave. This hike is moderate difficulty. Please dress for the weather.
• Cedar Falls Hike – Hocking Hills State Park
  • When: Thursday, October 10 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at Cedar Falls Trailhead H, GPS Coordinates: 39.416408, -82.524799
  • Details: Join our naturalist for a moderate half mile hike through Cedar Falls. Meet at the Cedar Falls trailhead H at 10am.
• Grandma Gatewood Fall Colors Hike – Hocking Hill State Park
  • When: Saturday, October 12 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Visitor’s Center: 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138
  • Details: Join us for our annual fall colors hike and take in the scener along the Grandma Gatewood trail. We will be hiking roughly 4.5 miles on this trail from Old Mans Cave to Cedar Falls and back. This hike is rated difficult. Please dress for the weather and terrain.

Click here to access a full list of hikes taking places at State Parks and State Nature Preserves this fall. Please note some hikes may be weather dependent.