Foliage in blazing oranges, reds, and yellows make autumn a lovely time of year. If you can get to Ohio, you’ll have plenty of choices for fall driving tours that offer views of brilliant fall foliage from late September through the end of October. While you’re out for a leisurely drive, you can also make some stops along the way to create an even more memorable experience. Browse these four driving tours in Ohio that offer magnificent scenery in autumn.
1. Travel Between Cincinnati and Athens
This route takes you across the southern portion of Ohio, an area where the fall colors peak in late October. From Cincinnati, take State Route 32 east to Athens. As you travel this route, you’ll pass by the Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest. This state experimental area features a mix of hardwoods with leaves that turn into gorgeous colors during the fall.
You’ll see more than just beautiful trees along this 155-mile route. There are some interesting small communities as well. Stop in the town of Jackson to enjoy a walking tour focused on architectural highlights. You’ll see examples of styles such as Victorian Italianate, Greek Revival, Georgian, and Gothic Revival Victorian. Most of these properties have mature trees that will be alive with fall colors.
2. Drive Across Ashtabula County
Located in the northeast corner of the state, Ashtabula County is one of the premier areas to see the full array of autumn’s colors. Start in Geneva and drive 20 miles south on State Route 534 to Windsor. In addition to seeing miles of vineyards and trees, you’ll encounter two covered bridges. It’s worth pulling over and taking photos of the bridges. Because this route is in the northern part of the state, the optimal time to see fall colors is early to mid-October.
3. Cruise Through Geauga County
From Chagrin Falls, take Hemlock Road to State Route 87 toward Middlefield. Though this is a brief 18-mile trek, there are plenty of scenic spots along the way. You’ll pass farmland, hilly landscapes, the West Woods park, and Punderson State Park. The two wildlife and forested areas are worth your time if you want to stop and walk among the woods.
When you arrive in Middlefield, you’ll find a charming Amish community with antique shops, restaurants, and farms. Want more Amish culture? Take the scenic drive north on State Route 608, turning off on Chadron-Windsor Road to arrive in Chadron. Bonus: You’ll drive past Headwaters Park, which will be alive with autumn’s colors. Fall colors in this area peak in early to mid-October.
4. Go from Catawba Island to Bowling Green
On Catawba Island, take State Route 53 west toward Fremont. If you’re a history buff, stop in the town and visit the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library. From Fremont, drive west on State Route 6 and veer north on State Route 25 to Bowling Green. You’re sure to see beautiful rural vistas with colorful trees along this drive.
Throughout Ohio, you can see autumnal colors bursting from trees as you drive through rural parts of the state. Take time to enjoy some of the small communities along the way.
