Experience the Very Best of Fall in Ohio

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Few places come alive during the autumn months quite like Ohio. From picturesque views in vibrant colors to local traditions you can't find anywhere else, the heart-shaped state is ready to welcome everyone to fall in love with Fall in Ohio.

"If you want to experience the very best of the fall season, you come to Ohio," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio. "Our changing landscapes, vibrant communities, and one-of-a-kind destinations can help create memories that stay with you long after the leaves have fallen."

"Everyone has their own idea of the perfect fall getaway, and that's what makes Ohio such a special place to visit," said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. "You can spend the morning chasing fall colors, the afternoon picking apples at a family farm and the evening looking for a little bit of a scare. Whether you're planning a weekend with friends, a family trip, or just looking for somewhere new to explore, there's an Ohio adventure waiting for you."

Mount Pleasant at Rising Park in Lancaster

Outdoor Adventures

As the leaves begin to turn, Ohio becomes the perfect place to get outside and take it all in. Travelers chasing the season's most vivid colors can follow the Ohio Department of Natural Resources weekly fall color report, highlighting some of the best places to catch peak foliage across the state. Ohio's 76 free state parks offer plenty of room to explore. Hike through the rolling hills of Appalachia, take in the views along Lake Erie or find your own favorite trail, overlook or quiet spot surrounded by fall color.

And when it's time to come in from the trail, a charming small town is often just down the road. Spend the morning grabbing a coffee and wandering locally owned shops before heading out or settle in for a good meal after a day outdoors.

For a different view of the season, scenic railways offer the chance to sit back and watch Ohio's fall landscape roll by from the comfort of a vintage train car. This includes the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a memorable way to take in one of Ohio's most scenic landscapes, with winding tracks carrying passengers through forests, alongside the Cuyahoga River and into the heart of the park.

Blooms & Berries Farm in Loveland

Harvest Festivals

As the front door to America's heartland, Ohio's agritourism industry welcomes thousands every year, visiting small farms, orchards, and historic family farms across the state. Those looking for the quintessential "fall vibes" will easily find ongoing harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, u-pick orchards and flower gardens, and corn mazes in abundance. So, whether you're looking for a festival to make cinnamon- and nutmeg-scented memories with the kids or want to show off your pumpkin-picking prowess on the farm, the best of the bunch are in Ohio.

Before grabbing your flannel and iced apple cider, be sure to check the Ohio Fall Festivals & Events Guide, as well as the Ohio Corn Maze Trail on Ohio.org. Both are updated annually and provide visitors with locally sourced information on the best places to check out and bring the family.

The Ridges in Athens County

Haunted Ohio

Not all Fall destinations are haunted equally…

From creepy cryptids that go bump in the night to amusement parks giving guests a fright, Ohio has a haunting reputation for all things spooky. Thrill-seeking visitors won't have to hunt far for the otherworldly - haunted tunnels, lighthouses, and hotels are keeping EMF readers busy across the state.

But Ohio's spooky side goes beyond the ghost stories. Visitors can explore historic buildings with a few lingering residents, wander through eerie cemeteries, or uncover the legends and lore that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're a serious paranormal investigator or just looking for a good excuse to get scared, there are plenty of ways to embrace the darker side of the season.

So, grab your flashlight and EVP recorder for a spooky good time in the heart of it all.

Ohio Stadium at The Ohio State University on Game Day

The Heart of Champions

As they say, there's nothing like The Shoe on a crisp fall Saturday. Come September heat waves or snowy days in November, every year millions descend on Columbus dressed in their scarlet and gray to cheer for the Buckeyes. Whether it's on your bucket list or you've got that "gotta go back" itch, catching an Ohio State game is a must for any sports lover in Ohio.

But game day is just the beginning. Across Ohio, college towns bring their own traditions, packed stadiums, and loyal fans, making it easy to turn a Saturday game into a full weekend away. Grab dinner in a charming downtown, explore the local shops, or spend an extra day seeing what else the community has to offer before heading home.

Make getting to the next game even more fun on the Ohio Sports Road Trip. Fans of all sports will find something to love across eight sports-themed destinations, including the Wilson Football Factory in Ada and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Kuchta Farms in Braceville

The Heart of the Season

Whether it's a family reunion in a cabin at Hocking Hills, meeting up with friends for a hayride, holding hands through a spooky haunted house, or cheering on the home team at the big game-there's a lot to love when you're with the ones you love this Fall in Ohio.

A destination can be exciting in the moment, but lasting memories are made with the people you share the experience with. Visiting friends and family or finally making it to that once-in-a-lifetime special event - every day people follow their heart to Ohio. This season is the perfect time to reunite, gather together, and share in the enchantment of the heart of it all.

In the coming weeks, autumnal content will be rolling out across Ohio, The Heart of it All platforms and on Ohio.org. Travelers will be able to find the very best of the season from all 88 counties.

Reporters and producers looking for Ohio fall travel story ideas, road trip inspiration, hidden gems, or interviews about destinations across the state can contact the Ohio Department of Development at [email protected].

Operating within Ohio's Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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For Immediate Release:
Sept. 9, 2026

For more information, contact:
Brian Bohnert
[email protected]