The Underrated Midwest State With Magnificent Fall Foliage And Seasonal Fun Without Crowds

As the nights grow longer and the temperature slowly drops from the humid summer heat Ohio transforms into an autumn oasis, but you won't run into the massive crowds of tourists like you would in some of the nation's more popular outdoor recreation destinations. The picturesque state is often overlooked in favor of more popular vacation spots with world-famous national parks like Colorado, California, and North Carolina, because it lacks the mountains ranges, massive cities, and famous beaches of other states. For many people around the United States, Ohio is simply an obscure midwestern state — known mostly for its pro-football teams, or perhaps as the place where a distant relative resides — but the national perception of the Buckeye State is quickly shifting. The city of Cincinnati has recently been ranked amongst the top places to live in the United States, and the entire state is abundant in natural beauty.

Having been born and raised in Ohio, I'll admit that one of my favorite things about the state is its affordable cost of living that allows me to travel the world more frequently, but there is one time of year that I absolutely never plan on leaving the state and that's autumn. Autumn in Ohio is pure magic. Visiting picturesque small towns, fun harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and gorgeous nature preserves that explode in every shade of red, orange, and yellow are just a few of my favorite fall activities. Waterfalls, rolling hills, sandstone rock formations, pristine rivers, and lush forests full of breathtaking fall foliage await your discovery in this underrated midwestern state. Here are some Ohio state and national parks where you can find the most colorful views.

Mohican State Park is densely wooded, making it an ideal place to view the colorful fall foliage. It's a lesser-known destination located over an hour from all of Cincinnati's three major cities — Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. The nearest town is Loundonville which has a population of just under 3,000 people. It's remote location makes it the perfect place to get outdoors and enjoy nature without hordes of other tourists. The 1,600-acre underrated Midwest state park has many species of trees including oak, maple, white pine, beech, ash, hemlock, birch, sycamore, willow, buckeye, hawthorn, and dogwood, offering an array of colorful leaves during the autumn months. The old growth hemlock and white pine forests are noted as being of national significance. The area was named a Registered National Landmark by the National Park Service.

In addition to gorgeous forests, Mohican State Park has some interesting geography formed during the ice age. Glacial melt helped to carve out the majestic Clear Fork Gorge creating beautiful cliffs and canyons. Biodiversity thrives in the lush ecosystem. You might spot critters like white tailed deer, foxes, amphibians, and even bald eagles during your visit. Mohican State Park has 13 miles of hiking trails, and an additional 32 miles in the Mohican Memorial State Forest nearby. The multi-use trails are popular amongst mountain bikers and cross country skiers. The Mohican River, which runs right through the park, is designated as a Scenic River and is a beautiful spot to paddle canoes or kayaks. The Mohican State Park Campground remains open year round with sites for both tents and RVs. It's the perfect place to get cozy around the campfire on cool autumn nights. If you'd rather not rough it, opt for a cabin rental or a room at Mohican Lodge.

Hocking Hills State Park is one of Ohio's crown jewels, and has recently been listed amongst the best state parks in the United States. Fall and winter are some of the most beautiful times to visit, with less crowds. You'll find many beautiful hikes within seven major hiking areas. Hocking Hills is known for its epic rock formations which were created during the Ice Age. It's home to Ohio's largest natural bridge — Rockbridge, and Old Man's Cave is one of the most famous spots in the area. The large recess cave was named after Richard Rowe, who called the cave home in the late 1700s, and was buried beneath it when he died.

With so much to do, you could easily spend a week exploring. Watch artisans create glass masterpieces at Jack Pine Studios, famous for its beautiful glass pumpkins and annual Jack Pine Glass Pumpkin Festival. If you're in need of a thrill you can go zip lining and enjoy the fall foliage from a bird's eye view, or book a rock climbing or rappelling tour. If you have your own gear, check out the designated climbing and rappelling area within the park. 

After a long day of adventure and exploration, you'll love relaxing at any of the unique accommodations around the Hocking Hills area which include luxurious Airbnbs created by artisans, rustic cabins, yurts, geodomes, and traditional rustic lodges. The little towns around Hocking Hills have some fun nightlife options. Enjoy live music from the patio of a winery, or enjoy a romantic meal at one of the delicious local restaurants. John Glen Astronomy Park offers free educational programs and stargazing every Friday and Saturday night from April until November when the sky is clear.

Ohio's only national park is not to be skipped on your fall foliage tour of Ohio. It's less than an hour from Cleveland — Ohio's third largest city which is perched on the shores of Lake Erie. Despite its proximity to the densely populated area, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural oasis known for its beautiful rolling hills, rivers, wetlands, forests, and – of course – waterfalls. If you love chasing waterfalls you're in luck, because there are more than 100 located within the park. A few of the best to visit during your trip include Great Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Alexander Falls, Mudcatcher Falls, and Brandywine Falls.

Established in 1974, the park offers visitors more than 33,000 acres to explore. There are over 125 miles of hiking trails for all levels of experience. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll to enjoy the colorful fall leaves, or a strenuous hike to get your heart pumping — you're sure to find plenty of options. The Brandywine Gorge Loop takes about two hours max and offers wonderful views of the falls. The Ledges Trail is another popular hike offering great scenery and unique rock formations along the way. Towpath Trail is a paved path perfect for anyone who has impaired mobility. When you need a break from hiking, take a train ride along the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which has been in operation for more than a hundred years. Interestingly, the Cuyahoga River used to be one of the most polluted rivers in the United States and actually caught fire in the 1960s.The incident helped bring awareness to environmental concerns, and helped inspire the creation of Earth Day. These days the river is returning to health, and it's an excellent example of how proper stewardship can improve our nation's waterways.

John Bryan State Park is located just 30 minutes outside of the city of Dayton, Ohio's sixth most populated city. It's just over an hour from the city of Cincinnati, which is quickly becoming a top tourist destination. The state park encompasses about 750 acres of gorgeous scenery, and autumn is the perfect time to visit. Take in the colorful fall leaves from oaks, maples, sycamores, and cottonwoods as you meander along 10 different hiking trails of varying distances and 12 miles of mountain biking trails. The North Rim Loop Trail offers some of the most beautiful scenery. There are also six designated areas for rock climbing and rappelling that are open for public use.

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve and Glen Helen Nature Preserve are located nearby, both of which are worth visiting. Along the trail in Glen Helen you may stumble across the Glen Helen Raptor Center, where you can visit with crows, owls, hawks, and falcons.which rehabilitates birds of prey. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and entrance is free. Dogs are allowed to accompany you on a leash in John Bryan State Park, but they are not permitted in the nature preserves. There are some steep cliffs along several of the hikes, so make sure that you wear sturdy shoes and keep your four legged friend under control for safety.

After you explore all of the natural beauty, head to the adorable bohemian town of Yellow Springs. It's known as Ohio's Happy Place and has been voted one of the best places to live in the United States. You'll find plenty of hip cafes, great eateries, and unique locally owned shops selling artisan goods.

The Little Miami River located in between Dayton and Cincinnati is a local favorite for outdoor recreation. During the summer you'll find the river packed with people attempting to escape the summer heat, but autumn is my favorite time to enjoy the area. On sunny October days, the forests surrounding the river explode in color and the river is quiet and crowd-free. You may spot creatures like turtles, blue herons, and bald eagles soaring overhead along the way. The Little Miami River was the first in Ohio to be designated as a State and National Scenic River in 1968. The river originates within a narrow gorge and continues for about 100 miles through lush forests and residential riverside communities before it empties into the Ohio River in Cincinnati.

Paddling the river in canoes and kayaks is extremely popular. There are several boat rentals located along different stretches of the river, as well as various public access points for private boaters. The river holds a special place in my heart, as my family has operated an outdoor recreation outfitter and campground, Morgan's Canoe and Outdoor Adventures, along the river since 1969. Don't forget to stop and look for fossils along the way. Some of Ohio's earliest Indigenous People once lived near the river, and left behind fascinating ancient relics now protected in the nation's newest UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort Ancient Earthworks, nearby.

If paddling isn't your thing, hop on your bike for a ride along the Little Miami Scenic Trail which twists and turns along the river's path for more than 78 miles through small towns like Loveland and Milford, farm-to-table restaurants like Fresh To Morrow, and hip breweries like Cartridge Brewing Company, inside a renovated ammunition factory dating back to the late 1800s.