Fall Foliage Sightings

This year, the relatively dry summer has created the opportunity for a great fall foliage season, which could peak during mid-October in northeast Ohio. And, the warmth from Lake Erie ensures that the first half of fall has nice temps – perfect for pumpkin picking, football watching and all the wonderful activities that make autumn a special time of year.

Below are some ideas on where to truly experience the beauty of fall in the region.

GEAUGA COUNTY – AMISH COUNTRY

Many are unaware that the Northeast Ohio region plays home to the largest settlement of Amish people in the country. The rural sections of Geauga County (just 20 minutes outside Cleveland) are a must-see during September and October with the ultimate in fall foliage viewing along with the quaint and ever-popular visits to Amish Country. Visit the Geauga County CVB website to download a driving tour of Amish country where you’ll make stops throughout the farms and rural towns inhabited by this welcoming and friendly group of people – all while enjoying the beauty of autumn.

CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD – TAKE A RIDE THROUGH A NATIONAL PARK

Watch the changing leaves aboard the historic rails of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. This vintage steam train rolls along the Cuyahoga River and dips in and out of the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley.  The Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the sixth most visited national park, is 33,000 acres of land. From river floodplain and steep cut valley walls to ancient stands of evergreen, guests aboard this beautiful train journey through a world of historic sites and timeless natural processes – a truly special experience during the fall. Looking to add more to your experience? Purchase tickets to one of the railroad’s wine or beer tasting events that occur on board. 

ASHTABULA COUNTY – 17 HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGES

Or, head east to Ashtabula County, home to 17 historic covered bridges. Take in the beautiful, natural landscape of this county as you take a self-guided drive to explore these awesome structures. Get to the area Oct. 13- 14 to enjoy the Covered Bridge Festival including crafts, entertainment, historic vehicles and engines, farmers market, quilt show, draft horses, parade, and food vendors galore.

LAKEVIEW CEMETERY – URBAN BEAUTY

Just outside of the city in a metropolitan neighborhood sits the 285-acre Lakeview Cemetery, offering an unmatched fall hotspot. Lake View Cemetery is an outdoor sculpture museum filled with gardens, rich architecture and tributes to those who made great contributions to the area’s industrial and civic development. A great destination, the garden cemetery provides an unmatched skyline view of Cleveland from atop the James A. Garfield Memorial. James D. Rockefeller, Elliot Ness, 22 Cleveland mayors and more. Take trolley tours through the massive cemetery or drive yourself.

– April Ingle

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